The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-20
THE INVESTIGATION ENDED.
Ehe Committee Patiently Listen to En-
comiums on Mr.. Lang's Efficiency.
Many Citizens Testify that His Management
of the Police Force Has Been Commenda-
ble-A Decision Expected To-Day.

AS to plenitude of testimony in the Lang in
Nestigation. the Police Commissioners have been
supplied with mere than they asked for. The
prosecution readily disposed of its evidence, and
khe witnesses for the defense night before last
about exhausted all there was to be said in the
nature of new matter for that side. But yes
kerday the Commissioners gave another patient
hays listening to concentrations of the
superintendent and force. If Lang is
removed, he and his friends can
not justly claim that he had
no opportunity to present encomiums on his
course as superintendent 1t is only necessary
10 state generally that it was the opinion Of some
of the witnesses named hereafter that no better
Force and that it was largely due to the Superin-
aendent's energy, ability and law and order
spirit Others virtually said that Lang is the
only person hereabouts who knows ever
knew how to direct policemen, and all claimed
that the interest of morality and good order had
been greatly advanced by the Lang regime
AL of these witnesses are very reputable citi-
zens, but the prosecution made one particular
somewhat noticeable, and that was that these
gentlemen. with few exceptions, knew but little
Or nothing from personal examination az to the
efficiency of the organization or the excellence
of Superintendent Lang's management. In
short, they had read communications in his be-
half in the newspapers, and 1t was matter or
common expression among law and order people
and the business community that Lang had in
every sense been a good superintendent II was
1also stated that the city had never been quieter
or more free from crime. The Superintendent
ability to manage the force on occasions of ex-
citement or general public interest that brought
vdQ thap rafo rrod fn int
of praise According to this class of testimony
Lang held the position of q martyr and
there would be great danger in sacrificing him
on the demand of politicians and bummers The
gentlemen who spoke thus highly Of the police,
Eheir superintendent and the citys condition
were General Knefer, Judge Walker, Calvin
Rocker. E. G. Cornelius, w. w. Woolen, John
A Reaume, Colonel johnson, J. III. Whitaker;
Will A. Hughes, ex-Mayer McMaster and Capt
Jehn Baker.
After the examination Of the witnesses came
Aestimony from Patrolmsn Reed Davis, Kell-
Eneier, Schwab Stout and Joyce all of whom
said the Superintendent had the respect OF the
Ensn. Neither one Of them had complained, and
each thought the force efficiently managed
Prosecuting Attorney Harding testified rela-
tive to the Meek Walsh shooting and how close
ny the matter had been Investigated, with the as
l6istance of Lang. Walshs dying statement was
presented by him to Judge Norton, who said,
s'You tell Captain Lang not to put Meek under
arrest, as 1t would be outrage" The witness
told the Judge that such an order must come
From the court. and it was given to that
effect Lang threw no obstacle in the way of an
investigation of the affair by the grand jury He
thought Lang valuable witness at all times in
cases in which he was interested for the prose
Eution.
Ex-Commissioner Morrison testified as to the
efficiency of Lang. When CottreH was Commits
@ioner his course tended to prevent strict en-
Rorcement of the liquor laws.
Ex- Commissoner Malott said that while he
was on the board there had been no harmony as
30 the manner Of enforcing the liquor laws, and
&hiS, to certain extent, impaired the efficiency
of the force. Mr.. Murphy was opposed to the
spying system, while he believed an officer
should take such means to ascertain the truth
of any reported violation of the law. Lang
however. had full swing. The Superintendent
had told him that Mr.. Murphy and Mr.. Frenzel
were in accord, and specific instructions had
been given the superintendent to appease wit
mess.
: During this testimony Mr. Murphy remarked:
s'When Lang asked me about alleys and back
ways TO saloons told him that if | had to tell
him which way to 60 he had better resign.
6 not want the police to play the part of sneaks,
and am still of that opinion"
In the afternoon Patrolman Wilson. Mayor
Denny, Judge Norton and others testified for
ehe defense, after which the arguments by attor-
neys were made Mr.. Elan and Judge Claypool
offered strong appeals in behalf of their client,
Hhe Superintendent. They followed the line Of
evidence, and said that none of the charges had
been proved. Mr.. Spaan. for the prosecution,
said the superintendent's character was not in
question. It was simply whether he had violated
abe rules of the board and whether he had the
ability for the position The Commissioners will
meet this afternoon and decide the case.
Az an indication of how the question of the
Buperintendency is TO be settled, the fact that
Captain Colbert is now in command may be &C
cepted Mr. Murphy told the men at roll-call
that Colbert is In charge of the force pending the
Investigation, "or until further orders"