Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1886-07-22
NOT SUSTAINED.
THE EVIDENCE FOR AND AGAINST OFF
GER CHARLES STEPHENS,
Charged BY Mayor Grub With Playing Cards
While on Duty, Heard by the
Police Board Last
Night

The Board of Police and Fire Commits
sioners met in the Police Office at SO'clock
last evening, President Miller presiding
and Commissioners Hoffman and Travis,
making up the quorum. The object OF the
meeting was particularly to consider the
charge of card playing IMP. Gavin's saioon'
on Friday evening last, filed against Officer
Charles Stephens, the charge having been
made by Peter Comfort, through Mayor
Grub. The defendant, Mayor Grubb and
Mr.. Comfort were present. The charge
was read to the defendant, who plead not
guilty, and asked to have the evidence
produced. Mr.. Comfort testified that on
the evening in question he went in Gaylns
saloon, and there found Officer Stephens
playing cards. 1t was twenty minutes to
twelve o'clock.
Capt. Smith asked the witness if he
made the charge through q desire to IN
crease OF maintain the efficiency OF the
police department, to which the witness
replied in the negative, but before he had
finished President Miller objected to
Capt. Smith asking any questions,
saying it was only proper for the Board and
defendant to ask questions. Quite a
little wrangle ensued, after which the
members of the Board proceeded with the
examination. In response to questions,
the witness said when he entered the saloon
the defendant was sitting ut n table play
ing cards. He had his uniform on. Steph-
ems had cards in his hands. The defend
ant asked witness what his motive was in
bringing the charges, to which Comfort re-
piled: That's more than you will get out
of me, my boy"
Oily defendant. Didn't you bring
these charges because | arrested you twice
for whipping your wife? A.-Iou never
arrested me twice.
Q.-Didn't you have a grudge against
me for arresting you? A.-Oh, that is an
other matter.
Witness stated that the card playing
took place on Thursday night, and not on
Friday, rs stated in the charge. Alter
some further uuimpOrtant testimony, MIR.
Comfort was dismissed, and the defense
put John Weisgerber on the stand. Wit
ness was duly sworn and made a statement
to the effect that he went in Gavin's saloon
at 1890 o'clock Friday night to play 4
game of chess. Officer Stephens came
in and looked on, and made a re-
mark that he could never under
stand the game. Did not see him play
cards. played chess until II ;55; he might
possibly have played cards without my
seeing him; he was not in the saloon when
| went in, nor when | went out; | paid
little attention to Stephens, being intent
OH the game. Did not see Comfort III the
saloon. Stephens must have come i'll the
saloon after eleven o'clock; / think he had
his uniform coat on.
Thomas Truschell was called for the de-
Tense. He said he went in Gavin's saloon
with John Weisgerber, about 1890 o'clock
on Friday night. They started a game OF
chess. Stephens came i'll after the game
had been in progress for some time, looked
on for q time, remarked that he could
never understand the game, and shortly
after went away. 1t was about half past
eleven O'Clock. 1t was Friday evening.
DO not know whether Stephens was i'll
uniform or not. The defendant was not
there when witness went home.
Officer Jack West was sworn n stated
that he knew nothing Of the truth OF the
charges. lie was excused.
The defendant was sworn, and stated
that on Friday night he reported of ut ii
O'Clock, and started up Market street.
Meeting Il friend, they went into Garvin's
for a glass of beer. As he went into the
saloon he took off his badge and put it in
his pocket. He had on his hat, but no
wreath. After getting the beer, he walked
over to n table where two men were play
ING cuchre. He sat down ut the table with
them, and as they finished, he picked up n
hand and looked mt the cards. As he did
50 Mr.. Comfort came in and saw him.
Comfort drank some beer, bought some
whisky, and then came over and rccOS-
nized the witness. He did not know who
the men were who were playing cards;
they were men from the pottery. Witness
did not know it was against the ordinance
to play cards in 4 saloon where there were
no money stakes. He did not deal the
cards nor play.
Mr.. Comfort was recalled, and said he
only knewtwO ofthe players. One was Chas.
Stephens, and the other was Mr.. Glblin.
Those two sat side by side; witness was
there ten or fifteen minutes; he left ut
twenty minutes OF IL. lie saw Stephens
play, but did not know what the game
vas
The defendant wanted To prove the char
acter of complainant, but this was~eHer-
rHled, and the testimony came to IN end,
The Board then went into executive ses-
sion, and, at 9 o'clock, adjourned, having