Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-11-25
POLICE WALK THE PLANK
WAsHINGTON'S SCANDAL HERO
ICALLY SILENCED.

neuuced to the R8nkE-Private Ed eli in
Also Discharged.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 24.-The District
commissioners to-day announced their
decision In the matter of the Washington
police investigation. Maj. Walker, Chief
OF Police, Is allowed to resign; Lieut..
Arnold is dismissed. Lieut.. Kelley is repri-
manded and suspended for three months
without pay, Sergt. Digglns is repri-
manded and reduced to the ranks for
three months and Private Edelin, Is dis
missed. Lieut.. Arnold was charged
with false statements in reference to his
superior officer to the effect that Supt.
walker had given instructions which
amounted to establishing system of es-
pionage over the private life of public
men to the end that the information so
gained might be used in influencing leg
lslatlon, such as the police authorities
might desire hereafter.
KELLEY's POSITION.
Lieut.Kelley was witness in the case.
and his testimony to some extent corrob-
GRATED that of Lieut.. Arnold in his own
behalf. He had gained a somewhat sim-
lar understanding OF Chief Walkers re-
marks as Lieut.. Arnold had, but the
reason assigned for his punishment is
that his statements to the Commissioners
In prior informal investigation disagreed
with his sworn statements upon the off
cial and open Investigation.
Sergt. Dlggtns Is the man to whom
Lieut.. Arnold gave his version of Chief
walkers remarks to his lieutenants.
Sergt. Diggins' otfense was indiscreet
speech in repeating Lieut.. Arnold's re-
marks, after being cautioned not to do SO.
EDELIN's GRUDGE.
Private Edelin, is the man to whom
Sergt. Diggins talked too freely. Private
Edelin, had grudge against Chief
Walker because Chief Walker had taken
him from detective duty and put him on
patrol. He speedily spread among other
disaftected persons Lieut.. Arnold's story
as repeated by Sergt. DiggIns, and il be-
came public, very much amplitied, neces-
sitating this investigation. Mai. Walker
had rendered his resignation when the
affair became public scandal. 1t is ac-
cepted because OF suggestions to his men,
which he admitted to have made, that
members of the police force should
actively interest themselves to influence
legislation.
THE SPECIFIC CHARGE.
The specific charge against Lieut.. Ar.
mold, as set forth by the Commissioners,
was that he hadg'willfully misrepresented
the Superintendent of Police, and made
himself the responsible medium of con-
veying to the public false assertion that
the superintendent had Instructed his
officers to note the personal acts OF men,
bers OF Congress such as their alleged
visits to disreputable places }, in order to
influence legislation" for the benefit OF
the police force. Lieut.. Arnold's defense
was that the Superintendent of Police did
in point OF fact give such instructions, or
suggestions equivalent thereto, at
meeting Of the police officers held
Oct. l, 1886. and that although
he Arnold) repeated such instructions
he did so in confidence, with no Intention
of creating public scandal, and he after
ward deeply regretted his action.
wHITEwAsHING WALKER
The Commissioners find, upon a review
OF the testimony taken in the case, that
it ls not sufficient 10 fully sustain the
charge or specifications there
under in the form in which they are pre-
pared, but that it disolOses a condition OF
affairs in The police department which de.
mands serious attention and prompt ap.
plication OF remedial measures. They
decide first that it is untrue that Mai.
Walker made or contemplated making
any such order or suggestion as was at
tributed to him by Lieut.. Arnold, and
there is absolutely no just basis wnatso-
ever for doubt of Maj. Walkers
entire integrity of purpose and sim
cerity OF statement. Maj. Walkers
suggestion TO the lieutenants had
reference solely to such personal friendly
communication with members OF Con-
gress rs he himself proposed TO have, and
mis- fatal error was falling to see that DO
lice officials could legitimately commend
to the favorable attention OF
the Commissioners and Congress by no
other means than intelligent and faithful
of their every day duties. While
commencing generally Maj. Walkers zeal
and industry the Commissioners must
therefore condemn his suggestion, how
ever innocently intended, OF personal In
tervention Of the police in matters OF
legislation.
MISREPRESENTATION CHARGED.
Second. That Lieut.. Arnold did mis-.
represent the Superintendent to his ser.
yeant, Diggins, who conveyed the purport
IF the matter to Private Edelin, and he to
others, thus creating scandal.
Third. That Lieut. Arnold, ther efore, |
stands convicted of communicating an
mputation against his superior officer, OF |
making a suggestion which mis- own pro- |
onged experience In police affairs must |
nave taught him could result only in dis. |
ister and disgrace. Furthermore, ii ap- |
pears in the evidence, and it is not denied, |
hat Lieut.. Arnold made an assertion con. |
geying an infamous and impossible ac- |
,usaton against a prominent thou IN |
official OF the government. 1t |
8 useless to speculate upon his purpose |
n giving utterance TO this vile and absurd |
SANDER. but the fact that be uttered 1t is |
established.
THE PENALTIES.
II is tn erefore ordered:
|. That the resignation OF Maj. Walker, |
which he has already with good taste |
placed at the disposal Of the Commission
,rs, is accepted.
., That Lieut.. Arnold Ia dismissed from
he service for gross lDdiscretion, false
allegations against public men and false
to the Commissioners.
3. That Lieut.. Kelley is reprimanded
md suspended from duty without pay
or three months for making false state.
neuts 10 the Commissioners.
4. That SerRt. DiggiHs IL reprimanded
md reduced 10 the ranks for three months
or repeating TO Private Edelin, the state.
nent OF Lieut.. Arnold, after having been
,rdered TO let the matter drop.
.. That Private Edelln Is dismissed
rom the service for false swearing on this
rial, and for disseminating scandal and
ale bearing after having bad the truth
Il bis assertions denied 10 him by Lieut..
arnold and been ordered 10 hold his
OnRue.
Capt. Austin will temporarily assume
]