Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-02-26
Communicated
THE Case of Major Walkar

w
That Samuel II. Walker was thoroughly un-
qualified" to fill the Office of major and super
intendent Of police is no longer matter for
debate. The Commissioners have declared
that he was, and that ought to settle it-with
anyone who does not know the Commissioners.
Notwithstanding this official condemnation
Major Walker has the hardihood to continue to
transact business of the most important char
acter. The Commissioners might be able to
remove him from police headquarters, but
they cannot disturb him in the Walker build
ing, ass Louisiana avenue. Here the major,
unqualified as he is, works all day, and when he
IS not engaged in performing his duties as
United States commissioner, or in attend
ing to other business matters he thinks of
the time when he. acting for his fellow-citizens
In East Washington offered to risk $50 900 on
the official bond of Commissioner Webb This
work he was qualified for.
When property had to be condemned for the
library site Major Walker was appointed one of
the jury to assess damages He acted as secre-
tary, and when the work was over the other MEM
bers of the jury rendered him grateful acknowl-
edgments for the efficient manner in which he
performed the arduous duties" The testi-
monial was signed by II. A. Willard. Dorsey
Clagett. NJ. W. Beveridge, Elias E. White, H.
NJ. DelEnger and w. II. Morrison.
On November "a 1886, the Commissioners ac-
cepted the resignation of Major Walker as chief
of police, and in their note commended his
good taste in placing the resignation at their
disposal. There was no intimation then that
he was unqualified" but if there had been it
would not affect the fact that the major is a
thoroughly reliable conveyancer and dealer in
real estate. With sense of the amount of
humility required Of him, the major will not
make public denial of the statement that he is
thoroughly unqualified" but he feels as COM
Petent as anyone to take testimony and prepare
legal papers.
In the report Of the Commissioners on the
testimony in the police case, their judgment
III the matter is stated as follows: 1T is untrue
that Major Walker made or contemplated max
ing any such order or suggestion as was at
tributed to him. and there ia abso-
lutely no just basis whatever for doubt of Major
Walkers entire integrity Of purpose and sin
certify of statement. This is established by the
greatly preponderating weight of evidence,
whether numbers or disinterestedness of wit
nesses be considered" This ought to be a suf-
tcient endorsement for any thoroughly I'M
qualified man, and the major evidently thinks
so. for he goes on remodeling and building
dwelling property for a large and rapidly
spreading circle of clients, and president Of
the National capitol investment company, has
added largely to the assessment valuation of
the city.
The ministers of the Methodist Episcopal
church held meeting on November 70. 1886
and they resolved that the demand for Major
Walkers resignation was an acknowledgment
that the worst elements Of society were con-
trolling the city government. They also stated
that they had unimpaired confidence in Major
Walker ''as capable and faithful public
officer, as well as citizen Of irreproachable
character" Believing that the opinion of these
gentlemen was worth something Major Walker
transacts confidential business with a con-
science void Of reproach, although the Com
missioners have insisted that he was
thoroughly unqualified"
The majority OF the police force think the
major is all right for they gave him a letter
when he left in which they expressed their re-
greet at his departure. ITO u.s." they said
.'your just and impartial administration will
long be remembered, and We give you. that
sincere respect which is the Just reward of
every true man. We greatly deplore the I'M
fortunate circumstances attending your retire.
ment; however, our confidence in you as an
honorable man remains unbroken; to US your
integrity is unimpeached" Another evidence
of being thoroughly unqualified"
On November 26, 1886, Maj. Walker sent a
written application to President Cleveland
asking for an appointment notary public.
and his application was indorsed by George H.
Plant, jr., Edward Temple, Samuel Norment,
]. b. Wilson, John W. Thompson, E. Kurtz
johnson, VIM. B. Webb. s. E. Wheatley, j. A.
]. Creswell, Albert A. Wilson and G. W.
Phillips.
The President has not yet responded, and
probably will not in the brief space of official
time yet remaining to him. but Major Walker
can always be found at the Walker building,
45S Louisiana avenue, ready to transact any
business in his line satisfactorily. although
Commissioners Webb and Wheatey have said
he was thoroughly unqualified"
III President Harrison thinks the unaualifi-
cations sufficient qualifications he will renew
his application for appointment to feed the
little ones.