Workmen's advocate., 1890-04-26
THE POLICE.
EClFIC CHARGES PRE- ERRED BY THE s. L. p.
Remedial Legislation Demanded-Is a Policeman Above the Federal and State Constitutions ?-Shev- itch Tells Fassett what the Peo. pie Think of His Committee.

itch Tells Fassett what the Pe0.
 pie Think of His Committee.
 Last Monday, at 12.30 PM, Schevtch and Wakeman appeared before the Fas- sett Committee. Ex- Chamberlain Twins, as counsel for the august Senators, had a preliminary interview with them, in which he tried to induce them to simply deliver their written charges and with draw. To this. of course, they would not assent, and Shevitch was called to the witness chair and duly sworn. In a quiet manner he stated the object of their mission, which was to demand, in the name of the American Section, $. L. F., an investigation of the specific charges which they had preferred against the police. Of course. said he, the prevailing opinion was that the Fassett Committee did not dare to in- vestigate the police, but the charges were such that failure to investigate them would be tantamount to declara- tlon that a policeman was above the laws and the constitution of the land, In addition to these specific charges he would also present to the Committee a memorandum, prepared by Mr. Wake man, of the most notorious grievances of workingmen, which it was impera- lively necessary to remedy by adequate | legislation.
 | Senator Fassett seemed somewhat nonplussed by the outspoken declaration of Shevitch. He did not, at first, inter- rupt him, but finally asked, "Who says that this committee does not dare to in- vestigate the Police Department?'
 "Well," answered Shevitch, gently and smilingly, "everbody in general and those bad men of the press at the re. porters' table in particular"
 Senator Fassett then made a little speech, assuring "the gentlemen of the $. l.. P" that his committee was willing to investigate any charges, no matter against what branch of the city govern 1 ment but 1t was greatly overworked and there was a limit to the endurance of men. As soon the Police Depart ment was reached-which would be ..... some day-the specific charges in question would be investigated and the suggestions contained in the memoran. dunn would be considered. In the mean. time he would give them to the press.
 After few remarks by T. B. Wake man, the committee of the American Section withdrew.
 The specific charges are as follows: TO THE HONORABLE COMMITTEE ON CITIES
 OF THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF
 NEW YORK.
 The undersigned committee appointed by the New York American Section of the Socialist Labor party respectfully submit request that your Honorable | Committee investigate the Police De- partment and the District Attorneys office of this city in relation to the facts and grievances hereinafter specified On the evening of the oth of October 1887, at Union Square, lawful meet. ing of peaceable citizens, held under the auspices of the Progressive Labor party, and numbering about four thousand per sons, was violently and brutally dis persed by large force of police under the command of Captain Reilly in the l presence of Commissioner Voorhis, Many persons, including women, l were severely clubbed, the speakers and officers on the two trucks in the middle | of the square were thrown down and | beaten, the American flags and trade banners were torn and destroyed and | the citizen @ho addressed the meeting from the platform of the cottage was threateningly ordered to stop his speak | ing.
 | A nnmber of those who were clubbed were incapacitated for work for periods varying from a week to one year or more and some are still suffering from | the blows they received on that occa- l sion.
 The assault was so sudden. so in- stantaneous on the whole of the police line, and so brutal at every point, as to suggest reconciliation and consequent arrangements.
 When called upon by the authorized representatives of the Progressive Labor l party to give the names of the officers that had participated in the assault, the l Police authorities fiatly denied the re- 1 quest without giving any reason for their refusal
 A statement of the facts, with large