The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1890-07-06
THE POLICE MUDDLE.
Officers Pleased at the Stand Commissioner
Hine Has Taken,


Affairs at the District Government Building
are in Stdtu quo as far as the alleged police
scandal is concerned. The papers are still
in the possession of District Attorney Hazelton,
who is investigating the law points involved
and satisfying himself that the Commissioners
are legally justified in their position. Attorney
Hazelton had the papers before him the greater
portion of yesterday, and when he left the office
yesterday afternoon they were pigeon-holed
away in the safe in his Office. 1t is believed
that the case will be so formulated by Tuesday
evening next that the three Commissioners can
sign the papers and thereby bring the alleged
offenders to a speedy trial. District Commits
sioner Douglas says the Commissioners can sign
the papers, on information furnished, and that
they will not be required to affirm or pledge
themselves as to the truth of the allegations.
They will act simply in the case as investiga-
tors, not prosecutors, and as officials of the
District eager to learn if such practices as are
charged prevail in the force. Commissioner
Robert is pursuing the matter with the same
vigilance and earnestness that characterized
his earlier work, and gives out that he is deter
mined to get to the bottom of the affair no
matter what the result may be- Commissioner
Hlne is really occupying neutral position, and
is not altogether satisfied with the state of
affairs. 1t is limited rather strongly around the
District Building that it is not certain he will
follow his colleagues in the investigation. He
VIII await the decision of the District Attorney
which, besides clearing the question of police
msdemeanors, will also take into consideration
the organic act creating the present style of
government and the duties to be performed by
each of the members. On May ~ of the present
year the present Commissioners met and organ
lied, and their various duties were apportioned
Now if this apportionment is binding it may in
terfere with Col. Roberts acting in his present
capacity. Therefore Commissioner Hine
has decided to await the decision of
the Attorney before acting. At the meeting
OF the board yesterday morning something of a
sensation was created by Commissioner Hine
tiling letter in answer to the ones that Col
Robert gave out on Tuesday last for publica-
ton. The absence of Col. Robert at his home
in Rockville prevented any explanation, so
Commissioner Douglas indOrsed it, ''Refer to
Col Robert for explanation"
Commissioner Hinc was seen after the letter
was handed in and said that he need not explain
any of its sentences. 1t was plain, direct and
to the point, and fully expressed his views on
the status of affairs, though of course he will
await future action and opinions of the District
Attorney Commissioner Douglas would not
talk on the subject, saying he had better wait
day or so before talking.
The letter was widely read yesterday, and
around the various station-houses was the
theme of general talk. The officers were some
what elated over it and made no effort to con-
ceal their pleasure, and their tongues wagged
rather merrily over the new phase affairs had
taken.