The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-02-12
ASKS TRIAL.
he Declares His Willingness to
Face Accusers.
THE GRADE SCRIP ORDINANCE
4nimated Debate Upon the Charges
Against the PoIice--A Bill TO
Relieve stringency.


the house OF delegates met last night, with
Messn Jones. Willis, Hart, Morford. Muldoon,
Hhipley, Furry, Hsnford, Lansing, Krug. Davis,
cowden, Barton and Bagley present.
Nj. Cowden called attention TO resolution OF
the police commissioners which was laid on
desks Of members, inviting the council to meet
them informally in reference to the order OF the
house for an investigation of the action Of the
police IS 70 gambling, and neglect OF the
ordinances
Mr. Willis explained that the mayor intended
f 70 ask the members to meet him as suggested,
but be WINS compelled to be absent II had been
Semarked that the house had been a little hqsty
n condemuing the police, as the counsel had
granted Licenses for amuscments and sparring
exhibitions.
Mr.. Hsnford bought it was an extraordinary
state OF affairs The mayor and commissioners
\ an part Of the executive, and are supposed TO
understand their business. 1t 10 clearly the
3bnsiness Of the mayor to enforce the laws
Mr.. Krug said II was distinctly laid down in
tho charter that the police commissioners are TO
1enforce the laws. He was not unfayorable 70
{the meeting, however.
Mr. Barton thought It was not az cxtraordi-
Fary request IN view Of tn newspaper inter-
Views The bodies should wtrk in harmony.
Mr.. Furry being called to the. chair, Mr.. Jones
book the floor and said he agreed with Messrs.
n c6Tt1f0fy
3pfovlnce to consult as TO whether the laws
fehould be enforced. He had no sympathy with
any policy IN the matter; il the lawn are defec-
ceiye suggestions from tho board.
Nj. Bagicy said IL they were going To con-
tribute 70 better government Of the city by such
meeting he thought they should attenftt.
Nj. Muidoon said II the board needed any
backbone the members could give it to them.
streets, ana tonight they had the honor 81 re.
ssiions He presumed il they accepted the iagi-
mere question OF enforcement of the laws.
Mr.. Cowden referred to en- article in the Teie
graph seeming to criticise his comments on tie
police. He exhibited handful Of letters hci
Ind received complaining OF the actions of GER
tain members OF the police force Either to-
2. soe o.nsr nc w9nd Tx es se ,i pre-
4 fled thcfc-Nas an influence in that force which
s. visa not for good An officer told him he had
Another told him he had seen heads 81 depart.
ments take money for other duties than they
III. barton raised the point OF order that any
member making such charges should give
names, SO that they could be substantiated
Mr. Cowdcp said he had risen 70 question of
g,sfivilege He had only made those remarks in
Justification OF himself and OF what he he'd said
before. Arrests had been made and men after
ward released without being brought to trial.
lie thought he had the names on these pieces Of
paper. Stolen goods taken from prisoners had
asiQther, Officer Bigelow. A man named Robert
Jam4eon claimed to have paid $50 for
work done In the detective department
for stnlsn goods which had not been
yeturncd. Another anonymous letter
allowed .thirty. four gsmbling. games runniness-
another made charges OF a similar character.
membcr OF the detective force is accused of
carrying food to fugitive who had escaped
city II these things are not true il Is better for
the city and for the police that the suspicious
should Be cleared mp
proposition TO meet the commissioners and pre-
Ter these charges
The motion was carried.
Mr.. Bagiey read the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The house of delegates of the city
couucil Of Seattle believes It has Efficient evil
part OF certain officers of the civ the perform
{ance Of their duties and that neglect and
80 the permission of the most bfx. nj crimes and
the open and defiant disregard oil laws pertain
ing 70 gambling, etc, making our city rendez-
vous Tor the yiiest Characters, that Il becomes
necessary to make investigations looking to the
reMovai from ofhce OF certain parties; therefore,
Resolved, That the corporation counsel he re.
quested TO inform the house of delegates what
powers the city council has in regard to the re-
nioval from Office of both elective and appointive
onicere, and whether the council can remove
any officer unless the mayor will act by first sus-
penalng, and what notices and proceedings are
The resolution was adopted
On motion OF Mr. Barton, Detective Rogers
was allowed the floor, and said after what Mr..
thought he was entitled TO demand an investi-
cation. II might not be his place TO come there
nut the charges had been made in that place
and he was anxious TO have the fullest inyesti-
x1tion.
Mr. Cowdcn said he thought that should be
fuone. Among other letters was one charging
Tint drunken man had been robbed of s45 by
Bolton Rogers.
Mr. Rogers said he understood that Mr.. Cow
den had no malice, but he had heard these whis-
pers ana rlinors mostly from men who had been
--ared from the force, and he wanted chance to
defend himself He was not much OF a talker
hut be knew what he wanted to get at. lie
would. stand or fall by his record. Members
were privileged TO attack him and he had no
right TO get back at them.
Messrs. Shipley and Bagley thought Mr. Rog-
ers was emitted to the inquiry be asked for, but
shs oomm as, OF police are the body
MACE lie moved that the police committee
formulate charges on the evidence in their pos
session and prefer them before the commits
This motion also prevailed.
GRADE SCRIP.
Mr.. f. +. blaine appeared before the House in
support OF the interest bearing coupon bond
ordinance published yesterday in the Posr.
iSrELLi6EScER. He said he had conferred with
the corporation counsel and il had met with his
approval. aud also with that of many scrip hold
ers-. II was prepared carefully with a view 20
~ protect the interests OF the city. Mr.. Blaine
said judgments already given showed that ifIthc
city Jailed Tor i've years 20 take any steps for
tuc eoltcctton OF grade taxes, the city would be-
come Liable TO the scrip holders ont OF the gen
crai fund. Nothing in this ordinance prevents
collection from the property owners, for re-
assessments, or calling IN these bonds for a
lower rntc OF interest IL opportunity offered
Its main recommendation would be 10 staye on
suits against the city. He would say as n
lawyer that he would not willingly undertake.
suit against the city, and he thought most
holders OF scrip would prefer to accept these
bonds 20 suciug
Mr.. Bagley said his opinion was that they
wonld be relief TO the city and be in great de-
mand at par.
Mr. shipley moved that the bill be placed on
final passage
Mr.. Barton considered it should FIRST be re.
fcrrcd 10 the proper committee as the issue
might conflict with the projected issue of per
cent bonds and he thought so important a
financial measure should have at least the de-
liberation usually accorded an ordinance ssaa
The motion to refer was voted down. aud the
ordinance was read third time, under suspen.
sion OF the rules.
VINE STREET GRADE.
Mr. Krug introduced resolution calling for
the regarding Of Vine street, from Second 90
Fifth. II has been graded by ordinance. and the
grade changed, bat IL had never been estab-
lixhcd by ordinance. The object is 70 TX the
grade a. IL now is. II twas adopted.
ELECTRIC LT6RTING
Mr. Baglcy said the action of the board Of aid
ermen in failing 20 concar in the resolution 20
call for contracts for electric lighting for one.