The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-09-08
AN ovER-zEALous OFFICER.
Policeman Thorn Tries to Prevent Cable
Cars Running.

James McCay, superintendent OF the James
street railway line, was arrested yesterday by
Policeman Thorn because he caused cars to be
run across the line of the Labor day parade at
convenient openings in the procession after he.
The officer, had commanded him to cease the
operation OF the line for the time being The
arrest created considerable eommotion in the
vicinity of Second and James streets, where it
ceearred, as the crowd could see no reason for
q aud expressed Itself as being of the opinion
thai the policeman had tried to show altogether
DO nuch authority and that in very offensive
<Haauner.
During the progress OF the parade up Second
street the passageway for the James street cable
cars was frequently blocked for several minutes
- atime and the delay to the road would have
been embarrassing TO part OF the public as well
sox the company IL Superintendent MeCay had
not stationed himself at that point, and,
BY watching for favorable gaps in
E the line of march, run the ears
through without seriously inconyeniencing
either the procession the cars At times he
was assisted by police officers who were stationed
ct the corner. There was no complaint and
everybody was apparently well satisfied with
tho arrangement A number of persons were
enabled TO come in to see the parade by way of
the James street line, who would otherwise
have either walked or stayed at home
Toward the end of the line of march the fire
department came. The engines aud hose wagons
which
stood on the crossing waited fully we minutes
for an opportunity TO cross without incon-
veniencing any one. At last Il came Behind
the department was wide gap, after which
came line of carriages and advertising wagons
NcCay saw his chance. Waving his hand to the
9ripman. he shouted: "Come on"
Officer Thorn believes that there is no time
Hike the present when il comes to winning
laurels lie doomed upon the scene, his star
Aercely rejecting the morning sunlight and
his face radiant with consciousness that il
was duty that was Juggling at his coatsleeve.
"stay where you are, he yelled brandsning
his arms.
"Come on through" shouted McCay.
The gripman looked from the policeman 10
ehe SUPERINTENDENT, and then from the super
intendent back to the policeman. lie decided
20 obey the man who hired him. The grin ON
the cable frightened, and the car shot across the
street and up the hill. Thorn was heSildered.
he determined to be revcnged Just then his
o. all on McCay,
81 sc 9me on, is it, he said much TO the enjoy-
net of the bystanders. "Como On with me.
tho. while we hold an investigation" and
forthwith he led McCay To police headquarters.
an sharged him with disorderly conduct
Superintendent MeCay said that m the oc-
eaFiea OF the last parade chief of Police Rogers
vas aounted in advance of platoon of police
uncn A car was waiting on the crossing, and
Mr. Rogers refined up, with a motion to the
Others To do the same and allowed the ear to so
On. The chief of police told Mr.. MoCay TO watch
~ chances aud cross the line of march at con
venieat gaps
TIE line thsE was crossed by the ear yesterday
with MeCay was arrested, WAS not properly
PAT OF the procession, anyhow. All that was TO
eoFae was few carriages and advertising
Vhgnns
sour theory was that the public wanted TO see
she earade.' Mr. McCay explained 10 a reporter,
az got along well until the last. The line OF
rasiFch was not DELAYED aud great many per
sca we're accommodated. The officer was just
O. &c too preyious"