The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1891-11-14
ANICABLY ADJUSTED.
POLICE OFFICER SMITH MAKES Ak
APOLOGY 10 COUNCILMAN
BERRY
III Is RErRIMANnED M MANOR
McSHERRY ANp SUSPENDED
ron 4 PERIon or Two
WEEKS

WEEKS.
There was a special meeting Of the
city council held last night for the pur-
pose Of enquiring into the assault COM
mitted upon Councilman II. G. Berry
bv police officer Smith on Wednesday
night. Mayor McShery occupied the
chair and all the members responded
to the roll call. The Mayor explained
the object for which the meeting had
been called, city clerk Charles A. Young
read the complaint MS filed by Council
man Berry. II stated that Mr.. Smith
had on the evening referred 10, COM
mitted an unprovoked and uncalled
for assault upon him in front Of the
Equality Lodge room, on Burke street.
Mayor McSherry stated that lle had no
doubt gone beyond his power aud par
ticularly upon a councilman and rep
Preventative Of the corporation Of Mar
tinsburg. The Mayor said that lie had
always found Mr.. Smith d faithful
competent and trustworthy officer, and
he regretted very much that he had
ALLOWED himself to become involved in
any difficulty OF this kind.
Officer Smith who was present at the
meeting asked for the privilege Of
making some remarks which privilege
was granted. He said "Insomuch as
the assault wag committed in public
place, am willing to make Mr.. Berry
public apology providing he is willing
70 accept it. / will admit that | was
somewhat aggravated and acted too
hastily. Furthermore, ! had been
misinformed in regard to Mr.. Berry's
inclinations toward me in regard to
some other matters
In response to Mr.. Smiths remarks
Councilman Berry arose and said, ~
have pondered over the question very
carefully, and want to act as gem
tleman and hope that will never be
otherwise than a gentleman. While
the assault was very aggravated and
unprovoked ] am willing to accept his
public apology. ! can say frankly
that / have never shown any malice
towards officer Smith and have not
knowingly, said or done anything to
wrong him. He was for other reasons
somewhat excited at the time the as
SAINT was committed, and for that
reason accept the apology and leave
the matter TO the council, in hopes that
they will deal leniently with him.
As the matter has been smoothed
over in this way between the two gem
.tlemen," said Councilman Snodgrass,
!" | cannot see the necessity Of the
council taking up time in the examin-
alton Of witnesses. Mr.. Smith admits
his guilt and apologies and Mr.. Berry
accepts the Apology
Councilman Dodd said in reply /
/" There is no question but in striking
Mr.. Berry, Officer Smith outraged the
community and insulted the council.
If knocked man down in the street
/ would expect to be arrested for it,
and ] think there ought to be some &C
tion taken
Had | fined him five or ten dollars
said the Mayor, that would not have
settled the matter for the council would
demand that he be tried for conduct
unbecominga police officer" He asked
that some Of the members Of the coun-
Gil express their views.
Councilman George w. Schill moved
that the Mayor be empowered to inn
pose fine upon the officer in accord
ance with his views. To this mo
ton Councilman Snodgrass made an
amendment that Officer E. G.. Smith
be suspended for a period Of two weeks
and reprimanded by the mayor. Mr..
Schill accepted this amendment and it
was adopted by unanimous vote Of
the council; barring Councilman Ber-
ry, who was excused from voting by
the Mayor. Il
Mr.. Smith then made an open apollo
gy to the Mayor and council and the |
latter said that he was glad to- see this
affair so amicably settled up. The
council then adjourned.