Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-01-30
HIS REP MADE GOOD
BY the Board Of Police and
Fire Commissioners.
A COMPLETE ExoNeRaTIOp
Is TIE Result Of the investigation Into the
Charges Against Superintendent
Eastman by Mrs. Rogers.

The board of police and fire commls-
hfoners held one OF the longest sessions
Yesterday afternoon IA the history of
tie eEgsniz1tion. Inc following pre-
amDle ana n solution relative TO Sup
ernteEdent Eastman Was unanimously
adopted.
Whereas, The attention OF the board
OF police and ire Co "a III s.ioners having
been called ~ a certain article appear
sng Ia the Morning Press charging Sup
erIntendent or Police, W. III. Eastman,
with the use OF insulting language TO
taales calling at bis Office upon busi-
hess, and the board having used alft the
means AZ It's command 10 investigate
fhe matter, We deem IL our dntv TO the
citizens OF Grand Rapids 20 submit the
Following: Mrs. Rogers, the lady alleged
20 have teen lnsulttd, appeared
before this board and made sGbstan-
tally the statement which appeared on
the following morning IN the Morning
Press- superlntend Eastman denies
In toto the use or any insulting Ian
Kuage 10 Mrs Rogers. The statement
6f Mrs. Rogers disclosed the fact that
other persons had knowledge of facts
which would corrobOTats her state
ment. But we have been unable to
fecure the presence OF such parties be-
lore tie hoard, so that the matter
etsnds asa question OF veraclty between
Mrs. Rogers and the superintendent.
Eastman Completely Exonerateo.
"Mr. Eastman has acted as superin-
tendent OF police now nearly three
years, during all of which time \ ma
5orlty Of the board "a now constituted
has served. and the relation existing
between the super ntendent and the
members throws them into almost
daily communication, and the oppUr-
tunIty 10 thus gwen for close observa-
ton of this officer. In our judgment,
the use or such language as Is imputed
20 Mr.. Eastman - wholly unlike him.
We have always found him courteous,
gentlemanly, obligng and truthful.
This IS the first time that charge of
this or any other character, has ever
been made 20 the board against Mr.
Eastman. He has discharged the duties
Of bis Office with courage, fidelity and
20 the lest of his ability. Therefore,
be II
Resolved, That we acquit the super
iutendens Of police. William III. East
man, OF any culpability in the premises
and hence re-attirm to the public our
confidence in him.
Indignant Over the Councirs Snub
When 1t was brought 10 the attention
of tie board that the council snubbe d
its appeal IN regard to the city standing
by the police In the case brought against
them for damages, there was consider
able indignation. but rs it could not be
helped, the next best thing was done.
The city attorney was asked to defend
them.
r. j. Bilsbown made application for
O position as ppcoaan IN the fire de-
partment, and = communication was
handed IN by Marshal LEMON, recon-
mendng his appointment, which was
accordingly made.
I The men IN engine house No. and 9
asked permission To accept furnishings
Ter their respective houses from people
who were DESTROYS OF NAL king presents
tons The privilege was granted. pro-
v.dug the men did not solicit them.
The Western Ach'gan college asked
that Henry De Used be appointed q
SPECIAL police constable anu stationed
at the college. The request wa:
granted.
Accounts were allowed tothe amount
of ss0l.s6.
A. Wood requested that he DO re-
inststed on the police force. and Johr
+. Mccarthy peiitioned that he b rated
"a third year policeman.