The record-union., 1892-12-02
ISHAM GOF THERE.
A Police Appointment Secured Ol
the Sidewalk.
Chief Rodgers Kick and the Mayors
Reasons for Not Going Back
on Isham.

1t was what would vulgarly be called
shot stuff at the brief session held yes
terday morning by the Police Commis-
sioners. The kettle had been boiling over
night, apparently.
Just what the board was called together
for it would be difficult to explain, for all
that was done had already been accom-
plished prior TO the meeting, and that
was TO name Special officer Isham as the
person to sub" for Regular officer Will
son, who is to take his ten days vacation.
1t seems that Isham had procured Com
missioner Cravens' name to a paper
designating him as a temporary 'regu-
lar" and then he called on the Mayor
and got him to sign it also. The docu-
ment was then presented to Chief
Rodgers, who declined to sign it. One
reason was that he believed such appoint
ments should be made in open session of
the board, and beside he did not think
lsham the best man for the place.
So, when the board was called together
yesterday morning and Commissioner
Cravens presented the document referred
to, and the usual awkward pause" en-
sued, Chief Rodgers wanted to know if a
vote on it was not to be taken.
Commissioner Cravens replied that a
vote could be taken, if desired, but init
mated that it was not necessary, as the
appointment was signed by the Mayor
and himself.
Chief Rodgers remarked hotly, that he
was entitled to some voice i'll the matter
and Judge Cravens added that so were the
Mayor and himself.
Then the Chief turned his battery on
the Mayor. He told him that only few
hours before he (the Mayor had admitted
to him that the proceeding was irregular,
ana that he would stand in with him
against the proposed appointment.
Mayor Comstock brought the matter to
a sudden termination by declaring the
board adjourned.
subsequently he stated to a RECORD
UNION reporter that when he signed the
document appointing Isham he did not
know the Chief preferred another man
for the place. He stated that when Chief
Rodgers called on him in the morning,
and gave his reasons for preterring an
other man to Isham, he (the Mayor pro-
posed TO the Chief to compromise on l.,
X. Dole, an experienced officer, and it
was his intention, when he went to at
tend the meeting of the board, to name
Dole for the place, but before he had
chance to do or say anything his eye fell
upon a document lying before Judge Cra-
Vens, which bore his signature to the
written appointment of Isham.
"A mans name signed to document"
added the Mayor, solemnly, and with
regretful air, lis an ugly thing, you
know-it's just like promissory note
turning up against you unexpectedly.
Well, my name was there, and l couldn't
see the way clear to get around it."
The Mayor explained that it had been
the custom for the Commissioners to take
turnabOut in naming persons to serve on
the force IN the absence OF regulars, and as
Isham had been his choice, he thought it
was all right to sign the paper appointing
him. lie had resolved, however, that if
Chief Rodgers made any serious objec-
lion, to withdraw his action, and-as
above stated-that was what he intended
to do after the Chief had made his "kicl<,
in the morning; but he couldn't get
around that document with his signature
on it.
The Mayor added that he really thought
the Chief ought to name the substitutes,
and in the future he would so hold
This little incident affords another
illustration OF the deplorable manner in
which the Police Department conducts its
affairs. The Chief of Police is ignored in
the matter Of the appointment of men
who are supposed (but the supposition is
an unwarranted one to be under his di-
rection and subject to his orders. Had
the other Commissioners either consulted
with Chief Rodgers or refused to take any
action in the matter until the board had
met in regular session, no such scene
would have occurred, even though the
other two members of the commission
had voted for Isham.
When person desiring a place on the
police force can himself ignore the Chief
and secure a sidewalk appointment from
the other members of the Police Com
mission, he can snap his fingers at the
Chief, for naturally he will think that the
latter doesn't amount to anything-that
he isn't in it with the rest of the board,
and that the officer need not fear his au-
thority.
This condition of affairs is not only
possible, but it already exists in this city,
and that is one reason why the peace
officers of other communities point the
finger of derision in this direction. 1t is
also the reason why lawless characters
prefer this city to any other.