The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-01-07
IT is CHIEF A. NJ. JONES NOW.
officer Griffin Promoted to Ser.
geant.
The Police Commissioners Meet and Make
Selections That Are General Surprises.
President Turner Didn't Want Meet
ing. But Messrs. Miller and sproul
Were Determined to Elect 81 Chief.

succeed M. C. Morris, whose position
was vacated some time ago by order of
the City Council.
President Turner arrived awhile be-
fore the hour appointed for the meeting
and left. Shortly afterward Messrs.
Miller and Sprou1 came in and, after
waiting for the presidents return
short time, sent Special Officer Berry
after him. On the return of the o fiicer
with the information that Mr.. Turner
could not como, Messrs. Miller and
Sproul determined to visit his residence
on Tazewell street and insist upon
meeting of the board.
They were courtecusly received, and,
on stating the object of their presence,
were informed by their president that
he was always willing to submit to
majority rule, but he had decided that
it was not wise to make change at this
time. He was not particularly stuck on
Acting Chief Brown, but thought it
best to retain him until change was
made necessary to the adoption of the
proposed new city charter. 1t would be
hazardous to put novice in the posi-
ton of chief. He was opposed to it,
though he might be wrong.
Mr.. Miller said that as far as he knew
the reasons of the president were good,
but other men were just as much enti-
tied to the position Of chief as the pres
ent incumbent. He thought every
member of the force ought to come in
the line OF promotion if he was capable
Mr.. Turner plea sanity retorted, that
this rule might be good one in mill
tary affairs, but 1t would not hold good
in others always. 1t might do very
we'll to apply it in promoting special
officers to regulars, but in the selection
of chief great care should DO exercised
as to fitness.
Messrs. Miller and Sproul said they
were opposed to further postponing the
appointment of u chief, and President
Turner invited them to make nomina-
tions.
Mr.. Miller stated that he believed
nearly all the officers were applicants
for the place of chief, but he favored a
man who. though charges had been pre-
ferred against him, had been indicated
in every particular save one, and in
this he had not considered that he had
been rightly treated. He nominated
Sergeant A. M. Jones.
President Turner entered an emphatic
protest for reasons hereinbef fore stated.
lie said honesty and not personal feel
ings compelled him to do this. lie
could not act differently.
Messrs. Miller and Sproul cast their
votes for Sergeant Jones, and the presi-
dent declared him elected.
Tho appointment of sergeant to sue
coed Jones was called up, and Mr..
Sproul nominated officer Griffin. Mr..
miller seconded the nomination
President Turner said the election of
Officer Griffin was not personally objec-
tionable to him, but he thought the
place ought to he given Officer Brown.
Objectionable. Griffin was elected.
Acting Chief Brown will take his
place as q private. the promotion Of
Griffin creating a vacancy. The new
sergeant will enter upon his duties as
soon as Sergeant y ones Fills his bond as
chief and takes the oath required by
thecity charter.
The elections are genuine surprise.
1t was thought and predicted that Of
fioer' Griffin would be made chief, but
Messrs. Miller and Sproul thought that
Sergeant Jones deserved a stronger
vindication than he had yet received,
hence his nomination and election.
THE NEW CHIEF.
Chief Jones has been on the force in
Roanoke for five years and has been
most efficient officer, winning The re-
spect and good will of all who have
known him. lie was born and raised
in Fluvanna county, Va, is "A years
old, and has been a cit zen OF Roanoke
nino years.
Mr.. Jones has once before been chief
of police in Roanoke, but resigned and
was succeeded by Mac Morris. For the
greater part Of his life he has been en-
gagged in n ercantile business. Mr.. Jones
is Of splendid physique, being six feet
two inches tall and weighing 2iO pounds.
With this strong body and being in the
p!ime of life. he is able to measure
strength with the toughest characters,
and will be, as he has always been,
terror to evil-doers. Mr.. Jones is an
educated and intelligent gentleman.
THE NEW SERGEANT.
Alex. II. Griffin. the new sergeant
was born in Pennsylvania; is thirtv-six
years old, and has been citizen of Roa-
noke four years. He was appointed as
special last April and in July follow
ing was promoted TO the regular force.
He is an honest. straightforward man
and was regarded as strong possibility
for chief.
Nominations for Marine Surgeon.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 Especial THE
President to-day sent to the Senate
the nomination of Walter Wyman, of
Missouri, to be supervising surgeon
general OF the marine hospital service
and John Ii. Hamilton, OF Illinois. to be
surgeon in the marine hospital service.
Earthquake Shocks In Italy.
ROME, Jan .-ISueciall