Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-05-02
PETERSBURG POLICE.
RATHER STRAINED RELATIONS BE-
TWEEN CHIEF AND CHAIRMAN.
Complaints, Charges. and Accusations
An Investigation Demanded and
Special Committee Appointed.
rsno-,,, tolnrrnm 10 the pIspa,cn.l


prrrngprRo. Va. May L.. IL has been a
matter Of reportl for some time past that
Disbursements OF more or less serious
character have existed between the chair
man of tho Police Department and the
head of the police corps. 1t is said that
these disacreements have existed for some
montbs When the Council committees
were reorganized last July the only change
made in the heads of committees was IN
that of the Police Department MIR. James
A. Perkinson. q new member from irst
Word haing mt AZ head Of that depart
ment All the old chaiTmen OF the other
committees were retained. Tho matter
caused some comment and feeling at the
time.
STRINGENT RULES.
A new and more stringent code OF rules
FOR the government of the department was
,oon afterwards adopted by the committee,
differing materially IN some respects from
those under which the pOllce corps had 50
LONG worked, and thus dissatisfaction was
increased and personal feeling strength
ensd. until finally paper signed bY tWen-
tv.one of the twenty-slX members of the
corps was presented to the Common Coun-
ell asking that the chairman OF the COM
rulttee resign hi, position as head OF the
Department The paper was lad on the
fable. and Mr.. Parkinson declined 10 pay
any attention 10 II.
SERIOUS REFLECTIONS.
At the meeting Of the Common Council
this afternoon Chlcf-Ot-Police W. II.
Fnues at his own request was allowed the
privilege Of the floor. 10 said that certain
statements alleged 10 have been recently
made bv the chairman of the Police De
partment reflected seriously, not only
.uuou tine pcr4ounl and private characte.
Of himself and other officers of police. but
also upon the efficiency Of the corps.
These statements are alleged 70 have been
made IN private 10 one IF tho sub-otiiccrs,
with the reducst that he watch aud report
mon the actions and conduct Of his supe-
rlors. end with the promise that be should
be protc ctcd.
~ INVESTIGATION.
Chief Fnnes requested "A thorough luycs-
ticatlou Is 10 the truth Of these state
mcnts. aud asked the appointment II =
SPECIAL committee IF three mem oers OF the
Council, with authority % summon wit
ue.ec-. 10 make the investigation. Re
asked however. that no member of the
Police Committee be placed on the spe-
cal committee.
TIE CHARGES MADE.
CHAIRMAN ltIhluHtH NtilRlfA ItlDif tu'
Conncl that he had made no charges
against the police officers, except that
some Of them had violated the rules q tho
department by leaving the city without
PERMISSION. Whatever he had done was in
the discharge of his duty. he had made
no complaints except upon statements DO
had heard from other parties.
CoNurrEE ORDERED.
He heartily Joined IN the request made
hv Captain ECues for n special committee,
and the request was granted by the Coun-
cil.
Mr. George Mason was elected City At
t0rucy III place Of MAJOR +. X. Lasslter, It.
signed.
REMOVE TIE POLES.
The Council adopted an ordinance i'm
posing tax Of $3.50 On each telegraph
pole IN the city. Failing 10 pay such tax
iv july lst the companies shall forfeit a
fine Of $40 fyr each pole and the High Con-
stable Is directed to cut down and remove
the poles.