New-York tribune., 1893-12-30


gave testimony favorable to contractors and
against the interests of the city in a suit brought
by O'Brien & Clark. Commissioner Sheehan
said that he had merely testified to things which
matter Of record. and he had told the
truth. He gave to reporters copies of reso-
luton in euogy of himself which was passed
by the Aqueduct Commission after he had been
appointed Police Commissioner.
That resolution" Mr.. Sheehan said, ''s the
best reply l offer to the false reports which
have been published regarding my conduct as
secretary of the Aqueduct Commission.
DIR. PARKHURsT NOT DISCOURAGED.
The Rev DR.. Parkhurst did not appear to be
greatly disturbed last evening account of
the failure Of the Grand Jury to indict Inspector
Williams and Captain Schmittberger He said:
Il had discounted this defeat because it had
been partly anticipated in view Of recent de-
veopments but | am not in the least dis
couraged. We get a setback now and then, but
we continue to forge ahead. little by little and
we have no idea Of giving up the task we have
In view. do not at present know the technical
grounds upon which the Grand Jurys refusal
to indict was based, and | would prefer not to
say much on that subject until l. have con-
suited with other members of the Executive
Committee Of our society. | have asked for such
consultation tomorrow morning. We work
together in harmony, and | want to know their
views before utter mine. ] said to District-At-
tOrney Nicoll the other day, when he was ad
vising me not To proceed against certain Of
licials. that while we might meet with rebuffs.
serious setback. The strength of our cause is
in the moral elements involved. People who have
consciences are bound TO sustain the right. The
fragrant disregard of law by public officials in
this city has disgusted and alarmed people Of
the better element, and also many of the people
who down in the lower levels. Social out
laws and persons connected with the gambling
dens are beginning 10 admit that we are right.
| feel 50 perfectly well assured Of the hold that
our principles have on the community that
cannot be much disturbed by the present atti-
tude Of affairs. | shall go to work tomorrow
with the same confidence and the same energy
as If two police officials had been indicted to-
day. 4 man who is we'll and believes in the
Lord has no business to be discouraged in good
work"
why was your evidence considered by the
Extraordinary Grand Jury instead Of by the
ordinary Grand jury" DR.. Parkhurst was asked
II do not know" he replied The ordinary
Grand Jury offered to remain in session after the
time when they were to be discharged in order
to hear the cases"
'Do you think that the District-Attorney pre-
sented the evidence to the Grand Jury fairly"
II prefer not To say anything about that un-
III after have consulted with other members OF
our Executive Committee.
What about the suggestion of the Grand Jury
that the police shall cooperate as far as pos
sble with your society,"?
THE POLICE THE WORST OB-TACLE.
"I do not doubt that the suggestion well
intended by the Grand Jury, but you see that the
trouble has been that the worst obstacle we have
had TO encounter In the suppression or vice mas
been the ponce. HOW can we cO-Optidtt WIN
men who are trying 10 protect crime? II the
police were all right we could retire from bus-
ness because there would be no need for our
efforts II has been our fixed policy not 10 have
any alliance with members Of the police force
or with any head of the department whom we
could not regard with confidence. understood
that we had an opportunity 10 make an alliance
with Superintendent Byrnes. but we declined 10
take such a step The District-Attorney lnti-
mated that such an alliance would be possible:
although he did not say that he was authorized
10 speak for the Superintendent. While such an
alliance might have enabled us 10 down some OF
the officials Of the Police Department. we did not
wish 10 adopt such a policy. and in the long run
our cause would be injured by such an alliance.
Regarding the published denial Of Commissioners
Shoehan as 70 an offer 10 give information, Dr.
Parkhurst said: II understood that Mr. Sheehan
had some matters OF exceeding interest 20 di-
vuIRe otherwise we would not have concerned
ourselves about him sufficiently 70 consider his
proposition for a conference.