The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-10-21

It all came about In connection with .
petition from DIR. Parkhurst regarding
Police Captain Devery and the Eleventh
pre- cinct, In which was stated that Ramb-
ling and disorderly houses were rife In
that precinct, and no endeavors were put
forth to cheek them. The petition was
last week referred to Superintendent
Byrnes, with instructions to cause q
thorough investigation into the charges
preferred by DIR. Parkhurst.
The superintendent in his report sub
mitted to the board this afternoon said
that he had instructed Inspector Williams
to make an investigation, and besides
that he had detailed two OF his detectives
to visit the places designated in the petit
tion as gambling and disorderly houses.
In no instance were there found VIOLA
tions of the law, although the places were
visited at irregular hours during the night
and day. Inspector Williams reported
that he had given the matter his closest
attention and investigation, and that the
statements that there were gambling
houses and disorderly houses In the pre-
cinct were untrue.
"a Deliberate Folsehood."
"And anybody who says So" the report
continues, 'tells a deliberate falsehood.
and has no regard fer truth or moral
obligations. The accusations made are
false in every detail, and were made be-
cause Captain Devery caused the arrest
and conviction of the superintendent OF
the society for blackmail"
Captain Deyery reported that he had
detailed officers to visit every house men
TONED, and not the slightest sign OF a
violation of the law was discovered. He
concluded by saying that there had not
been since he took command of the pre-
cinct any gambling or disorderly houses
in the district.
III move," said Commissioner Mclean,
after the reports were concluded, "that
Captain Devery and Inspector Williams
be allowed to bring charges OF malicious
libel against the signers OF the petition. T"
II think that rather premature. said
President Martin, "and then again / do
not think that the motion extends far
enough. The same privilege should be
allowed the superintendent and the board
Of police commissioners aiso.'
"Why not the entire forcei" asked Mr..
Sheehap, earnestly.
"Ill amend my motion to include these
persons" said Mr.. Mclean.
When the motion was put President
Martin said: ~ will oppose the motion
because no request has been made by
either Captain Dsvery, Inspector Williams
or Superintendent Byrnes to begin such
suit. aud I consequently believe It to be
premature. On these grounds alone
vote no."
Mr. Sheehan voted mo" for the same
reasons and Mr.. McLaan voted yes"
To Down rammany.
Mr.. NcClave was absent. Then Mr..
Sheehan said: II believe IL will be con-
ceded that since became member of
this board + have cheerfully and willingly
given to the Parkhurst society all informa-
tion that laid in my power. was inclined
to the belief that he was doing good aud
meritorious work. Now l believe that l
was entirely mistaken in my belief /
have received information, and it has
been given out publicly through the press,
that this Parkhurst society is not a fight
against the immortality OF the city, but
against Tammany hall. believe now
that the society's aim is not movement
for the betternient of the moral standing
Of tho city. and would suggest that no
further notice be paid to any commurica-
tion received from the Parkhurst ociety."