Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-08
HEAR MANY CHARGES
THE POLICE BOARD HAD A BUSY sES-
SION YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.
Ofhcer Grimm Exonorated-The Misunder.
standing Between MIR. Allen Potts and n
Policeman at the Ball Game.

Tie monthly session of the Police
Board. which convened in the office of
Major Poe yesterday afternoon. was
very busy one, and the members spent
several hours in making investigations
OF certain matters pertaining to some
OF the club-swingers.
Officer Griffin appeared before the Board
AMI asked an investigation of charges
made against him by an article published
In the Times, and written by Mr.. Robert
Hiden. The affair was the outgrowth OF
a Misunderstanding which occurred be-
tween the reporter and the policeman at
wedding. which took place at the Sc
cond Baptist church Mr.. Hlden went to
the marriage in order TO obtain a re-
port Of the wedding, and In his article,
which was quite severe. he claimed that
while he was obtaining his memoranda.
He further asserted that he introduced
himself as a reporter TO the policeman,
but that, despite this fact. the officers
conduct towards him was unbecoming
and ungentfemanly.
SEVERE CENSURE NOT MERITED.
Mr.. Griffin asked the board to sift the
evidence In the case. and TO eXonerate him
" they found that the article had been
unlusty severe. He had several witnesses
to testify in his behalf. but Mr.. Hiden
who preferred no charges to the board
merely made u statement Of the matter
and declined to summon any witnesses.
The board expressed their views rela-
tive to the case In the following resolu-
tion:
Resolved. That from the evidence pre-
sented TO the board, We conclude that the
conduct of Policeman Griffin on the occa-
sion mentioned did not merit the severe
censure in the published article under
consideration.
THE LAMKIN CASE.
The next matter considered was the
charges made by Mr.. Alien Potts against
0nicep Lamkln on THANKSGIVING Day
| all the rules OF football. assisted the
representative Of the Dispatch in report
ing the game He was introduced to Ser
geant Howard as a special reporter, and
accorded the privileges allowed the other
newspaper-men who stood inside the ropes.
Mr.. Lamkin. who does special work In
connection with the sanitary forces. was
| on the grounds. and as the police had
great difficulty In managing the crowd.
Sergeant Howard asked him to lend his
assistance. Mr. Lamkln did not have on
| his uniform. When the officer. not know
| ing that Mr.. Potts was a reporter, at
| tempted TO make him get back. the latter
apparently did not hear him. Mr.. Potts
| did not know that he was policeman,
and declined to go inside the ropes Be-
| fore the matter could be explained by the
| other newspaper-men, the crowd, who
appeared 10 be in sympathy with Mr..
| Potts. attempted to intercede, and con-
| siderable excitement prevailed.
THE BOARDS FINDING.
| An idea OF the charges entered against
! Mr.. Lamkin can be obtained by the fol
| lpu-ingr raanlnfIanQ anppfaI NJ he. no ri
| who considered each Of the specifications
| with great care:
Resolved. That the board finds that the
| charge that Officer Lamkin attempted to
| eject Mr. Allen Potts from the park when
4 he had a right to be on the field. and that
| officer Lamkin did not have his police
| mans badge is sustained.
| =. The charge that Officer Lamkin used
| threats to a citizen to do him bodily harm
on some future occasion Is not sustained
| bv the evidence.
| 3. The board finds that officer Lamkr
was acting under orders from the ser
| geant IN charge Of the grounds, and that
| the attempted cjectment Of Mr.. Aller
| Iotts was the result OF a misunderstood
| ing Mr.. Potts having failed To exhibit
| any badge of his authority as special re-
| porter. and the officer having failed e
hear his statement that he was re
| porter:
| l. That the president OF the board b,
| Instructed TO reprimand officer LamkiI
| for violating the regulations requiring ar
officer 10 expose his badge whilst on regu
| lar police duty.
| In fulfilling the duty required by tn
Last resolution. Mayor Ellyson. the presl
| dent Of the board. spoke I'm the kindes
| possible way TO MIR. Lamkn.
| The question OF electing drivers for pa
| trO-wagOn will be considered at the Janu
| airy meeting Of the board.
| Mr. Bosher reported that he had ordered
| two additional signal bOXeh