The Washington times., 1894-11-20
REORGANIZE THE POLICEMEN
Representative Men Urge Prompt Ac-
tion by the Commissioners.
JUDGE MILLER'S VIEW OF IT
Reasons Advanced by Leading Lawyers and
Others Why Steps Should Be Taken at
0nce-Cross-fring Should Cease-Power
of the Trial Beard Should Be Absolute.

The Generalization which is so apparent in
certain portions of the Washington police
force was generally discussed in official, busi-
ness, and private circles yesterday On all
sides The TIMES was commended for the
stand it has taken in demanding for the peo-
pie that the unseemly chickering's come to
an end and the department be placed on an
amicable and business basis for the stern
work OF the winter. A number of business
and profession men were interviewed at
random on the subject by TIMES reporters,
and the concensus Of opinion was that the
Commissioners should act and act promptly
Judge Thomas Z. Miller. of the police court,
sounded the keynote when he said yesterday
that those in power should compel the police
to do their duty, and if they failed to do it
mep should be appointed in their stead who
will carry out the laws. He characterized
the present scandal as a demoralizing agent
and said that nothing should be allowed TO
divert the officers from the channels in which
they should be operating for the public veal.
Prosecuting Attorney Pugh, of Judge Kim
balls court, said he thought the tangled
ponce Skeiu needed unrdVenng.
Lawyer JudsOn T. Cole said that he thought
there should be aspeedy settlement OF the
police cases. Anything which conduces to
the decentralization OF the police force III any
community should be stopped he said III
1t is true that Commissioner IruesdelIs
delay in rendering his final decision on
the verdict OF the trial board keeps the police
Hmen IN suspense and causes them to 50 ne
glect their duty as to expose the citizens OF
criminals, then, IN my humble opinion, there
should be an early decision
Clerk Joseph Potts, of the police court,
thought 1t would be for the best interest OF the
community il there should be a speedy set
tlement OF the existing trouble in the police
department.
Il think it would be a good thing for the
city OF Washington to have 4 citizens commit
tee investigate our police department, said
Lawyer L. Campbell Williamson. If there is
anything good about the police force it Will
be developed in such an investigation and
whatever evil there is will be prominently
brought out. l think it is only fair 10 the
people OF Washington and the policemen 70
know what Mr.. Iruesdell is going 10 do with
the cases now before him"
Attorney George (. Williams expressed the
same opinion as Mr.. williamson. He dis
liked to see such strife and contention among
officers of the police force. Il did not aid in
the enforcement of law.
William j. Campbell. attorney, was in favor
OF immediate action by the Commissioner. for
the same reasons mentioned by the lawyers
above.
Attorney p. Ross Perry said he did not be-
lieve the occasion had yet arrived for sum
mary action. but II there was TO be an investi-
CATION outside of the Commissioners Office,
as had been limited, ne thoaght il should be
made by that representative body of business
men, the board OF trade. he did believe,
however, that such scandals rs that caused
by the Gessford-Daley imbrogdo should be
dealt with Summariy by the Commissioners.
Fillmore Beall said il action was to De
taken in the police department it should be
taken at once. The season of the year has
arrived when the police should be in har-
mony and acting with perfect unanimity in
their warfare against crime.
Justice OF the Peace Lewis I. 0'Neal: "If
there was ever a police force in the United
States that needed investigating it is that in
Washington. i believe it is one of the most
corrupt police departments in this country
There are many men figuring as officers who
should be relegated to private life. Some of
these are watching whisky jugs instead of
thieves and other iaw-breakers."
The firm Of NJ. A Tappan. sporting goods,
No. 1913 Pennsylvania avenue northwest.
through its manager. believed in the light of
there should be a reorganization OF the force.
Judge Samuel G. Mills suggested a general
transfer OI Iieutenants, sergeants, and pr.vaJeS
from precinct TO precinct as a means of
remedying existing evils in the police depart
menl.
Fountain Peyton said: "It appears to me
that the Commissioners are irving to avert
what is now taking place in New York city
the work and revelations Of the famous Lexow
committee. The Commissioners will have TO
resolve themselves Tito an investigating COM
mlttee. send for papers and persons and probe
more deeuiy into the matter. a thorough re-
organization OF the police force is demanded,
and il should take place now before the city
is overcrowded with strangers attracted by
the Congressional session. If an investiga-
ton takes place many evidences of corruption
will come to the surface that are unheard of
now"
Albert E. Slllers was pronounced in his
opinion. 1T IS a disgrace TO the Capital
city he said. ''to permit such Investigations
as has recently been held by the police trial
board, and il is wrong as long as there is
tria! board, for the District Commissioners to
disregard its findings or verdict. There is no
necessity for such board if the Commits
Sioners are to go contrary to its findings. [
also regard the star chamber proceedings of
the board as an outrage on American free
dom and civilization. This Gessford-Daley
lnOrOSlO Is q disgrace 10 w aSnlngtOn. We
have heard nothing but Gessford and Daley
for the past five weeks, until the matter has
become nauseating.
J. G. Whalen. president OF the Southern
Produce Exchange said: 1T is not right TO
heap all the abuse on Sergt. Daley in this
matter I can readily see how he has been
drawn into this matter Daley has done Just
work in this city and deserves credit for it.
Lieut.. Gessford preferred these charges
agains him and brought about all the trou-
BILE by so doing. During the first Shea trial
look how readily Gessford appeared in court
and testified that he would not believe Daley
on his oath. In what other city than this
Gar ridden community would one offic be
allowed to appear in court and try to break
down brother officer while he was seeking
to perform his duty and convict, as he did,
persistent law breaker"
George buckingham, the bicycle dealer,
said from the amount of smoke in police cir
cles there must be some fire. He thought
there should be a reorganization.
Several other leading business men favored
immediate action and reorganization, but
for obvious reasons requested that their names
be omitted.
Civil Service Extension.
1t is expected that an order will be issued