The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-12-19
DRAMATIC DAY
In the LexOyy Committees Investi-
CATION.

NEW YORK, Dec. 14.-Police Capt.
Creedon confessed before the Lexow COM
mittee today that he had paid $4,000 to
secure his captaincy. A few hours later
he was suspended from the force by the
board of police commissioners on recon-
mendation of Superintendent Byrnes, who
was instructed to prepare charges against
him. The LeXow committee had agreed
that Creedon should be granted immunity
from punishment for his purchase of a
captaincy, and when the action of the
police commissioners became known they.
as well as Superintendent Byrnes, were
subponaed to appear this afternoon before
the investigation body.
Capt. Creedon's confession was the big
best sensation yet brought forth by the
LeXow committee. In itself the captains
statement was merely a confirmation Of
testimony elected before the senators yes
terday; but the startling facts, essentially
interviewer with this sensational exposure,
affects the faint of dishonor and corrup-
ton upon men who have held some Of the
most responsible Offices in the gift of the
community. But public censure is not
heaped on CTee1ons head. lie bad
served in the local police department for
thirty years with honor and distinction
He is war-scared veteran, whose record
shows that in twenty-three engagements
Of the civil war he risked his life for his
country. The captains fault is forgotten
by the popular mind in sympathy for his
present trying position and respect for his
past record The day was replete with
exciting and dramatic incidents in conse-
quence OF the Lexow committee proceed
ings, throughout the official channels that
bear. relation 10 the public departments
involved in the investigation.
Commissioner Sheehan, when told of
CreedOn's statement, said:
who got the money!"
When told that the point had not yet
been fully developed he said: That's what
they want TO find out If they keep up
their investigation long enough 1 guess
they WILL
Capt. Creedon said the expense Of edu-
eating his eight children had been very
heavy and he wanted the position of cap
tain with its increased emoluments. But
he had submitted the matter to his friends
They raised the money. The amount
necessary to secure the appointment was
$4,000, because Sergt. Wiegand had Of
fered 1000. His friends, Barney Rourke
and John w. Reppenhagen, secured the
money, Ostensibly on his notes He had
PAID the money to eX-Assemblyman John
j. Martin. 1t was his understanding that
the funds went to Police Commissioner
Voorhis, now police justice.
The conclusion Of Capt. Creedon's testi-
mOny was followed by an impressive pause.
Then Mr.. Golf apologized for causing the
captain the unpleasantness he had ex-
perie7ced. Tears suffused Creedon's eyes.
"a .ancaE s'Etic, -tremOr ran through the
Tho The, unanimSus ,o3ntinued Mr.. Golf. "it
ZEE that. in vieS 9f,,nnion OF this commit
you have rendeAed y6nr conntrv 9 end d''t 70
he community. 0he Jul Gou irtS anu III; ~
no b 1ssbSsrved y 6y1f disturbing You in
y@4 r' position e5I spoi bur sap E -,
as no man could stS&
ahead. Tears filed his eyes and his face
twitched with emotion. Then each member
of the committee and Counsel Golf Jerome
and Moss shook his hand warmly.
There was another burst Of applause and
Capt. Creedon walked from the court room
crying. Men,, trembling with pent-up feel
ings, grasped his hand in sympathetic pity.
Then John w. Reppenhagen testified that
he handled the money. He was given the
money and in turn he turned over $4,000
of it TO Honest John Martin for the bene-
remaining $1,000 for himself. He was the
go-between.
Reppsnhagen swore that Voorhis lied il
he said he did not get the money.
Mr. Gom said he had subpoenaed Martin,
but word had come that that individual was
suffering with paralysis.
It was during the afternoon session that
Mr. Golf learned Of Capt Creedon's suspen-
sion. The committee became excited.
Subpoena all the commissioners yelled
Senator Bradley. The subpoenas were is
sued.
at looks as though the men who tell the
truth are to be suspended by the police
board" said Senator O'Connor angrily.
'Tt is abominable," was Chairman
LeXow's verdict.
Every one spoke at once. Indignation
prevailed. The subpoena servers soon per-
formed their work and Commissioner Mar
tin assumed the witness stand. He had not
known that the committee were desiriOuS
of OBTAINING Capt. Creedon or he would
have done otherwise. He had voted for
Creedon's suspension on the recommended
ton Of Superintendent Byrnes.
Commissioner Martin said he was de-
sirious of working in harmony with the
committee in purifying the police depart
mcnt.
He promised he would do all in his power
TO restore Capt Creedon. Then there was
more applause. 1t was increased by the
appearance Of Superintendent ByTnes. lie
said that Creedon's case was different from
that of other accused police captains When
Creeden was appointed he swore that he had
paid no money to secure the appointment.
The superintendent had recommended the
suspension because Of Creedon's perjury and
because Creedon had acknowledged his guilt
DcIDTt lue cUIIlllll@cc. Dul MI. DyllCS dloO
promised to do all in his power to obtain
Capt CreedOn's restoration.
The audience applauded the superin-
tendent. The committees adjournment till
Tuesday only adds fuel for the anxious
speculation which is being INDUCED in as 10
the next step in this startling expose.
Police Justice Voorhis, who is tonight
one Of the most talked Of men in New
York, this afternoon denied in toto the al
legations made against him before the SEN
atOrs.
NEW YORK, Dec. 15.-The police COM
miss!Oners today reinst3ted Capt. Creedon.
Two resolutions were offered by Commits
sloner Murray. One provided for the re-
lease from suspension of Capt. Creedon
tween the president of the police board
and Chairman Lexow Of the senate commit
tee concerning Creedon's case and other
matters Commissioner Sheehan cast the
only vote against the first resolution, the
second being carried unanimously. 1t was
the general understanding at police head
quarters that Superintendent Byrnes was
alone responsible for Capt. Creedon's sus-
pension at the executive session of the
police board yesterday. 1t is known that
the superintendent was bitter against the
captain from the moment he heard that
Creedon had confessed the payment Of the
money. Superintendent Byrnes said to-
day: II have as yet said nothing of the
course 1 shall pursue toward any person,
either directly or indirectly. 1t is not for
me to override the police commissioners.
Anything that 1 shall do viii be in the
nature Of holding an investigation as 10
whether there are any officers Of this kind