The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-12-22
SCHMITTBERCER'S STORY
Political Influence Prevails Over Merit
in Police Promotions.
NEW MEN WE'RE INDEPENDENT
Officers with a Pull" Not Particular
About Violating Rules-Benefits OF
III Joining the Pequod Club-Proper
Place to Buy Mineral Water.
BY the United Press.

BY the United Press.
New York, Dec. 21.-The principal
witness before the Lexow committee
today was Police Captain Max Schmitt-
berger. He testified that in the last ten
years, despite the introduction of the
civil service system, political influence
prevailed over merit in appointments
to the police force and In promotions.
In addition, a man who sought promo
ton has generally had to pay for it.
Captain Schmittberger said there were
certain persons known as "go-be-
tweens," who received and turned over
this money paid for promotions to the
persons who got it. The only name he
could give of go-between was Charlie
Grand, ex-Commissioner McClave's
secretary. In regard to the clubbing
and other violations of department
rules, the new men are the worst, be-
cause, getting their appointment In the
way they do, they don't feel so much
esponsibllity-theya are more independ-
ent.
What has been the attitude of this
latter class when on trial before the
commissioners for an offence against
the laws of the land?"
They seem more independent, and
seeem to think they ought to be pro-
tected They depnd more on their pull
than their defense to get out Of it."
At his junction and just as Captain
Schmittberger's testimony promised to
become sensational recess was taken.
After the committee re-convened
Schmittberger resumed his testimony.
He testified that Wardman Price,
now captain looked after the disorderly
houses. Asked why so many houses
were allowed to run in that precinct,
he replied: Because they paid for
protection"
"Who was the man to whom the pro-
lection money went directly?"
Captain Williams"
Would 1t be possible for these places
to run openly without the tolerance of
the captainT'
mo sir, 1t would not"
Schmittberger was not instructed by
the captain to levy tribute. He was on
larceny and such offenses. He was pro-
NOTED to be roundsman by Commits
sioner Wheeler because he found the
commissioners dog.
Captain Schmittberger testified that
he was told that 1t would be better for
him to join the Peqnod club, because
Commissioner Sheehan was, president
of it. Other captains belonging to this
club were DIVERS Price and Shultzn
II
Louis Munzingers mineral waters.
Munzinger was secretary Of the Pequod
club.
Williams In the Net.
Schmittberger, as he proceeded in his
testimony, implicated Inspector Will
Jams deeper and deeper and also drew
Inspector McAvery into the net.
Schmittberger testified that he collect
ed money from the policy shops, pool
rooms and disorderly houses in his dis
trict and in return they were given
police protection. He collected as high
as $500 month and of this amount he
paid williams 5000 month.
He did not try to levy tributes on the
liquor saloons in his district, as he un-
derstood they were directly under the
protection Of Tammany hall and in re-
turn for that organizations protection,
assisted it politically.
Schmittberger said he was trans
ferred from one district to another at
the request Of the Liquor Dealers asso-
citation, because he was too active in
making arrests for illegal liquor selling.
He had received orders from Commits
sioner Martin not to interfere with GER
tain disorderly houses in his district
On one occasion he received a COM
plant against woman named Sadie
West at 234 West Fifty-first street. He
sent Officer Casey to the house, and
when Casey went to the door the
woman told him she was friend OF
Commissioner Martin and II was better
to see him before he would do any
thing. The officer told me, and the
next day received a message from
headquarters from Martin. l went to
see him and he asked me, did send a
man around to Sadie Vests. / said !
did, as had received a complaint about
the house. Martin said should warn
the officer and apologize to the woman
the next day. l protested, but he said
should do as was told. sent around
Casey and he had to apologize to the
woman the following day for raidine
the house.
Georglana Was Exempt.
"Did you ever hear of Georgians
Hastings, Of the Twenty-second?" was
asked Schmittberger.
Yes, SIR"
Did she pay"
''No, sir; she was exempt She Is 9
peculiar character and some of tn,
gentlemen who visited her house woult
not like to see their names in print.
got the tip from Captain Devery thai
II interfered with her l would burr
my fingers"
Were you not informed that certain
public. officials visited, her house?"
"Yes SIR"
"officials that graced the bench"
"Yes, sir"
81 do not want to bring in names,
said Mr.. Goff, because Georgiant
Hastings Is under indictment. We hav,
proof that one night when bencl
warrant was about to be served twt
public officials, one. Of whom was {
judge Of "a court, was in her house
The warrant was not served because o
these officials influence. II may b.
necessary, however to mention thei
names. but we will try to avoid 1t :
possible"
Chairman Lexow also advised tina
private individuals should not be in
troduced unless 1t was absolutely ne
cessary.
The captain then made an importan
statement.
II Think said he ''that Superln
tendent Byrnes is on honest man ans
means to do what is right II he wa
permitted to do So"
do you think the police force |
corrupt"
II think It Is rotten to the very core.
Mr. Goff asked for an adjournmen
until wednesday next 1