The Washington times., 1894-12-05
IS MERELY REPRIMANDED
The Action on Sergt. Daley's Case
by the Commissioners.
TOO VALUABLE TO BE REMOVED
The Officials Say That He Has Done More
Than Amy other Policeman to Suppress the
Liquor Trafic-Enemy of Evil-doers and
Friend of Citizens-Private Jett Dismissed.

Sergt. John c. Daley has been acquitted,
but reprimanded. The Commissioners yes
terday set aside the findings of the police
trial board, in which the "fghting sergeant"
had been adjudged guilty of the charge of
communicating to a reporter for The Wash
ington News disrespeetful and false state
ment concerning Lieut.. Gessford.
The recommendation of the trial board was
dismissal, but this the Commissioners over
ruled, and Daley will continue to lead his
blue-coated raiders as of yore. This action
was anticipated by TEE TIMES one week ago
The history of the case has been so often
gone over that repetition at this time is net
necessary.
The Commissioners say that Daley's record
of eleven years on the police force. during
which time he has done more to suppress
illegal lieuor selling than any man on 1t, is
until now without blemish. He has the
enmity of the evil-doers and the friendship
and confidence generally OF the best cltlzens
of the Fourth precinct.
sergt Daley. the Commissioners say, what
ever his faults may be is too valuable an Of
! fcer and his services are too much needed
at this time to admit of his being removed
from the force upon doubtful testimony, sup
ported only by hints and innuendoes.
The Commissioners close with these words:
I'm spite of all the evidence introduced to
prove that there had been no lottery carried
! on at No. 1902 Seventh street the testimony of
! Martin himself shows that Daleys suspicion
! that he was engaged in the lottery business
was justified, and Daley did not exceed his
/ duty in inuuiring into the matter. He should,
1 however, have given the information to his
superior officer or TO the district attorney
rather than to invade the precinct of Cess
/ ford with whom ne was at swords points,
and attempt to work up case which, II sue
cessful. promised to implicate Gessford.
The ieutenant's course is not above criti-
cism, and Daleys action shows bad Judg-
ment the Commissioners conclude, and there
is some evidence that he talked indiscreetly
and has been vindictive and insubordinate.
Thus ends this celebrated case.
The admonition is volunteered that the
, Commissioners will exercise their power OF
summary removal against any officer who
foments discord or quarreis among the men,
bers of the police force.
In the matter of the charges against Pri-
yate James AIulvey preferred by Sergt.
Daley and Private Oliver n. Coffin, the Com
missioners have reached the conclusion that
the specifications do not appear to have been
sufficiently sustained to warrant conviction.
That Mulvey was IN crowd contrary TO the
special orders of the superintendent and en-
gagged in disgraceful proceedings, indulging
meanwhile in more or less harsh and profane
language. admits of no DOUBT. But so We're
all the others there present-Lleut. Kelly
and Privates Klinger and Coffin.
Sergt Daley was not there. but was repre-
sented by his father-in-law. The officers all
violated the spirit if not the letter of the
special orders Of the superintendent
The findings of the trial board were set
aside. but the officers involved are to be
reprimanded, and admonished that repeti-
ton of the offense will cause summary dis
missal from the force.
Only one more policeman lost his official
head yesterday. Officer John W. Jett, who
was found guilty by the trial board of intoxi-
cation, was dismissed from the force, the order
TO take effect on the 5th instant. Jett is the
man who, it is alleged. was led astray by
Klinger. and in company with Klinger and
Llghtfoot of the Fourth precinct. visited bar
rooms and INDUCED his appetite for strong
drink. Jett and Lightfoot are regarded by
their friends as Ringers victims.
The trial board findings in the case of Pri-
vate Remeo r. Bowie. who was charged with
conduct unbecoming an officer. are that the
defendant is not guilty and that the charges
be dismissed