The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-01-01
MARTIN WILL RESIGN.
President of the Police Board ThialSs
He Has Been ExOnerated.


NEW YORK, Dec. 31.-James j. Martin,
president of the Board of Ponce, VA
sign his position in a few days. He made
this announcement just after his arrival
at his office at police headquarters to-day.
These are President Martins words: Il
have read the evidence given by the super
intendent before the investigation commit
tee on Saturday, as well his interview
given to the newspapers. / have no desire
to enter into any controversy with the su-
perintendent. My official acts have been
under investigation for year; l am will
ing to stand the result of that investi-
CATION. As my friends know. ] have been
anxious to retire from the department for
some time This has never been con-
GENIAL PLACE , f9n me- ana "a my reslgnatSa ma ION
Mayor. Now, that the investigation is
over, now, that l am no longer under fire,
i feel that am justified IN rendering my
resignation, and / hope Mr.. Strong will ac-
cent it at once when he goes into power.
Superintendent Byrnes was appointed to
his present position on my motion: he has
been supported by me and by the board
since he has been superintendent. I deny
Twice before the investigating committee.
l was examined as to a dispute which |
tendent when he conferred with the
captains: twice under oath | denied that
/ had any words or disagreement with
him. Every one that knows me knows that
/ have told the truth. l feel that the pub
lie believes what 1 said under OATH that
by act of mine, have / contributed to
the abuses existing in the department is
true
superintendent Byrnes has given out this
statement: .'In my examination before the
Lexow committee Saturday when | re-
ferred to the police commissioners inter-
fering with me, / did not intend to include
the Republican members of the board
Since the latter have become commissioners
they have done every thing to assist me
and have made it possible for me TO take
some actions which / had hitherto been
unable to take"
General Kerwin, the newest member of
the police commission and a Republican
said to-day that the board had not hampered
superintendent Byrnes during the period
that he has been a member. Commissioner
kerwin also said that he had no knowl-
edge of the superintendent applica ton for
retirement and that the recommendation of
the Lexow committee for retirement of
Captain Creedon could not in the least
alter his opinion
Another New York investigation.
NEW YORK, Dec. 31.-It Is settled that
the Chamber of Commerce will demand
from the incoming Legislature the APP
pointment of a committee with full power
to investigate the municipal departments
of this city as the Senate COMMITTEES has
investigated the police department.
meeting OF the Chamber has been called
for next Thursday and at the meeting ex-
President Charles Stewart Smith, who IS
chairman of the committee on municipal
reform Will present a resolution making
specific charges against several DEPART
ments and resolution asking for am adj
ministrative Investigations. MIR. Smith,
when seen, last night. refused 20 say what
lContinued On second Paxe.l