Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1895-01-04
BYRNES RESIGNS.
New YOrk'S Great Thief
Catcher on the Stand.
Tells Lexow Committee Some
Rather Interesting Things.
Testifies That lie Il Worth "fuily
s35O,0OO aud How lie Go, IL.

Superintendent of Police Thomas Byrnes
was the central figure in the dramatic closing
scene of the LpNOw committees public s"S-
sion in New York. After weeks of discussion,
after months of scattered speculation whether
or not he would he required to appear
before the committee. the question re-
mained in doubt almost to the last hour.
But it was Byrnes. Byrnes, ByrneS the eN-
pectant interest crutcred in,aud his eNamina-
tion resulted in everything in the way OF a
sensation, which even Mr.. jerome, who mas
paid especial attention to the proper timing
of sensations and clmaNcs, could have
hoped for. The greatest sensation. and the
most novel of the history of the investigation
was the disclosure made hy the wines
that he had, more than two weeks ago,
placed in mayor-elect Strong hands his ''re>
quest to he retired Not Il person in thu
room, except the witnesss not even Mr.. GOit,
had any intimation that the close of the in-
vestigation was to be made sensational In
this way.
But ii was, and here j, the etter which
will make all the politicians aud all the re-
formers guess again in making up their pro-
gram for police reorganization
Dol. W. l.. Strong:
Dear Sir-l appreciate a. fully rs any
man can the tremendous responsibility that
will come upon you wAcn you assume the
duties Of mayor, and undertake the reform OF
the various departments of the city govern
ment. ! desire not to be Al obstacle or
an embarrassment TO you in anything that
you may propose to do with the police
department. On the contrary, ! wish to aid
you in any way that | can. | assume that
you are now considering what action you
ought to take at the outset Of your admins
tration, and what legislation will be required
to make such action practicable. | there
fore now place in your hands my re-
quest to be retired from the post OF superin'
tendent, 10 be used by you or not, at any
time after the lst of January, rs you see III.
Let me further say that you may be entirely
free to command my services and advice and in
formation at any time in regard to the Affairs
Of the police department, with which | have
2een so long connected. Your Obedent ser
want, Thomas ByrncS.
Dec l3.
He gave instances Of alleged interference
by the commissioners with his attempts Il
enforce the laws, and said that President
Martin had .'said what was not true if he
swore (as he did that The superintendent in
vited the commissioner to address the police
captains in that notable meeting for instruc
/ tions on the Sunday preceding the electio'
of 1892.
Concerning his personal affairs, Mr.. Byrne'
was interesting. He testified that he wa
worth "lullV" S3jJ 200. mentioned real es
tate aud improvements he owned which COS
him 1922, 800, and is in his wife's name, am
said that aside from an inheritance OF -,
his fortune had been laid by an investmen
made for him by Commodore Vanderbilt, an'
builded to its present proportions by invest
ments made for him by JAY and GeorS
/ liOnld.