The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-12-07
POLICE INQUIRY CLOSES
All the Evidence Placed Before Mayor
Connell Last Night.
LlrTLR MORE THAN A FARCE
Attorneys Win Make Their Arguments
Next week-Evidence Fails to Involve
Either Lieut.. Davis or PatrOlmau
Dlock-Dr. Robinson Present.

The hearing upon the pulpit charge
made by Rev. DIR. Robinson. of the
Second Presbyterian church, against
Lieutenant of Police John Davis and
Patrolman Block was continued last
night before Mayor Connell in. his re-
ception office in the city hall.
Attorney Hawley, for DR.. Robinson,
had rested his case just before the
close Of Thursday nights session. The
witnesses examined last night were
nearly all brought forward by the de-
tense. although several were called in
rebuttal for the prosecution. e-"-.
AS on, the preceding night the pre-
ponderance of the testimony seemed to
favor the accused men. This was the
general opinion of disinterested specta-
tors; their verdict is that a case has not
been proved against the officers, but
that DR.. Robinson had made his charge
upon tho flimsy assertion of7one indiv-
idual, and that their other witnesses
were obliged to cover themselves with
mire without being able to give evi-
dence Of damaging nature against the
two officers.
Dr. Robinson was present and sat
near his counsel. He was alert to
CNSly anu uouC, ppt his,A'S
have been designated as only an in
terestsd spectator privileged to good
seat near the chief actors in the inves-
tigation. as he did not often offer a
suggestion to his counsel or give other
sign that he was one of the parties
chiefly concerned. A spark of sensa-
tional testimony now and. then perhaps
caused him to turn his head and look at
the witness closely. but generally he sat
with leg crossed and in an easy at
titude and seemed to take the inquiry
as a very ordinary thing. His express
sion seldom changed.
Mr.. Guernsey entered the room about
9 o'clock and Joined DIR. Robinson and
Mr.. Hawley. He had been in his store
on Washington avenue with the four
young men. witnesses of the complain
ant who were waiting any possible sum-
mons to appear. They came with him
20 the city hall. The other principals
Of the inquiry were the same as on
Thursday night.
Argument on Next Friday.
At $3.50 O'Clock the evidence was all In
and Attorney Scragg for the defendants
said he was willing the mayor should
make his decision without delay or ar
guments by counsel, or he was will
ing to argue his case at once. Attorney
Hawley stipulated that arguments
should be made but not until the evil
dence had been transcribed by the Of
flcial stenographer. 1t was ascertained
that transcribing the evidence would
occupy several days. and Friday even
ing Of next week at 1880 o'clock, was
decided upon as the time for arguing
the case.
Colonel E. H. Ripple was the first
witness called by the defense. When
was heard mention of so prominent
parsonage there was a hum of expect
ancy among the spectators. Mr.. Scragg
explained that the good character or
the accused was to be shown by Colonel
Ripple's testimony. Mr.. Hawley
waived such evidence, saying the char
acter of the defendants was not in
yolyed, that the prosecution was en-
deavoring to prove only one specific
charge However, Col. Ripple was eX-'
amined as follows:
How long have you known Lieutenant
John Davis? BY sight, for twenty years,
probably more.
While you were occupying the office of
mayor of this city, did you appoint him
on the police force? l did.
At the time of this appointment by you
did you make inquiries as to his charac-
Ter for truth. virtue, honesty and honor?
I made inquiries as to his general charac-
ter.
What did you then ascertain 1t to be?
That he was a man of good character,
that he would probably make good Off
Ger.
During the time that he was under you,
what did you find him to be? found him
10 be a good officer. -"
Did you ever during the time you have
known him hear of his character for hon
esty, integrity and virtue being ques-
toned? / never did.
Cross ss-examination by Mr.. Hawley:
Have you known Of any officers who
were appointed during your term as
mayor being dismissed? l can call two
to mind now.
Davis Honorable Record.
Lieutenant John Davis recalled: d.
rect examination by Mr.. Scragg:
You said last night you We're an old SOL
der? Yes, sir.
Are you married or single? Married.
You are the father of children? Yes, sir.
Grown? Two of :hcm are grown and are
here tonight.
You were honorably discharged from
the service? Yes. sir.
Officer Block recalled:
You were honorably discharged from
the service?. Yes. sir.
The officer produces a copy of his
original discharge with character lex
cellent."
Frank Marshall. a street car conduc
tor, of 141S Jackson street was called
for the defense; direct examination by
Mr.. Scragg:
You arc acqua otnd With these young
men. George Young, Frank Karcher,
koehler and Lyons? Yes, sir.
What is your knowledge of these young
men as to their habits of frequenting
houses Of Ill fame? AS for Young and
Lyons, they don't often go down that
way to my knowledge. But Koehler and
Karchcr you will see on the streets at all
hours Of the night. have passed them
several times when going. from work COM
Ing out of these places.
Did you see these worthy gentlemen
the night of the firemen's parade? Yes.
sir. They insisted on my going up to have
q drink and wouldn't do 1t. went home.
What was their condition as to sobriety
that night? They were pretty drunk and
] advised them to so home.
officer Day sworn for the defense;
direct examination by Mr.. Scragg:
You know these young gentlemen. Kar-
cher, F,oehler. Young and Lyons? Yes,
sir.
What Is the reputation of these young
men from your knowledge as police off,
Ger Of the city for freQuenting disreputa-
BILE houses Of the city? 1t is not very
good, 1t IL bad.
During your acquaintance with these
young men what has been their reputa-
fion for sobriety? / have seen Koehler
and Karcher under the influence of liquor
more than once. l.
As to the companionship with lewd wo-
men: Last Tuesday morning at quar-
ter 70 8 saw Koehler In company with