The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-02-11

Chief PrdtES suspension Oh CdPIalii
John J. Donovan came in for a good
| share of consideration at the executive
session of the board Of fire and polce
commissioners last night. There is a
very wide question whether the CHIEF
has any authority to suspend the cap
tain or not When Captain Donovan
was handed a release from duty on the
day of the big raid he paid no atten-
ton to it, in fact partly refused to take
the notice when it was served He mas
reported for duty at the usual hours
ever since and continues about MS
business as if nothing had happened.
Chief Pratt brought this matter be-
fore the board and it is understood
after a great deal of discussion the
members came to the conclusion thai
none but the mayor can suspend. But
as this whole business hinges on the
outcome of the captains case today no
action was taken.
Another important matter relating
to LIQUOR selling, gambling, and pros
titution came up. In view of the re-
cent criticism on the raid, the board
resolved to let the people know just
where it stands. Chairman Jennings
presented a resolution instructing the
! chief to enforce the ordinances of this
city against Sunday liquor selling,
gambling and prostitution, to the letter.
! Empey seconded the resolution.
Commissioner Stevens, who presided
over the executive meeting, left the
chair and spoke against the measure
so far as prostitution was concerned
T. \ L. .c,r ton of
all violations of the Sunday liquor
/ selling and gambling, but was most en-
phatically opposed to the extermina-
ton of prostitution for reasons he had
previously stated to the press.
The resolution, however, passed.
Jennings and Empey voting affirmative
! ~ and Stevens negatively, Commits
sioner Noble being absent.
The question of reducing the police
force to conform with the new or
dinance was then taken up. AS there
seems to be no provision in regard to
the manner in which the members of
the force may be discharged, it was
decided to ask the city attorney for
an opinion on the point. The board,
of course, has the power to discharge,
| but whom to discharge is the point
upon which the members desire en-
ightenment.
Prior to going into secret session an
| open meeting was held to which report
ers were admitted.
The appropriations allowed amount
ed to $S1.40.
William Krout, who only about two
weeks ago was appointed special
nishtwatchman of the block surround
ed by Second and Third South and
Main and West Temple streets is a
failure according to Chief Pratt. A
few days ago. the chief stated, when
the police were about to pull resort
for allowing women in after hours
Krout gave the nymphs the tip. Later
the Waterman was found enjoying
/ himself in the back room of the saloon
with several female consorts. Krout
was stripped of his power as special
policeman.
communication from the Rio
Grande Western people announc-
ed that Edward Ayers had
| been appointed night watchman
at their depot in the place of S.
Sims. resigned. On advice of Chief
Pratt special police authority was con
ferred upon Mr.. Ayers in view of the
fact that under the reduction in the
force it would be necessary to with
draw the regular patrolman from both
depots
The board then adjourned for one
week.