The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-21
Policemen Who Served
During the War.
Lieut.. O'Neil's Capture of a
Mad Man at North End.
A Smiths Hill Tragedy With Affect
ing Circumstances

Not a few of the men who have gained
distinction in the police department were
among those who served at the front dur
ing the War of the Rebellion. There is
ex.Chief. Child, with splendid war rec
ord, Deputy Egan, who fought under
the Stars and stripes when only q mere
boy, Captain Costine of the Fifth Sta
tion, who was color bearer under Sheri-
dan in the famous campaign in the val
lev, Detective Parker, who went out in
the First ..Rhode Island Cavalry and
fought at cedar Mountain, the second
Bull Run, Charlottesville, fredericks-
burg, kelley's Fora and other bloody
contests, and many others who baitied
braveIy for the preservation of the ma
tion,s integrity. Down at the Third sta
tiou there Is another member OF the de-
partment who has an enyiable record as
soldier, and whose capacity and ablilty
have won him high place in the depart
ment of which, for going on quarter OF
. century, be has been an honored mem
ber.
Lieutenant Edward O'Neil is Provi-
dence man. He first saw the light OF
day not far from where the city hall now
stands. and his native city has always
been his home except during the time
he was following the flag IN the south.
He was a member of the Second Rhode
Island Infantry, and was wounded slight
ly at Statewide, and later was danger
ousIy wounded in the terrific battle at
Fair Oaks. After long detention In the
hospital he was mustered out OF service
and finaily recovered sufficiently from
his wound to accept position at the
Rhode Island Locomotive Works. In No
vember, 1874, he became member OF the
department, and his ability quickly won
recognition and promotion, until he
reached his present grade. Lieutenant
O'Neil has made a GOOD many notable
arrests IN his time, and has always dis
PLAYED rare ability, tact and good judge
ment.
One OF the cases which the Gossiper
calls to mind was that of Charles Smith,
who some years ago while suffering
from mental disturbance terrorized the
>epIe of -NeFtA- End to such- an ex-
mt that IL was deemed advisable to take
ifu into custody. When this course was
decided upon several attempts were made
TO arrest him but they all proved ahortiye.
smiths house was an arsenal While
Smith himself went armed 10 the teeth
and threatened to let daylight through
any one who interfered with him. That
he was In earnest in making this threat
was clearly shown when patrolmen Sher-
man and Madden made an attempt to
take him into custody. Smith opened
fire on them and when they withdrew
Patrolman sherman found he had bullet
hTs in his hat. -
Lieutenant O'Neil did not care to ex-
pose his officers TO the murderous fire OF
q madman. SO he decided TO see IL Smith
could not be captured by strategy. Late
at night ne went alone TO Smiths place
and found everything quiet, the walking
arrenal was evidently of duty and attend
ing TO natures demands in the way OF
slnIn Der. The lieutenant succeeded in get
ting into the barn through window and
began at once TO explore the interior.
Smiths wagon was there and so was his
gun, loaded, while at the bottom and with
IN easy reach were dozen or more extra
cartridges ready for use. The big door
was fastened on the inside. This the
lieutenant opened and going out sent to