The San Francisco call., 1896-03-01
Captain Healy, Clerk of the Board OF Po-
Ice Com sinrerS
OFFICE CHIEF OF POLICE,

SAN FRANCISCO. Feo. 90, 1896.
To the Honorable Board Of Police Commits
si0ners-GFSTLENEN: I respectfully tender N
resignation as Chief OF Police Of the City aud
County OF San Francisco.
incIose herewith application 10 be retired
under provisions OF section OF the pension
law.
Ny object in sending in M resignation at
this time is TO take much needed rest after q
service OF more than twenty-three years IS
Chief of Police OF this City and County.
Thanking you kindly for many favors ex-
tended 10 me, and hoping our friendly rela-
ttons will continue in the future as IN the past,
am, gentlemen; very respectfully,
P. CROWLEY, Chief OF Police.
The news quickly spread, and caused
the greatest CONSERVATION in the depart
ment. 1t was not at first credited, but
when II was known to be fact there was
a universal feeling OF regret that the noble
old man, broken down by grief at the loss
OF his son, should have found it necessary
to take such step.
The Chief was seen in his Office yester-
day afternoon. His face wore traces OF
the suffering he has undergone since the
death of his son, and while talking about
that and his resignation his voice often
faltered, and the unbidden tears came into
his eyes.
Yes" he said, sit IS true that I have
sent in nv resignation. l am glad and yet
am SAD glad TO get a much needed rest
and be away from all this worry and re-
sponsibility, and sad TO sever my connec-
ton with the Police Department, which
has been in effect the spirit of my life. L
am getting old now. am 65 years of age
next month and cannot expect to live
many years longer so l think | Will spend
the remaining years OF my life IN peace
and quietness with my family.
This is no new thing with me. -Four
years ago l signifed my intention OF re-
signing, but was prevailed upon not TO do
so. If had carried out my intention then
my son might have been spared to me.
II have seen Mr.. Tobin and Mr.. Alvord.
They did not want me TO send in my resig-
nation, but I insisted. They asked me at
least not TO retire till April 1, but l want
to get away as soon as possible and have
asked that my resignation take effect on
March 10, and that Is the arrangement at
present.
l will have nv pension. am too old TO
go into any business, but my pension Will
keep me from want
II have striven to do my duty honestly
and fearlessIy, and | defy any man TO say
that I have been guilty of any dishonor-
able act during my term OF office. Tne
newspapers have always treated me fairly
been attacked, but | never was personally
attacked except once, and that was about
twenty years ago by an evening paper, and
| was able to prove TO the editor that he
was wrong.
II have, OF course, my enemies, but
think they simply consist of men who
have been discharged from the department,
and the department was well rid OF them.
1.-THE trouble with me has been that
have been too sensitive. When the de-
partment or any member was attacked
worried over it as much as if had been
personally attacked and that has told
upon me- am physically and mentally
strong vet, but felt the effects OF the con-
slant worry and must have rest.
sI have always tried 70 be friend to the
men under me and have taken a personal
interest in each and every one of them.
Oulv one man betrayed my confidence
and as soon as | was satisfied that be h d
done so l took prompt action and had him
dismissed from the department. Yes,
mean Clerk Hall. He was black sheep.
Suppose the Commissioners should re-
fuse to entertain your resignation and offer
Won vacation for two or three months.
what would you do?'
aThev cannot compel me-" replied the
Chief, ito remain against my will. have