The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-04-17
ROGERSLEAVES TOWN
He Obtains Leave Of Absence
and Will Go to Mexico.
PROBABLY OUT or THE FIGHT.
For Chief az Police, and Now specula-
ton Il Rife Agsin-c. .. Reed
Lett In Charge.

The police department was treated 20 .
genuine sensation yesterday afternoon.
but Il came about in such a natural way
and was executed so cleyeriy that the
shock caused general silence and wosdsr.
instead OF an uproar. As late as II o'clock
last night the knowing ones in police mat
tiers were shaking their heads and trying
10 figure out what had actually taken
place.
II was In the middle OF the afternoon
that the morning and afternoon patrols
met al police headquarters. owing to It's
being drill day. The men were drawn up
In lire, when Chief OF Police Rogers sud
denly stepped out Of the registering de-
partmeni, and In his short. sharp. quick
and decisive manner said.
II shall be away from the city Tor time.
ard have appointed c. S. Reed TO act as
chief OF police
The men stood dumb with amazement
for a few moments. and then some OF them
thought the chief was joking. This feeling
was changed last evening. however. when
Il was actually seen that Reed was IN
charge OF the police department.
The departure Of Rogers for Mexico has
Giyen rise to a nultituds Of inquiries. TO
say nothing OF the thousand and one con-
lectures as 10 why he did II. and what
ne has in view. 1t can be taken for grant
ed that the chief Is not very anxious to
would not have applied for a leave Of alb
seuce at this critical time.
Yesterday afternoon the following note
was handed 10 Mayor Wood:
Seattle, Wash, April 1s. 1886.
mayor w. u. Wood. City Of Seattle
Dear Sir: desire TO request leaVe on
absence for a period of twenty Gays. 20
take effect April II. is5. and If said leave
Of absence Is granted would respectfully
nominate Patroiman Charles ). Resd 70
OF the police department during said abb
ssA'e' ' "BoLToN ROGERS.
"Chief Of Police.''
The mayor changed the figures go 20
s'l6'' and then gave his consent Inis car
rled with II the recognition OF Reed as act
ing chief OF police. Reed mas never been
q candidate for the position. so the APP
pointment was a genuine surprise. II Is
understood, however, that Chi.f Rogers
named Reed because he IS not mixed up
in the fight for the chisf.liashio. Capt
Hogle. who Is next In rank 10 CHEF
Rogers, is looked upon as she candidate OF
the A. p. A.. so It is presumed that Rogers
did not care to place the reins of gov
eminent in his hands. The chief undoub.-
edly preferred that the factions rnould
fight IL out with even chances and free
field. provided they could get things IN
order 70 scalp him during his absence from
the city.
Last night Rogers refused to be inter-
viewed.
Are you going to resi- nTi asked the
reporter. II never resign" he replied.
Can your trip 10 Mexico be taken as
an indication hat you do not care
whether you hold the Office any longer or
not?'. II do not care how you take It,"
vas his reply.
''will you still make Seattle your home
hap abb ha aat .f tai
during your absence?'' Il shall continue
TO cali Seattle my nome"
what shall be said tomorrow morning
as coming from you regarding the sgni-
fcance OF this trip" Say anything you
have a mind to. j have obtained a leave OF
absence and am going TO Mexico"
The chief viii be accompanied al far SIS
Victoria by his wife. who viii visit friends
and then return 10 Seattle.
II Is known that Van Brocklin. formerly
OF the board OF public works. Is already in
Mexico at their mines. and when Rogers
arrives he will have with him the foreman
who has been engaged 10 look after the
work.
c. 8. Reed. who Is now acting chief
used TO work for the c. r. whitiiescy Alb
stract Company before he went into the
police department. He has lived in the
city about seven years but has not been
on the force more than two or three. He
n well liked by all who know him