The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-14

Cincinnati Police Seem to Have
Worked Like 'Pudd'nheads.-

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
CINCINNATI, March a3.-Ex-Chief Of dc
~tectives, Capt. ]. c. Grammar, VINO now has
an agency of his own, reviewed the biundars
Of the police in the Pearl Bryan murder
case. and his observations are full of inter-
est to all who have followed the story OF
this terrible murder. A reporter found him
at the Office CT his bureau in the Pike
Building.
Captain Grammar, do you believe Jackson
and Walling killed Pearl Bryant"
Il have my opinion, but it might do some
one an injustice the Captain said, in his
nervous way.
1.-THE circumstances of the case look very
dark for the guilt of the accused men, but
the necessity Of proof rests with the au-
thorities."
Have you read and studied the case?"
II was never more interested in a case in
my life, and nave read all that the papers
From what you have read do you think
there is sufficient evidence TO convict the
Judging from all circumstances as pub
lished, there is much to show guilt. but,
if tried in an unp~rejudiced court, where
only lawful evidence is considered proof, L
do not believe they would be convicted on
the evidence now made pubic. In such a
case, depending on positive proof, | believe
the jury would not convict. As a detective,
however, i hope the authorities have not
been 50 foolish as to publish to the world
their evidence"
From a professional view, where are the
weak points in the management OF the
While ] believe there are many weak
points, Captain Grammar said. ~ don't
feei justified IN ans vering the question. L
am on friendly terms with the officers in
both States and could hardly ~criticise their
Has the case been we'll hand;ed?'
Too many persons have. figured in 1t
from the start. One man should have had
exclusive charge from the beginning-sorne
one who was thoroughly conversant in such
matters, and this is only acquired by years
OF experience. l believe the results would
have been different and more satisfactory
to the public"
IF this had been your case, what course
would you have pursued?'
mo detective can adopt positive meas
ures for such a case In advance. The ground
must be gone over personally before he is
able TO Judge. This murder differs from any,
thing | have met in a quarter of a CEN
fury, and ii was peculiarly necessary to
observe the s~trictest secrecy of all appar-
G nj evidence. The press and the public
should not nave been taken into confidence
until the proper time
WAS IL a mistake not to send to Green
castle the first day, and secretly?"
BRASS BAND" DETECTIVES.
1.-The officers who went to Greencastle
went i'm good faith, but 1 believe a mistake
was made in sending so many. One was
elOusH. III lie SiOulo DdNC QCNOlCQ
their time and given special attention to
this end of the line. When the detectives
mission is known, as a rule. his efficiency is
greatly impaired"
SHOULD a man have started Saturday,
"A skilled detective should have been
sent the first day-one well versed in pro-
curing evidence in murder cases, and with
out letting any one know the nature or
his mission"
was it not through Mr.. Poock. the New
port shoe dealer, that the main point In the
evidence was secured?"
The real point in the case was secured by
Mr.. Poock, and the identity Of the muir
dered girl was thereby discovered. Had 1t
not been for him, the public would have lost
interest in the preservation of the body,
which would soon have become decomposed,
and the unpleasant smell and CHASTITY ap-
pearance OF the trunk would have caused
ters' field.
mr.. Poock was far-sighted enough to ex-
anime her shoes. and by this means later
disclosed the fact where they were made,
and whom for, as well as who sold them.
This gentleman'S keenneSs caused all the
unraveling UP TO the present. Blu such in
stances" reflected Mr.. Grammar, occur in
thousands of criminal cases. as murder. ar
son and the like. Evidence is secured from
a bystander. who makes some suggestion.
Citizens who are not officers have assisted
In most mysterious crimes. and II 1t Were
at sea oftentimes."
I'm your judgment should detectives work
in Dairs?' the reporter asked.
I'm all w~ell-regulated detective depart
ments the men operate in pairs. They
counsel and uphold each other, especially
In unearthing murder, burglary and general
robbery"
Should the police department have a
cipher system for such kilograms as were
Sent from Greencastle2"
There is but one correct system OF send
ing I'm the messages OF any detective de.
partment. and that Is by cipher kilograms