The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-24
TURNED ON COLBERT
PATROLMAN JOHNSON GIVES SAFETY
BOARD A TALK TO THE POINT.
superintendent Efforts to Remove
Men of His Own Party Opposed
to Him.

ceive a little fatherly talk on their habits.
Some were said to imbibe most too freely,
while with others the complaint was that
they had Above themselves to get sick or
injured too often. John Johnson an old
patrolman and one who has a good reputa-
ton as an officer, was told that it had
come to the ears of the board that he drank
too much and that he had been of duty
sick more than he should have been. He
was also told that he was brought there
merely to be cautioned. He is a Democrat.
He told when he had been sick and the
cause of 1t, which was satisfactory to the
board and then he said that he was not
guilty OF the charge of drinking.
Il have been brought here" he said. mot
because there is any charge against me.
for there is none, but entirely through
malice of my superior officers" This re-
mark fell on the ears of the board with
considerable effect and was a great surprise.
d you think they hold malice toward
you?" asked Mr.. Mcguire.
yes, sir; my superintendent and Captain
Quigiey both. There were others vino were
off on sick leave longer than 1 have ever
been. n with less cause, yet they are
not here to-day. although their names were
originally on the list of men to be sum-
moned. All / ask now is for this board to
accept my badge taking it ofD and my club
and other property of the city,"
do you mean to resign?"
yes, sir, that Is just what l mean. l am
tired of this way of being brought up here
with no charge against me and having my
name printed in the newspapers all over
the State as a man who is brought before
the board to be lectured for getting drunk.
1 had a respectable reputation when 1 came
on the force and all 1 want now Is to
leave while l can still retain that reputa-
tion."
Johnson said afterward, in speaking of his
resignation:
al went on the police force in 1894, be-
ing appointed as a. Democrat on the recon-
ice under Superintendent Powell was
never before him or before the board for
the slightest neglect of duty. and 1 am sure
my record was al as an officer 1 obeyed
orders explicitly. In April, 1885, l. was
kicked In the side and two OF my ribs dis
woman who is now in the Insane hospital.
Tie time / have laid off on account OF SICK
ness has been caused by. this injury, which
1 received in the direct line of duty. Police
Surgeon Courtney recently ordered me laid
off for a few days for treatment, but the
injury is not such as to incapaeitate me
"The reason Colbert and Quigley. have
bounded me was on account OF politics. Be-
fore Colbert was appointed expressed my
TO be appointed superintendent. / had also
said that 1 thought Captain Campbell ought
to be retained as he was one OF ~ the so best
Quigley thought / was trying to get him
reduced TO the ranks and he has had 1T in
for me. He and Colbert knew
me. so they tried this method of getting
me off the force. They nave a personal dis
like to other men on the force, whom they
are seeking tn get rid of on the ground
OF sickness I am still a Democrat and
do not propose to allow Colbert and Quigley
when i | went Wei t. to Iroi cali tonight to re-
turn my keys. which 1 forgot to turn over
to the board this afternoon, Colbert ordered
me to sit down in a chair. / told him l
him. He said he. wanted to talk to me as
a Citizen. He said, L understand you intend
to to attack sa%atb me, or or '{ ySat in aort. 70 a snooi m !
who gave him the information. He replied
that patrolman Moore had told him. i said:
statement tells a lie.' He said / would not
dare to deny IL before Moore. Moore was
sent for and he told Colbert he had never
said anything of the kind. He told Colbert
then that he had merely said / had a temper
and might do something
He turned over the city property in his
possession and left the room.
n. Jackson is a patrolman who weighs
about go pounds. He was charged with be-
Ing too fat and was asked II he thought
lie tOulu ktl dIOull4 do e no a lhdAttl
man. He said he could get around well
enough to do his duty. He was advised TO
try gymnasium work and the board onered
the assistance OF Clerk Herrick IN training
Off some OF his flesh.
N. J. Hoffbauer. M. Mahoney, w. IL. Cox,
Joseph Recer and ID; b.; Capi,nger Were eau
when they should be on duty.
The board received a proposition from Inc
American Fire Engine company, OF Cinein-
in engine No. 4 for $3.50. The same company
offered to fully repair the present boiler
for $3.50. The engine Is now at the shop OF
Cruise Brothers. In this city. where II was
sent to have new tubes put in. The cost
was to be S35. After the engine was taken
apart 1t was found thas.a new crown sheet
would be necessary in the boiler and Cruise
brothers wanted s64S for doing the work,
which the other company offers to do for
$3.50. The puzzle now is what can be done.
TO Cincinnati and have II repaired and pos
sibly ave a coil boiler put In. but does
not know whether It can get the engine
Frank Sloan, the fireman who was hurt
at the Schnull fire, sent in a bill for $l56
due DR.. Marsee for medical attendance. The
board had no money with which to pay Ii
and Ii was decided TO wait until next years
estimates are made and include an appro-
priation for the purpose.
fire alarm boxes and four gongs, which were
ordered purchased. He also wants a. horse
and light wagon for the Telegraph Depart
II. A. w. Davis, OF the Water company,
asked permission for the Mueller Manufac-
turing Company to exhibit a motocycie on
American Water Works Association May e,
q and %. This Is the Mueller motorcycle
that took first prize In the ,g Iimes-aeraid
was granted, but not until Mr.. Mcguire
had his little joke by. proposing to instruct
the clerk to say to Mr.: DAVIS tnat ne had
about the matter.