New-York tribune., 1897-08-03
MOSS. ANDREWS AND SMITH.
AN UNDERSTANDING APPARENTLY
REACHED BY THEM.
r,s,rr coSIIN NAY BE TRIED FOR INsUBoRpINA-
r,ox-p,soRpERLy HOUSES AND POLICY
SHOPS TO BE PROCEEDED AGAINST
PARKER IGNORED.


SHOPS TO BIZ PROCEEDED AGAINST
PARKER IGNORED
co,onel George Moore Smith. the new Police
Commissioner did not allow the grass 20 grow
under his feet very long before making up his
mind as to which side Of the Board he would
adhere He made it apparent yesterday that
ba would side with President Moss and Mr..
Andrews
For over three hours yesterday the president.
Commissioner Andrews and Colonel Smith were
closeted together in secret conference. Mr..
Parker was not present, for the simple reason
that he was not invited. He Intentionally
excluded from Mr. Andrews's office. where the
meeting was held. and the door locked.
shortly before 6 o'clock. when the three Com
,nissioners emerged from the conference. they
stood chatting pleasantly together for a few
moments and from their manner it was evident
that they on terms of perfect understand
ing with one another. The inference that is
drawn at Headquarters from this protracted
and secret conference is that there is de-
termination on the part of the three Commits
sloners to ignore Mr.. Parker far practica
bic in administering the business Of the police
force 1t is agreed, Also that at this confer
ence Commissioners Moss. Andrews and Smith
discussed and settled the policy they would pur-
sue and would be able to carry it out now that
a permanent majority was assured the
Board.
THE CHARGES AGAINST CONLIN.
The substance of replies to inquiries put by a
Tribune reporter to the Commissioners after the
session made II clear that the question of dis
cplining Chief Conlin discussed and there
IS every likelihood that. despite Mr. Parker's
contention that the charges against Chief Con-
lin have been disposed Of he will be brought
10 trial upon the charges Of INSTRUMENTATION re-
Gently presented against him.
Among other matters which it was learned the
Commissioners discussed at their conference
was the suppression Of disorderly houses and
policy shops 1t is understood that the intention
OF the majority is to work for the determination.
as far as possible Of these places. and that every
means will be used in obtaining evidence
against them The attitude of President Moss
and Mr. Andrews upon the question of employ
ing even somewhat invidious methods in acqur-
ing the requisite proof is well known. Colonel
Smith at yesterdays conference seemingly
won over TO their way of thinking. although two
days ago he was reported as saying that he
would be loath to sign bills such were shown
him for getting evidence; he somewhat qualihed
this position whcn he said after the conference
10 a Tribune reporter: Until / am better ac-
quainted with the work and exigenc:es of the
Police Department l cannot be expected TO say
what course will pursue. because | may find 1t
essential and expedient in the interests Of the
public good to sign bills Of the nature you refer
10"
Commissioner Andrews asked if the fut-
ure policy of the .rd had been decided upon
Yes to some extent" he replied.
"Wiil that policy be on the same lines as IN the
past?"
SOME CHANGES IN POLICY.
"Weu no: there will be changes. but I am not
at liberty to say what they are
DO the changes apply to the suppression OF
dsorderly houses"
Yes. there are some changes contemplated IN
that direction also in the disciplining Of the
force and there are possible changes in other
directions which l shall try TO bring about.
President Moss. when asked whether the ex-
cusion Of Mr. Parker from the conference
showed a desire on the part Of the majority to
act INDEPENDENTLY of Mr.. Parker. begged not
TO b asked questions which tended to stir up
old controversies He was not disposed TO talk
about what took place at the meeting.
Nevertheless, is ii not true that you propose
to close up disorderly houses?
.Those and policy shops; in fact. there is going
10 be a general tackling Of those places.
The president was then informed of what
Commissioner Parker had said earlier IN the
day that it was impossible to renew the charseS
disposed Of The charges were not disposed
Of" contended MIR. Moss. The Chief has not
yet been brought to trial. and it rests with
the Commissioners what action they Will
take in the matter. -
Has Chief Conln ever mentioned ~ 9ou ITO
wish to resign?"
NO: but he has told me at times that his eyes
were becoming weak. and that ne suHereu HUN
catarrh of the stomach 49,
"Tf Chief Conlin has an ambition to be the
first Chief Of the Greater New-York police, has
he a good chance of becoming so?
Yes If he is Chief on January l. ms cnahces
of being reappointed the best OF all.
MR.. PARKER NOT PLEASED.
At the end Of the conference between the other
Commissioners, Mr. Parker was again seen, and
q was observable that he did not view in an
altogether pleasant light the discrimination his
colleagues had shown against him.
Were you not even invited TO this confer'
ence?" he asked.
"Rut such a course is unusual. is 1t not?'
"Wel / always consult with all my colleagues
upon all Board matters | have TO discuss OF
"May 1t not be taken that this meeting means
that your three associates have outlined polcy
for the conduct Of the Department from the
knowledge Of which you have been EXCLUDED
''I don't know How can sey? If So now
ever the inevitable reaction VIII follow lor
knowledge Of such thing will produce us proper
effect upon the mind Of every fair minded man
i would sooner fight a junta than be in It,.
when YOU consider Commissioner Andrewss
presence at this meeting ana MS sta'eiieII n,,'a
one Of the subjects discussed was the dlsciPnIle
OF the force is not the inference 10 be drawn
that there is trouble in store for Chief Conlin?
Trouble for Chief Conlin can only come from
his own shortcomings. No set policy to make
irouble for him can succeed. because such
thing is always futile. and needs pretty poor
specimen OF superior TO undertake.
"Do YOU think the other Commissioners in
tend TO try Chief Conlin on the old charges or on