Evening star., 1897-04-28
INVESTIGATING PIERCE CASE
Some Detectives Think He Had Con-
s>% - 915derate.
His Partner Exonerated by Pterce's
Statement-k6uses Robbed In
the EMfly Morning.

The case of Policeman Pierce, arrested on
charge Of robbing houses on his beat.
continues to excite e2comment among men,
bers Of the force. nPierce was suspended
from duty when placed under arrest, and
Will naturally be dismissed from the serv-
Ice Although not more than one-half of
the stolen property hass been recovered,
and the accused policeman admitted that he
had an accomplice, Inspector Hollinberger
said this morning he believed that Pierce
did all the stealing alone. On the other
hand, the detectives are reasonably certain
that Pierce had an accomplice, and they
were anxious to make several arrests as
soon as Pierce was taken in custody. They
were delayed SO much that the parties sus-
pected, If they had any of the plunder,
could have gotten rid of it. When first
arrested Pierce was anxious to know if
any others had been arrested; but he de-
cIared he would not tell on his confederate.
He afterward mentioned the name of Po-
llceman II. +. Short, but did so with the
distinct understanding that Short was not
to be told that he Pierce) gave the infor-
nation. Despite this understanding Short
was taken before Pierce, and the latter.
when asked, denied that he had made any
accusation and exonerated Short.
The officers went to Shorts house On
Maine avenue and made search, but fail
ed to find any of the property.
Pferce's Partner.
Shcrt and Pierce were partners during
the time the robbery was committed and
now that Pierce's actions are known Short
Is able and willing to throw some light
on the robberies. He says that Pierce fre-
quently left him between 4 and o'clock
in the morning and met him later on at
some given point. At that time there was
considerable gossip among the men con-
cerning Pierce's domestic affairs, and Short
imagined that Pierce was watching his
own house. Finally when there was trou.
Edwards had the fight, Short was fully con-
vinced that his partner had been leaving
MIN early In the morning for the purpose
ne had suspected. Now, however, he thinks
made to the houses of Mrs, Cooke and
Major Mcmillan.
General Investigations
The detection, arrest and commitment to
jail of Pierce is not the only sensation
promised In the case, for Maj. Moore has
ordered full investigation of all the cir
cumstances connected with it. Such an in
Vest1sation, 1t is said, may involve other
members OF the force and may have some
bearing on the discipline of the officers in
the seventh precinct incidentally the in
Vestsati0n may react on some other pre-
clncts. Why policemen should be permit
ted to leave their beats in the manner in
which Pierce left his and without being re-
ported is matter for official inquiry. The
rules say that except on police business
policemen are not permitted to leave their
beats. Vfolationsnof of this rule subject the
offender to a finhf or dismissal and It is
said that Maj. Moore favors heroic meas
ures. But unless the Commissioners sane
ton the major Recommendations nothing
can be done. UntaaE the law it is said the
commissioners have the power to dismiss
oHcers without TRIAL before the police trial
a mn ha 1o,.o T..
case. So far as pierce is concerned their
authority to do this cannot be questioned
Tor 1t was done even under the old board
OF police commissioners. To just what ex-
tent the Investigation is to be carried is
not known This morning Inspector Holm
berger made a report on the case to Mai
Moore, and this Tsport will be forwarded
to the Commissioners without delay The
stolen property tt1at was recovered from
the officers hOune:is still in the hands of
the detectives andsMin be turned over to
Property Clerk Sylvester to be held until
ths case comes before the Criminal Court.