The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-28
COLBERT, CHIEF OF DETECTIVES.
Appointment Surprise-Dr. Wiley
Was sGprun, Down


Appointment "A Surprise-Dr. wiley
Was 'Trun" Down.
Although the fact that meeting of the
Board of Public Safety had not been an
nounced, large body of office-seekers and
their friends got wind of it and gathered
in the City Hall last night. Among them
were DR.. Wiley, candidate for police sur
geon, and large number of his personal
and political friends, who threatened to
beard the lion (TaggarD in his den, if
Wiley was "trun" down. While the board
was in session behind closed doors the
mayor brushed past the excited crowd,
avoiding efforts to detain him Just min
ute" Superintendent Quigley and Fire
Chief Barrett and two fire captains were
later admitted, and this gave rise to specu-
lation as to whether changes were to be
made in both the police and fire forces.
After the meeting it was asserted that no
changes in the fire force are contemplated.
Reporters who ventured to open the door
were informed that the board was "en-
gagged" After an hours conference the
doors were thrown open and Clerk Herrick
read the list of appointments that had been
made and the designations that had been
accepted
Mcguire, that no disposition has been
made Of the building inspectors resigna-
ton. The board is contemplating the aboli-
ton of the hay market, as there is hardly
sufficient revenue from it to justify the ex-
pense. This has not been decided on def
nitely."
If tho hay market is abolished, the office
of weighmaster will go with it. Thomas F..
roll al
WAS anything done with Mr.. Herrick' s
resignation" the president was asked.
mo action was taken on it. For the pres
ent the board is content to let that stand
as it u.s.
The board also announced that nothing
had been done in regard to the appointment
Of veterinary surgeon. 1t has been as
serted however, that commission appoint
ing E. H. Pritchard has already been signed
and that on the strength Of this knowledge
Joseph Bauer, a representative of the Home
Brewing Company, is urging his candidacy
for councilman at large, wee I. J; Mont
gomery, resigned. PriIchard was the eau
Gus nominee of the Democratic councilmen,
but it is asserted he has declined.
Henry Seyfried and two or three other
friends of DR.. Wiley, the disappointed cans
didate for police surgeon, filed in while the
appointments were being announced, but
there was no eruption when they found that
of the minor politicians button-holed the
mayor for moment, but they were mild
hammered and spoke in subdued tones.
superintendent Quigley said that he had
recommended the changes in the detective
force, as that department had not been CIV
ing satisfaction for long time. He said
that 1t was his intention to make the police
and detective departments as efficient as
possible There were formerly seven de-
tectives. There has been one vacancy since
the death of Detective Kahne. With the
reduction of Richards and McGuff the force
is reduced to five. President Mcguire said
that when 1t became necessary to have
more men two would be detailed for de-
tective work from the police force by the
superintendent. Superintendent Quigley
said that he would observe whether there
is an improvement in the detective depart.
ment. He expressed confidence that Col
bert will make of it a useful adjunct to the
police force, but declared that If he does
not, some one else will be given an oppor-
tunity to do so.
There was good deal of surprise about
town last night when it was learned that
Splann had been succeeded as chief of de-
tectives by Colbert. Splann has been con-
nected with the police department in some
capacity for the greater part Of twenty-six
years. He began as q patrolman in 1873,
served as captain for long time and re-
tired with a change Of administration in
1883. He was OUT six years: In 1883 ne was
later became the head of the detective force,
when that department was formed In the
twenty-six years Of service he has never
has not been reprimanded. Business men
and politicians alike who have known him
have regarded him as an efficient, painstak-
ing officer The prevailing opinion is that
he was simply deposed to make place for
Thomas f. Colbert, who was permitted to
resign his office of superintendent of police
a few weeks ago. The office to which Coll
bert was appointed last night pays $50 a
year. AS superintendent he received 81 900.
There are many predictions that the new
arrangement will not last, belief obtaining
that there will be a clash of authority be-
tween the two chief officers. Considerable
surprise was expressed at Colbert being
willing to accept a subordinate position; 1t
is believed that the reasons for the retire
ment of Dave" Richards from the de-
tective force were purely personal, as he
has gained the reputs ton of being good
detective. His work in the Holmes murder
mystery and the compliments he received
from Inspector Gary, of Philadelphia, whom
he was detailed to assist, are well remem-
bered. While Colbert was superintendent
Richards was frequently kept in his Office
for special detail work. 1t is said that the
favors shown him created luminosity in GER
tain quarters, which now finds expression in
his reduction to patrolman.