The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1897-11-24
SECRECY is PRESERVED
CONCERNING DESIGNATIONS OF
FIVE POLICE COMMISSIONERS.

FIVE POLICE COMMISSIONERS.
mayor Farsnworth and MI embers of Police
Commission Refuse to Talk-One Practi-
calIy Confirms the Report-says "Where
There's Smoke. There's Usually Fire''-
Cause of the Trouble.
The report that five members Of the
board of police commissioners had re-
| signed was the chief topic of CONVEX
| sation among politicians last night, and
| all Kinds of surmises were made as
TO what the outcome of the matter
would be. No one, however, seemed to
nave a definite idea az to what was
the real cause of the rendering Of the
designations, but that they have been
rendered is a certainty, although Sec
recy concerning the matter is preserved
both by the police commissioners and
by Mayor Farnsworth. The impress
sion gained from the conversation. or
rather refusal to converse, Of the gen
tlemen who undoubtedly know all
about the affair is that there is some
thing that must be kept quiet for the
pest interests personally of all concern
ed. None of them seem TO realize that
the matter is one Of vital public inter-
est, but all guard as closely all the
facts in the case as though it was a
matter of personal interest and the
public had no business to interfere.
None of the police commissioners or
as reports would Indicate, now ex-
commissioners, would talk about the
matter last night. One, when asked If
the report that five commissioners had
resigned was true, said: "Well, where
there Is smoke there is usually fire, you
may draw your own differences.
prefer not to talk about the matter
ASK his honor, the mayor, perhaps he
will say something. Don't mention nv
name, though"
Asked If his remarks did not amount
to confirmation Of the report he
said: Il have told you that you may
draw your own differences. Z don't
think that you will be rar out Of the
way"
In reply to a question as to whether
or not the commissioners had resigned
on account of letter received from the
mayor, summoning them to meeting
TO be reprimanded, the commissioner
refused to answer.
When asked if the action of the NAV
or and the board of finance in refusing
TO include in the> estimates a sum sl1f-
nc1ent to pay for an addition to the
police force. as demanded by the dele
cation of citizens which appeared be-
fore the board Of police commissioners
few days ago was the cause Of the
reslgnatlons, the commissioner said:
NO, that was not a cause. Now
have said that did not care to, talk
about the affair. and I do not intend
to-"
J The board Of finance held short ses-
sion last night and adjourned shortly
after 8 O'Clock. Mayor Farnsworth at
once repaired to his private office with
Reuben Fl. Brown. his business part
1er and also member of the board Of
NANCE A reporter desiring to obtain
Information IN regard to the resigna-
Ion Of the police commissioners rap
BED at his door. The mayor responded.
Ind opening the door about three inch
IS said: Il can't see you. am busy
lust now: good night"
He remained closeted with Mr.. Brown
Until 10:30, when he made his appear
lnce. The reporter asked him il the
'eport that five polfce commissioners
lad rendered their designations was
rue The mayor replied: "You want
Information, do you. Well, + don't
are to talk
The following conversation then en-
ued, the mayor meanwhile endeayor-
ng to escape:
"Mr. Mayor, have the police COM
nissioners resigned?"
Nov you are trying to get infor-
nation''
Have you accepted the designations
NOW, my dear boy, you know I told
ou that did not want to talk about
"Have you yet appointed commis-
toner's to take the places Of those who
ave resigned?'
But to this last question the mayor
ouchsafed no answer, not even retort-
ag with his usual airy persiflage He
urried away with Mr.. Brown, evident
congratulating himself on his sue
ess in keeping from the public the
copies business.
Despite the attempts at secrecy. it is
tated on good authority that the
esignations of the commissioners
ave been rendered because the
layor has intimated that the board
as been remiss in it's duties and has
ent to President Ullman a letter stat
lg that he was disposed to reprimand
lie commissioners. 1t is also said that
letter was sent to each commissioner
.questing him to attend meeting Of
le police board to be held with the
ayor. The commissioners learned that
this meeting the mayor contemplat-
giving them talk which in fact
ould be reDrimand and after talk
g the matter over among themselves
'cided to resign rather than submit to
lch tndignity. AS the matter now
ands New Haven is without a board
police commissioners, and unless the
each is healed and the designations
e recalled or new board is appoint.
there will be no regular meeting of
e police commissioners next Tuesday
ening.