New-York tribune., 1897-08-26

Acting Inspector McCullagh has been a target
for Mr.. Parker from the beginning of the quar-
rels In the Police Board. 1t Mr. Parker's
refusal to consent to the promotion OF McCullagh
that started the long fight at the Central Offce
The new Chief will not hesitate to aid the other
three Commissioners against such an open
enemy as Mr.. Parker. and his recommendations
will enable the three Commissioners TO make
promotions and appointments without Mr..
Parkers vote The change Of yesterday was
made possible by the recent resignation OF
Colonel Grant from the Police Board and the
appointment of Colonel Smith Commits
soner.
Mayor Strong understood the effect or the
change when he heard Of il yesterday afternoon,
and he was pleased greatly. This comes at a
most opportune time" he said. and Will have
good effect upon the Department, I guess Com
missioner Parker will have to take back seat
now"
PARKERS BLTNDER.
A curious feature Of the change was that II
was due in part to Of Mr. Parkers own
bIunders When the Commissioners had
ceiyed the application Of Chief COnlin and had
retired him on a pension. Mr.. Parker wanted 10
make sure that Deputy-Chef Cortrght stepped
into the vacant place. He called attention TO
the law which gave to the Police Board the
mower TO appoint a new Chief in the event Of
vacancy and thus opened the eyes OF his coll
leagues to an advantage which they might not
have saen so soon He saw his mistake too late
when his avowed enemy was named for the
Office Of Chief of Police. He voted against the
promotion of McCullagh and later he offered
resolution which his colleagues agreed to, asking
for the advice Of the Corporation Counsel as TO
the validity Of McCullaghs appointment.
While Chief Conn probably had informed Mr..
Parker OF his intention to ask for retirement, II
was believed that Mr.. Parker was not willing 10
lose the assistance of the man who had aided
him in obstructing the reorganization OF the
Department Conlin's manner OF getting out
vas necuiar He contradicted a report that he
intended 10 retire when three Of the Commission
ers had assembled in the boardroom. He waited
until Mr.. Parker had Joined the other Commits
sioners and then he walked into the room in full
uniform. stood at the end of the table at which
they were seated. and said
Mr. President and Gentlemen: After twenty
eight years in the Department. during which I
have risen from the bottom 10 the top Of the
ladder through the various grades, feel It my
duty To- in Justice TO myself, ask u be placed on
the retired list
Chief Conlin then handed to Mr.. Parker ap-
plication for retirement on an annual pension OF
So OOO Mr. Parker passed 1t on TO the chief
clerk President Moss asked Mr.. Conlin to take
n seat Commissioner Andrews then called for
vote on the application for retirement All the
Commissioners voted aye" and the office OF
Chief was vacant
CONIIN TO REST.
President Moss and Commissioners Andrews
and Parker made short speeches. giving express
sion to some compliments and the hope that Mr.
Conlin would be happy in his retirement Mr..
Conlin thanked the Commissioners for their
courtesy. shook hands with them. and said ne
would give any aid in his power TO the incoming
Chief Then he went downstairs and told now
hannv he was In feeling that he was free from
omcial responsibility. He said some peasant
things to Deputy Chief cortright. who expected
20 he Chief Then he said;
"I shall take a long rest now Wnen tnat !"
over shall return to the city where shah en-
cage in business which l am not at THIS time
ready TO say anything about. nave seVerai
contracts on hand, and these Will occupy my
time right along feel like a different man al