The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1897-11-05
HOW IT HAPPENED.
Officer Luudberg's Official DeCapita-
ton Came as a Surprise.
Something of the Officers Who Retire
From the Force rIonday.

ucCUCu Will Vic dppOluUulChUO VI q SUI
cessor to Officer Lundberg Friday.
The newspapers were given "a
straight tip late in the afternoon
that he was to be retained for the
present, and the chopping off of his
head with the rest was surprise all
around. 1t appears that when Mayor
Pfau went to Wells yesterday, he left
instructions that the appointment OF
A. M. Grout was to be presented to
the council, together with the remov-
al Of Officers Schuette and Flanagan.
Mr.. Lundberg's case was to be given
further consideration. This was the
program up to about supper time.
Mayor Pau returned from Wells late
in the afternoon and repaired to his
office, and Officer Schuette soon ap-
peared. The interview between the
mayor and officer was not of that
cordial nature that would presage
harmony for the future. When Mr.
Schuette took his departure, the may
or was not in the most serene temper,
and announced that he would end the
matter at once, without any further
pulling and hauling, and settle the
appointment "for keeps" He then
had his message prepared which gave
Frank Bienapf the star and beat of
Officer Lundberg.
Officer Lundberg had been given to
understand yesterday, from how au-
thoritative a source we do not know,
that he would continue to hold down
his beat for the present. He was
naturally very much "wroth" when he
learned Of his official decapitation. 81 e
says that if he had been let out in the
spring he could easily have found
work, but Gs winter is now almos t
here Jobs are not as thick as autumn q
leaves. He has large family to sup
port. Mr.. Lundberg has served on
the force for two and half years
and Chief Yates pronounces him one
of the best men on the force, and eX.
emplary in his habits.
Officer Schuette is one of the oldest
men Oh the force in point of service
having served for ten and half years
He was appointed by Mayor Pfau dur
ing a previous term, and has proved
to be a reliable and conscientious Of
fetal, who possessed the confidence
and respect of the business men and
property owners as whole. He an
nounces that hereafter he will bt
found a worker in the Republican
ranks, as the Republicans have
shown him more friendship thar
the Democratic party, which he has
stood by ever since coming to this
country.
Officer Flanagan has served on thu
force only about six months, but has
demonstrated during that time tina
he is made of the right kind of stuff
for policeman. He will very likely e
into business, as it is understood that
he has found an opening.
Chief Yates, whom we have already
had occasion to refer to, has not ye
decided as to what he will do in tn
future. He has held the office o
l chief of police longer than any pre-
vious incumbent of the office, and re
! tires with the good wishes of all.
5 Of the men who 60 on the fore
: next Monday, time alone will demon
strate the fitness of their appoint
3 ments. Chas. Wagon, the comm
q chief, is we'll known to most of on
a people. A. M. Grout is not ex-Office
e Grout, as some people think, but is
u u painter by trade, and has been ider
v titled at times IN the past in0the Sa
o vation army and the Prohibitio
d party. Frank Bienapti is driver of th
q q Minneapolis Brewing Co. 8 wagon an
n has many friends. Nick Thilgen ia
= served as a special policeman sine
o last May and his experience will al
! him.
In what particular it is maintaine
It that the efficiency of the police fore
D will be improved by the change
: : made, we do not know. There
4 doubtless room for improv
IS ment, but whether or not the mayor
e authorizations will be realized, remain
# to be seen.