Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-02-20
AFFAIRS
A Sensation at Police Headquarters Last
Night.
Relations Between Chief Webster
and Sergeant Smith-LOcal Notes
of General Interest.
Evening Star Bureau,
No. 121 North Washington street,


No. 121 North Washington street,
Telephone 116.
ALEXANDRIA, Va, February 20, 1897.
There was a sensation at police head
quarters last night when Chief Webster
denounced Sergt. Smith in vigorous and
harsh language.
There has been friction evident between
the officers for some time past. Chief
Webster has had no further communica-
ton with Sergt. Smith than his official
duties required. The trouble dates from
the effective raid on the policy shops and
players conducted by Sergt. Smith in jan
uary. The sergeant, for fear of failure.
made no confidants until he had every
thing in readiness for action. Chief Web
ster felt much sighted. he said, because
he was not consulted in the matter, and
from that day until this the relations be-
tween the officers have been strained.
Inc trouble last night was about a watch
which was stolen from Harry Smoot in a
disreputable house last fall. 1t appears
tfat the sergeant got a personal letter
from person connected with the case
ana when the sergeant went to headquar-
ters last night Chief Webster demanded
this letter. but Sergt Smith refused TO
give II up at the same time telling Kim
that 1t was a personal letter
understand that the letter reflects
upon my character" said the chief
The letter is personal one" responded
oerst. smith, and does not reflect on you
OF any member of the police force and 1
snail hot give it to anybody The chief
then, 1t is said. called Smith a coward and
appiied other opprobous epithets to him.
emphasized with profanity, and advanced
upon Smith. but was stopped by Mayor
thompson, who was present.
Sergt. Smith took the matter coolly
Everything quieted down, and Sergt Smith
left the room and went down stairs The
matter attracted quite good deal of attcn-
tion and has caused sensation that will
in all probability develop into a greater
one, as the case and the facts leading Up
to it will be brought before the board of
police commissioners. Then full inves-
tigation of the manner in which the police
force is now being run will be had. and
the whole matter settled once and for all.
Sergt. Smith. when seen by Star reporter
this morning in regard TO the matter, re-
fused most positively TO talk on the SUBJ
ject.
A few weeks ago. shortly after the policy
raids. the CHEF had fitted up for himself
private Office. on which a spring lock was
placed. and in this office, it is said. WAS
put all the records. complaints. kilograms,
letters, etc No one was allowed In the
room during the absence CT the chief.
though, it is said, Lieut.. Smith now has a
key to the office and occupies it a: will.
Sergt. Smith, however. is denied this privi-
lege. 1t is said further that orders
given to the men in Sergt. Smiths squad
without the sergeant's knowledge, and that
some of the men report direct to the chief
Instead of through the sergeant. The re-
cent moral crusade" which has proven 10
have had a string tied TO it, is said to have
teen Instituted in order to catch Sergt.
Smith and thus have some charges against
this officer