The times., 1897-06-08

anu con propose 10 Ds, Ucssutti III tniS
manner
He was then taken back TO the police
station ana committed TO jail 10 await the
preparation of the requisition papers by the
Maryland authorities.
Police Sergeant -Sinith and OFFICER VIII
lam Ferguson were placed on trial before
the board of police commissioners tonight
on the charge of violation of the police
regulations. The specific complaints
against OFFICER FERGUSON were that he
entered the saloon of Mr.. Harry Rice on
April and remained there from 1905 un-
til lao O'clock; that he was under the in
fluence OF liquor on a subsequent evening.
and also that he absented himself from
his beat against Sergt Smith the charges
were that. he had visited the saloon named
with Officer Ferguson and remained there
also from 1905 until 1:40, and, in com
pany with Officer Ferguson, on subse-
quent occasion, had visited "a house On
North Lee street and remained there for
some time
There were present at the meeting Mayor
Thompson, president, and Commissioners
Lindsey, Strauss, Bryan and Tackett. The
accused were represented by Mr.. Leonard
Marbury.
Chief Webster stated that he had pre-
ferred the charges ON Information fur
nished him.
Charles Smith testified that on the
night Of April he saw Officer Ferguson
enter the side gate of MI. Rice's place
at the corner OF Fairfax and Princess
streets. about 1905. and a little later
Sergt. Smith came to the corner, and
after a short conversation with the wit
ness, went over and entered the saloon.
The officers remained inside until 1 20,
when they came out and crossed Fairfax
street. The witness is employed as
special policeman at the Washington and
Ohio depot, and was watching two sus-
picious characters at the time.
George Kirby went to Rice's store and
saw Officer Ferguson in rear hall OF the
tuilfing. She thought it was the night of
the 5ta, but would not be positive.
Officers Ferguson and Beach testified
that on the night the violation was charged
they arrested two men and carried them
to police headquarters at 1890, and that
Sergt. Smith was at the police station at
that hour and received their report
Mr.. Harry Rice testified that the two
officers were not In his place on the 5th of
April.
When the charge OF intoxication against
Officer Ferguson was reached. Miss a. d
woodfie,d stated that She WAS standing
at her door, near the corner Of Queen and
Fairfax streets, on the night the offense
was charged, and saw the officer stagger
across Queen street and stumble on the
opposite side.
Mrs Cathrine Young stated that she was
at .he same locality; sa w the officer
stumble over broken pavement, but did
not think lie was under the influence Of
liquor.
Officer wilkinson, who relieved FeTgu-
son ut 10 o'clock on the night of April IS,
testified that the latter was sober and
had explained TO him that he was late
in reaching the relieving station on account
of his watch being slow.
AS TO the charge against the two Of
ficers for entering a house ofill-fame, Jes-
sic Pop and Maud Tippet testified that
the two officers had called at their house
between 1 2 and l o clock on the night OF
May and remained there for half or
three-guarters OF an hour, and inquired Of
Maud Tippet in regard to a watch which
had been stolen Sergt Smith had been
there once since that time Capt. Web
ster had also called to inquire what was
the business OF the two officers.
Concerning the charge against Officer
Ferguson for absenting himself from his
beat on May 25. Chief Webster stated that
he had seen the officer and the sergeant
meet near Rice's saloon at a late hour.
when Mr. Ferguson's beat was In another
section of the town
In relluttaI OFFICER Proctor stated that
he had set Ferguson and talked with him
in regard to on offense committed, and that
Ferguson had stated to him that he would
tell the sergeant.
Sergt. Smith and Officer Ferguson testi
fled in their own behalf, denying all the
charges. After reviewing the testimony,
the commissioners rendered verdict ex-
onerating the officers.