The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-01-27
CORRUPTION IN CHICAGO.
POLICE CHIEF KIPLEY GOES TO
PIECES UNDER FIRE.

ne Denies 70 tho Berry Investigating Commit
tee That re Know or the Existence OF
Gambling and other Evils in Town, and Then
ne Admits That He Know An About Them.
CHICAGO, ILL.,, Jan. 26.-The Senate investiga-
ton committee which for the past three weeks
has been engaged In looking into the alleged
corruption of the Chicago Police Department
and of tho city's Civil Service Commission
stirred up a sensation to-day in which Joseph
Ripley. Chicago's Chief of Police. figured most
unpleasantly. BY his own testimony he con-
demned his own official actions and placed
the entire city administration in q damaging
light.
Chief Ripley was called before the committee
as a witness this afternoon, and for three hours
floundered about, making in one
breath which he contradicted in the next. After
persistently denying that he was aware that
open gambling had existed in Chicago. he adj
mitted that he not only knew Of its existence
but that he permitted it. because things were
VIRTUALLY dead south Of jackson street" add
ing that "the object was to liven things up q
little Bit"
This statement, volunteered by the Chief. gave
the lie to his former testimony. which had occu-
pied almost three hours. Senator Berry, Chair
man of the committee. turning to Senator
Mahoney, said in a low lone:
II don't care to further examine an officer
who will make n statement like that
Nothing that has been brought out during the
committees investigation has proved half as
damaging to the city administration for Ripley
ierred that his official acts are sanctioned by the
Mayor. 1t is a question IL kipley's admissions
have not laid him open to n charge OF perjury,
as permitting gambling was clearly n violation
Of his official oath.
Ripley declared over and over that he knew
nothing Of the existence of pool rooms, and in
the next breath he admitted that he knew OF
their existence and that his own brother. Henry
He said that he had expostulated with his brother
for frequenting pool rooms; had told him IL he
did not keep from such places 1t would DO the
Chiefs duty to close them.
Ripley betrayed himself In every way posi-
BILE. An he needed was rope. and that being
literally furnished. he went on winding it about
his own neck. He contradicted himself at every
turn and substantiated every charge against
the city police and the Civil Service Com:
mission. He apologiZed for the thugs and
Of the police force since he was made Chief.
He characterized the recent hold.up of citizens
by n police officer, for which the policeman has
been held to the Grand Jury. as IAN indiscre-
should not have another chance"
Samuel Worthington, a Civic Federation de-
tective. was an important witness as to the cor
rpption Of the police. he swore that he saw
at pool rooms last fall, and frequently
saw them behind the counters Of tho
bookmakers examining the betting lists.
but it was presumably to see if the Police De:
partment was getting its proper "rake.off"
from the games.
This was the last day Of the committees in.
vestigation, as the attendance of the members
at the legislative session tomorrow is said to
be imDeratiy6.