New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-17
TO PUT MCULLAGH OUT.
RUMOR OF RESOLUTION FOR HIS
RETIREMENT.
SAID TO HAVE BEEN OFFERED AT SECRET
MEETING OF THE POLICE BOARD But
COMMISSIONERS DECLINE TO

N'MSis@i'>rfS> br" LINE ~
TALK OF THE RI-MOR.
Tammany and machine Republican politicians IN
the city disturbed yesterday by reports that
orders for several changes among the leads o.
departments OF the city government had been seiIi
across the sea by Richard Croker. and that he had
ordered the retirement of John McCuaeh, the
Chief OF Police. who Is a Republican, ard the
promotion of william s. Dewey. the Deputy Chief.
who is a Tammany favor,'e The reports caused
unusual excitement at Police Headquarters late In
the afternoon II the talk there then that the
four Police Commissioners had held secret SEES
sion about noon that Commissioner Sexton had
made n proposition for the retirement OF CHIEF
McCuagh on haf-pay. that Commissioners Ham-
ton and Philips had voted against the proposition
and that President York had declined to vote.
The report DID not get to the ears Of other off,
cias al Police Headquarters until the Commits
soners had left th':ir Offices When Chief McCu-
lagh by newspaper men. he said he had no
knowledge OF any such motion. IF such thing
occurred" he said at is entirely contrary to my
wishes. and If within my power to prevent 1 shall
use every effort do II | am retired shall
go out under protest"
1t was known that before the Commissioners met
behind closed doors yesterday Commissioner Ham
ilton had long conference with Commissioner
Philips. in the latters office. At the same time.
Commissioners York and Sexton comforting IN
Mr.. Sexton's office Even after this the four Com
missoners were alone In the Board room before
Chief Clerk Kipp and his stenographer sent
for to take the minutes OF a meeting. II there was
resolution 20 retire Chief McCul,agn IL must have
been made before the Chief Clerk was called
Colonel kipp when late In the day said that
such resolution had been made while he was at
the meeting. nor had he been directed TO record
such a motion In the minutes
Commissioner Hamilton communicated with
by telephone. He refused absolutely to discuss the
matter of the retirement resolution. would not con-
firm deny IL. and contented himself with say
Ing Il refuse to discuss the matter from any point
Of view"
Police Commissioner Sexton was last night.
but he refused say anything He would not say
whether not there had been motion TO re-
tire McCullagh or any talk OF such a rumor
John +. Carroll, VINO is the leader oi Tammany
Hall during the absence OF Richard Croker, also
seen. He said he mad heard nothing Of The possible
retirement OF chief McCulagh could he tell the
policy Of the Police Board IN shat regard.
Mr.. Carroll. who is the lieutenant " MI Croker.
had consultation with Mayor Van Wyck late in
the afternoon. Tamnany politicians said last even
ing ;hat Mr. Croker probably would not return to
his city until after July :. the date on which the
Mayors power OF removal under the charter will
expire In order to force the Police Commissioners
TO retire Chief McCullagh ard put Devery in his
place. therefore the threat Of removal must be
made In time II is believed by the politicians that
lican Commissioners Of Police Thomas l.. Hamll-
ton and william r. Philips. II they refuse 10 aid In
the displacement OF Chief NcCulagh and the pro-
motion Of DcVery.
Commissioners and Chief aeCuliagh there was a
report last night that the Mayor might refuse 70
appoint John = Windolph 10 a place IN the AQue-
duct Commission the recommendation OF Sen
ator P!att and Congressman Quss unless the Re
publican leaders would give their consent 10 a
change In the Police Board. II had been expected
tina, Mr. Wndolph would be appointed yesterday.
but he not