The San Francisco call., 1898-06-10
Lees Rebels Against
 the Truth.
HE IS ANXIOUS TO HOLD ON
AND HE INTENDS TO HOLD ON
 GRIMLY.
The Head of the Police Department Denies That He Is to Be Forcibly Retired-But
 He Is.

Information that the head of Chief of Police Lees was to fall on July was not received by that gentleman with evidences of joy.
 In fact, he denied that the basket had been prepared for the receipt of his dis tinguished dome of thought. He seemed to have an idea that the cinch he had on the place was immortal.
 Nevertheless, the information given yesterday is true. Lees has been slat- ed to go, and Dr. Keeney has been slated to take the place thus made the oretically vacant. Chief Lees denies the authenticity of the report. pr. keeney smiles and expresses surprise and a doubt as to whether he will ac- cept; Chief Lees tears his silvered locks and makes remarks of warmth, but of no particular value. Even Com missioners Alvord and Tobin refuse to admit that their plans have been laid bare. It is true that the Commission CTS were not ready to have the pro- gramme declared. It is also true that The Call took the liberty of laying it bare
 For a long time there has been so strong feeling that Lees has outlived his usefulness. that the commission could not we'll ignore 1t. It was the general opinion that a younger man should have the place, a man of more recent vintage, and free from any barnacle growth. Therefore the in- timation that Keeney was in training for the position did not come as a sur prise. He is familiar with police work, holds the rank of sergeant, has recent ly been studying modern methods as ln vogue in Eastern cities. and is withal popular and respected citizen. So 1t will soon be Chief Keeney." All the denials which have been made had been anticipated. There are plenty of reasons why the commission should not wish it's plans known, though none why they should not be known.
 Ch1ef Lees says the report is due to personal spite and that there is noth- ing in it, excepting this. Herein he errs. There is no spite against the Chief, but that the police force should be under control of a competent ex- ecutive is evident. It has not accom- plished much of late. Thugs and thieves seem to be getting along tol- erably well. The police are doing noth- ing so far as appears. They occasion ally figure in procession, and all ad- init willingly, look well there At the head rides the Chief, brilliant with gold braid. But the best work of a model Chief of Police Is not done while he be- strides a prancing steed. The needs of San Francisco demand a man who does not live in procession nor in the past The Chief of Police cannot be considered as an individual He may be good fellow, without the ability to catch anybody, who is very decidedly the contrary. He may have record for bravery and astuteness, but be no longer capable of living up to it. He may have acquired a great fortune on his modest salary, and, nevertheless. be incompetent to direct men, to inspire them with confidence.
 Several newspaper men yesterday sought the Chief. They wanted an ex- pression of his views, and they wanted consolation for the misfortune of hay ing overlooked the most important To- cal news. They got these in abund- ance. The Chief assured them that the statements were unfounded, and they were glad to believe him. They found in his denial @ v1ndication and a com fort He seemed to find the same things himself, and repeated the de- nial at every opportunity. Neither did Dr. Keeney indorse the story To do so would not have been in the best of taste. But he did not appear to be ut terly fiabbergasted as the Chief had been. He said the proposed action of the Commissioners was a great sur prise to him. He did not know that he would be willing to give up his prac- tice and accept situation involving so much care. The doctor admitted that he had known about some contem- plated change in the department. He thought there was room for many i'm provements and that a younger man was needed for the position held by Lees.
 pr. Keeney was busy accepting con- gratulations from hundreds of friends.
 ''I was never spoken to by any of the Commissioners on the subject" he said, "and while I had an inkling that they proposed making change never for moment thought would be their choice. I do not think I would accept the honor, not at any rate until I had given the matter grave consideration.
 There are great many reforms needed in the department, but do not know whether I shall be the one to make them. l am afraid the cares of office would be great I am physician to the department now and have been for four years, holding at present the rank of sergeant"
 But the Chief himself was more defi- nite. He spat and sputtered as is his wont, vowing the while that the whole story was lie with capital l. and an exclamation point. He went so far as to laugh at it, but the laugh did not resemble burst of gladness.
 Everywhere the subject was spoken of the resolution of the commission to retire Chief Lees was commended. The fact was recalled that by years and term of service he is entitled to rest and a pension and upon the date men, toned will go on the roll for the largest pension paid in the department. There fore those who had toward him the hndliest feeling were not prepared to say that justice would not be done by placing him among the "has beens," where by virtue of his recent record he belongs.
 AS to denials of the integrity of the revelation made yesterday they cut no figure. There had been no expectation that scheme not as yet openly dis cussed would be acknowledged by the people intimately concerned. Lees would not acknowledge it, because of a desire to resign and avoid the em- barrassment of being kicked out to live on the interest of his money. Keeney would be restrained by a sense of mod esty. and there is no occasion for ana- lyzing the motives of the Commission CTS. The gentlemen simply are not ready to declare themselves. When they shall get ready the story told by The Hon o,,d I1xy, Jc u,t,o