Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-08-10
CHAMBERS AND MASSEY EXONERATED.


Police Commission Act on the Charges-The
Captain Criticized IN One Particular.
Tho Board of Police Commissioners
exonerated both Capt Robert W. Cham
bcrs and Patrolnan II. J. Massey Tues
day The captain was charged with
exceeding his authority in closing up
the meat stand of Daniel DuRoss. The
following resolution was adopted by
majority vote, Commissioners Pyle and
Clarkson favorine, and Commissioners
Hart opposing it;
"As 1t appears from evidence before
the board that Daniel DuRoss was sell
ing meat in violation of tho laws regu-
lating the street markets, it is the
opinion of this board that Capt. Cham
hers, haeing compelled Daniel DuRoss
to either closn his stand or be arrested
for refusing or declining to do 50 and
there rested his case, no complaint
would he considered against him, but
rs he appeared to pass. on the quality
of the meat We are of the opinion that
he exceeded his authority in that par
ticular. but as his whole action toward
DuRos- was SO gentlemanly and cour-
| teous we feel constrained to vote an
| eXoneration.
Commissioner Hart did not think the
commission should pass upon the ques-
| ton as to whether the captain did
right in judging the meat, as DuRoss
has already brought civil action which
will raise that point
The commission did not find the
| charge sustained that the captain gave
out information about the case to the
newspapers.
Officer Massey was charged with
| fighting in the street. In his case, tho
| following resolution was adopted:
| "Resolved, That after perusing the
various statements that were submitted
in regard to the difficulty that occurred
at Third and Shipley streets on the
night of July 18th, last, and particu-
larry that one submitted by Mr.. j. ii.
Martin, of the Star, We fail to see .
very great deal of contradiction in
thcm. Mr.. Martins statement upon
which the article in the Staf of Sun
day, July 10th, was based. was coirob-
GRATED in very many OF the essential
points.
but as he CIR. Martin1 appeared
upon the scene when the affair was
about half over, and did not know any
thing about the cause Of the disturb
ance he was not in possession Of all the
details and facts that would prepare
his mind, or any one else, to give an
impartial opinion in the case.
Therefore he very naturally reached
the conclusion that Officer s. ii. Mas
sey, was engaged in street fight, pure
and simple, with one John Cassidy,
without any regard for the peace and
good order OF society, when as u matter
of fact he was strictly in the discharge
of his duty because he was called upon
by citizen that was attacked by John
Cassidy and others, and that the other
officers only took such action as they
deemed necessary to secure the arrest
of the accused, and prevent any attack
on the officer making the same.
''ln view of the fact that Cassidy,
the accused, when placed before Judge
Ball with the evidence against him.
was asked by the judge II he had any
thing to say, replied that he had nj
, recollection of the matter, a fine of s.
! and costs was imposed, which was pait
without word of complaint; he Ger
/ tainly did not feel that he had an.
| grievance.
Cassidy has since left the city, ant
, no response has been received to let
Police in regard to the above after hay
, ing waited for 10 days"
President Pyle, in discussing tn
/ matter, said that il man is disor
t DERBY and refused to go with an office
he should be tapped with the club, a
1 that is what it is given to the police
5 man for. In this case he said Masse
would have been justified in beatin
John Cassidy until the prisoner sub
mitted.
, The sergeants of police, in letter
! asked permission for two teams of tn
o department to play game of ball o
9 August 2lst. Permission was granted
< The winning team will play the tear
. of the Reading police, which will
t the guest Of the local department i
g September. The police were also give
q permission to charge admission to tn
! game with the understanding that tn
d policemen are not to sell the tickets.
n A new rule was adopted, under whic
6 policemen will not be fined for neelec
!; of duty, but will be suspended withou
q pay. The new rule is understood TO L
!, preferable to the officers.
Superintendent Aydon Of the polio
and fire telegraph system, in commit
= nication called the attention OF til
board to the danger of having the line
y so near electric light and trolley wireI
y The communication was filed.
:, Chief Dolan was instructed TO e,
. estimates for painting the police an
fire boxes,
y Frank Cuzzo was confirmed rs speoi
y night Waterman, at the request
. persons living at Second and Madiso
p streets and its vicinity. n