The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-10-28
CAPTAIN COLBERT OUT
THE CITY ADMINISTRATION AT LAST
DOWNS BANeUo's GHOST.
A Gloomy Time in the safety Board
OMce-An Army of Applicants
Minor Municipal Affairs.

At meeting of the Board of Safety held
yesterday morning an opportunity was
given Captain of Detectives Thomas Z. Col
bert TO resign from the force, with which
he has been identified for many years. The
matter was precipitated by Superintendent
Quigley. who sent a letter to the board
asking that Captain Colbert be dismissed
for neglect of duty end not keeping in con-
dition to properly perform his duties. The
letter stated specifically that Colbert had
not reported for duty from Oct 10 to 10,
ana that on many occasions when ne did
report he was unfit to attend 10 his work.
The occasion was one which made the
oiflce OF the board seem gloomy 10 all there.
Mayor Taggart was present, and shortly
after he arrived Captain Colbert put in an
appearance, and when Superintendent Quig-
ley walked into the room Colbert saluted
him. The superintendent quietly laid let
ter on the table asking that Colbert be dis
missed, and the latter was called in TO have
a nearing Colbert admitted that he had
been absent from duty, but said that he
was compelled to be away on account of
serious sickness in his family. He said he
had reported at the detectives office every
day, but that he had been unable to be
there at night. One of his children, he said
had scarlet fever, while another had pneu-
monia. In stating his case he said he felt
that his work had been conscientious and
that ne had done all possible to make the
department efficient, but that 1t was vain
for him TO hope to antagonize the superin-
tendent.
and said that, although Colbert denied that
there were other reasons for his absence
than sickness In his family, he could pro-
not the case. He said that both himself
and Superintendent Quigley had worked
hard to try TO get him 10 quit drinking,
had a long and serious talk with him about
his habits and at the time counseled him
to do better.
Superintendent Quigley added his words to
those of Mayor Taggart, saying that he
recognized Colbert's worth and had always
been his friend In conclusion he said that
the charges his duty compelled him TO make
were the bitterest words he had ever writ
ten.
The scene was very affecting and Col
bert's. eyes moistened as he said, Yes, the
superintendent has been very fair with me"
He said he did not desire a trial, but only
wished TO plead not guilty without any re-
marks. After he had retired from the room
the suggestion was offered that he be al
lowed TO resign, and when sent for he
agreed TO do so. and wrote out a formal
resignation on the spot. With few words
the board accepted the resignation and de-
cided to postpone the appointment, of his
successor. 1t is believed, however, that De-
tective Kinney will succeed him.
Captain Colbert became policeman in
1888 and rose rapidly on the force, being
appointed sergeant and captain successive
ly i'm short time. He became superin-
tendent in 1889 and served until 1888 under
Mayor Sullivan and was reappointed in 1895
on the first election of Mayor Taggart. He
was reduced two years ago for appearing
at political meeting while intoxicated. but
at the request Of Superintendent Quigley
He is regarded as one of the most efficient
police officials in the country. but it is un-
derstood that his pride suffered from being
compelled TO work under a man he had
always outranked before.