Omaha daily bee., 1899-12-12
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!, SOUTH OMAHA NEWS. J



Residents of the city are becoming some
what alarmed at the numerous holdups and
robberies committed within the last two
weeks and great many take occasion to
make deprecatng remarks about the present
police force. South Omaha covers a little
over six square miles and only ff.een
police are now on duty to cover this ter
ritory. Since the recent troubles on street
three men have been detailed days and
three men nights to keep order there, so
that very few policemen are left for work
in the residence districts of the city.
On account of the space to be covered If
teen policemen are not enough to properly
protect the city, but nothing can be done
by the local authorities on account of the
legislature allowing only 3 mills for the
maintenance of the police department OF
cities OF this class. Fifteen or seventeen
men are not enough to properly patrol the
city and afford protection necessary. Eff
forts have been made during the past four
years to have the legislature increase the
police levy, but other cities OF this class in
the state opposed the measure and South
Omaha stood alone in the movement
AS regards the Frank Thompson Loldup
Mr.. Thompson stated yesterday afternoon
that he failed to recognize any OF the four
men who compelled him to give up his
money. He said that all were smooth.
shaven, wore oVercoats and appeared fairly
we'll dressed. Two had on slouch hats and
two wore caps. Thompson cannot give an
accurate description of any of the men.
Mayor Ensor received a letter from At
torney ]. w. Carr yesterday in reference to
the alleged loss of $711 by George Scott.
who was arrested on the night of December
hrin
orderly and malicious destruction of prop
erty. Scott was searched at the jail by
Officer Hydock and s11S in money was found
But according TO Scott's own statement he
refused to open combination purse which
he afterward claimed contained the missing
money. Upon being notified of the occur
renee Mayor Ensor suspended Jailors Hy-
dock and Stevens pending an investigation
Mr.. Carr writes to the mayor and city
council demanding the restitution of the
sum alleged to have been taken and threat
ems suit upon failure to comply with his de-
mands.
In reply to this Mayor Ensor wrote At
torney Carr that Hydock was no longer In
tho employ OF the city. He said further: II
trust that you will bring this matter to A
speedy hearing, on my account as we'll as
that OF Mr.. Scott. II Hydoek is guilty |
should like to see him punished as much or
more than any one else, and II he Is innocent
II is for some one other than | TO say Mr.
Hydocks bondsmen are coed and 1t is not
for the council or myself to interfere"
In this matter the mayor holds that il
is purely question between Scott ana the
officers bondsmen. The mayer cites the
fact that he suspended Hydcck at once end
told him he would have to prove his inno-
cence before he could return to work,
Citizens are becoming alarmed and do no:
know which way to turn, and it is more
than likely that a meeting OF represen,a-
two taxpayers will be held shortly for the
purpose Of deysing ways and means for
the better protection of life and property.
When talking alb ut these heliups and rob-
berieg last night Chief OF Police Carroll
said that II tho city council had listened
To hi7 re2ommendationE mado several
month' agI IN regard ia patrol telephone
boxes, policemen in all parts Of the city
could b. notified ol e crime and be on the
lookout for thugs and hghwaymen AS
il is now there is no way to notify tho men
on the various beats and consequently
crimes are committed and the perpetrators
escapi because thu police do not know
ths; certain men ara wanted
Chief Carroll realizes the fact that the