The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-31
CHIEF M'DERMOTT TALKS.
Says Solicitor General Osborne
Threw Him.

Threw Him.
Chief McDermott was seen after the
meeting Of Council and asked what he had
to say concerning the abolition of his
office He replied 1t was no surprise to
him. He said he had learned the pro-
gramme during the afternoon, and knew
exactly what was coming.
'eThis is the result of a fight made on me
by one man." said Chief McDermott, land
that is Solicitor General Osborne. For
some time l have known Mr. Osborne in
tended to have my office abolished but
did not know when. The only thing l re-
gret in connection with the change is that
my remaining in charge of the police de-
partment was not left 10 the vote of the
people of Savannah, That l have salts
factorily discharged my duties is admitted
by both my friends and enemies My bus
mess was to catch criminals and hold down
violations of the law, and where it was
clearly my duty to do this, have not hes
itated 10 enforce the law
Mayor Myers sent for me during the
afternoon" continued the chief. Il went
to his office Immediately. Vvhereupon he
said a majority of the board desired my
resignation. / asked him if l had been
negligent in the discharge OF my duties.
He told me he did NOT know that l had,
and being somewhat surprised at the turn
things had taken, l asked why my resig-
nation was desired. Mayor Myers re-
piled that some of the board were not
pleased with the idea of the outgoing
Council electing city officers, and desired
to make some changes.
Not feeling there was any reason for
asking my resignation, / told Mayor
Myers l would not resign, and that the
board would have to legislate me out of
office.
oApotber Y,ar, r.tu oe co,rsa ar 49, -
sition, but under a new name. In connec-
ton with the change l wish to say that
whoever the new official be, he
is to take charge of the best or
gained, best disciplined police department
in the south. There is no question about
il. | trust my successor will be an able
detective, a man fitted to ferret out crime
and detect criminals. To do this success
fully he must know the criminal class
the thieves, burglars, robbers, and people
who commit crime. He must know how
20 direct the detectives and give them
work The department is there. Ii IS
composed of able, competent men, the
only kind / would have about me- and If
my successor fails to keep up the re-
cord l have made il will not
be any fault of mine. There is
no question about the ability of the de-
tectives in the department, and the one
hope 1 entertain is that Council will stop
the police service by slashing out all the
good men,
In leaving the department" continued
Chief McDermott, Il do so with the good
will and respect of every member of it, My
effort has been to treat the men as |
would like 10 be treated, and do not think
many will say have not done this | am
president of the Police Benevolent Society.
which is run in connection with the police
department. and will continue to act for
another year, the time for which l was
elected"
Chief McDermott has been in charge of
the police department four years. During
his term Of Office he has succeeded in do
ing considerable work, and is admitted TO
possess the ability of shrewd detective.
He said he felt his retirement was not the
outcome of the popular will. but was due
directly to Mr.. Osborne. In former years
Chief McDermott and Mr.. Osborne were
the best of political friends Il helped
elect him 10 the legislature, and Cater 10
the Senate" said the chief. Chief McDer-
mott has a son named after the solicitor
general. There are said 90 have been in
cidents in connection with the defeat of
MIR. Myers for Mayor two years ago which
broke the thread of their friendship. how
ever and since then their relations have
not been Of the most pleasant character.
Chief McDermott was asked as TO what
course he would pursue; "There will be
another election some day" he replied
but in the meantime l viii engage in bus
mess here. l can get several positions
but the duties will necessitate travelling.
and l do not wish TO undertake them on