The times., 1899-08-06
FINED AND TRANSFERRED.
Punishment for Policemen Who
Shielded PatrOiman Marshall.

Clemency has been shown by the District
Commissioners toward Policemen Aiexan-
der MeKie and ii. C. cambridge, who failed
Marshall entered a saloon unIawfuIly dur
ing the latter part OF June. The latter Sc
cured an entrance into the saloon, which
was closed at the time. by means OF key
which had been furnished to him by an un-
known person, and was apprehended by the
proprietor as he was opening a cigar case.
He was summariiy dismissed from the
force by Major Sylvester aud stripped OF
his badge and other insignia in the pres
enee of Commissioner Wight several days
after the occurrence.
1t appears from the evidence submitted
before the Police Trial Judge that Dan
bridge and MeKie were aware OF the fact
that Marshall had entered the saloon
George c. Linkins, the proprietor OF the
place, informed them OF the fact, but
bound cambridge to secrecy in the matter.
By reason of this arrangement cambridge
failed TO make prompt report OF the affair
TO his superior ofTicer, Sergeant Schneider,
or 10 the station. IL was the desire OF the
saloonkeeper that the matter be hushed up
and that Marshall be not prosecuted but
allowed 10 resign the following day. He
said Marshall was willing TO do this Ma or
Sylvester recommended that the two pO-
licemen be dismissed from the force, il be-
ing his opinion that they were not qualified
TO serve as policemen. In view OF the ap-
peals for clemency, however. which were
made 10 them, the Commissioners yesteT-
day decided 10 let them OF with fines OF
$50 each, and transfers TO different pre-
cincts.
Charles j. Bell. President of the Ameri-
can Security and Trust Company, was per-
| mitted to examine the papers and the tes-
timony offered before the trial officer, and
in behalf OF Policeman Dandridge made
the following statement to the Commission
| ers:
1T would seem that cambridge was ac-
| tuated by two mistaken IDEAS: FIRST, that
| he should keep his promise To Linkins II
| spite of the fact that the manual required
| him 10 at once report the occurrence to his
superior officer. and the second motive act
uating him appears TO have been a desire
to shield the police force from a scandal OF
] this character. and the further plea, which
touched the human side Of his nature, that
the man who attempted a burglary, which
was not successful. had a wife and three
or four children to support. He does not
appear TO have been guilty of any intsn-
tiOnal infTaetion of the rules, but allowed
himself TO be swayed by his sense of honor
in making the promise aud by his desire
TO avoid scandal in the department. and
further TO permit the guilty one, out OF
sympathy for his wife and family. 10 re-
sign from the force and go away from the
city.
''It seems to me that dismissal from the
force is too severe a punishment, especially
as his record up TO this time as a policeman
showed a clear sheet. He OugAt 20 be
punished. undoubtedly, either by fine or re-
duction III grade, and l trust you may see
your way 20 take such action in his case.
fully realize how important il is 10 main
tain discipline, but believe that a transfer
to an inferior post and fine would meet the
requirement in this case"