The Saint Paul globe., 1900-06-12
O'C()NN()R IS N CHARGE
NEW CHIEF OF POLICE TAKES
POSSESSION OF THE REINS
OF AUTHORITY
THREE DISPUTE HIS RIGHT
GetcheH, McIntire and Davis Refuse
to Consider Themselves Re-
moved, but Have Not
Interfered.
THREE DISPUTE HIS RIGHT

the public who Is the de factO chief of
police, there certainly is none among the
members of the police department, who
are ignoring the claims to the office put
forward by P. L. GetcheIl, who was re
moved by the police commission yeSter-
| day morning, and religiously obeying the
instructions of Chief O'Connor, appointed
to the vacancy created by the removal OF
Getcheu That Chief O'Connor intends to
maintain his position was manifested
when the 9 o'clock relief was sent out last
evening.
Lieut. Joe Davis, who has made himself
particularly obnoxious to the administra-
ton, was rendered the official papers re-
moving him from Office. He refused TO
accept the decree. AS the relief received
! instructions from Chief O'Connor. Davis
stood in line. Turning to Davis, resplen-
dent in his braid ard compIacent smile,
Chief OConnor said:
'If that man." pointing to Davis, ''fol-
lows any patrolman tonight and attempts
to issue any orders, or speaks to a po-
lIceman, want you to arrest him and
send him to the station. This order is
imperative. He is no longer a member of
to interfere with patrolmen. If he 50 much
as blows his whistle, lock him up. This
is an order, and any officer who disobeys
it will be dealt with accordingly"
In the little scene presented many of
the policemen for whom Davis is said to
have made life burden found adequate
revenge. Scarcely a man in the line re
pressed a satisfied grin, while the side
long gIances at Davis indicated that some
of those present would take a particular
delight in following Chief OConnor's or
der if given an opportunity. Davis grew
red and white under Chief O'Connor's ar
raignment, slouched from one foot to the
other, and then dropped out of the line,
He did not leave the station when the re-
lief went out, as is customary. but hung
about hardly understanding the situation.
Later he went out alone and up to mid
night had not been seen to meddle with
any patrolman
To all who watched the proceedings aft
er Chief of Police O'Connor took charge
yesterday, it was apparent that former
Chief Getchell and other members Of the
department who were removed by the
commission were merely -four flushing" "
and endeavoring to cling on by techni-
calities. Mr.. Getchell did not attempt to
interfere with Chief OConnor's orders,
but remained about the station quietly.
The same attitude was preserved by for
mer Chief of Detectives McIntire. Both
Mr.. Getcheu and Mr.. McIntire, however,
maintain that they are still the heads Of
the respective departments, and insist that
they will hold on until removed by the
courts
When the 6 o'clock relief assembled last
evening former Chief Getchell took po-
sition at the desk in front of the patrol
men. Chief O'Connor calmly walked in
front of him and leaned idly on the desk.
crowding Mr.. Getchell into the back
ground. The order removing Getchell,
McIntire and the others was read by Desk
Sergeant Wright. Then Chief O'Connor
addressed the men. H.7}
Pursuant to the action of the police
commission and the order just read"
said Chief O'Connor, 81 am chief of po-
lice. and patrolmen will obey only my or
ders."
At this juncture former Chief Getcheu
interposed.
81 am still chief of police" he declared
'tand shall expect to be so considered
until the courts have passed on my re-
moval."
'Any one who thinks he is chief of
police step out Of the Iine," announced
Chief O'Connor, "and I'll suspend him
at once"
Not an officer moved.
1t is customary for the relief to go out
promptly at o'clock. To test matters
on the spot Chief O'Connor instructed
Sergeant Mckinley to have the men take
their seats, announcing that the relief
would not be sent out until 6:15 Former
Chief Getchell viewed the proceedings
without word, merely walking to and fro
pulling nervously at his mustache. After
a wait of five minutes, with no indication
of former Chief Getchell taking the ini-
tiative, Chief O'Connor ordered the men
to take their BEATS The relief fell into
line and marched from the station
The same programme was followed
when the o'clock relief answered roll
call. Chief O'Connor had the order read,
announced that none but his directions
were to be followed. and former Chief
Getchell again reiterated qu'etly to the
men that he still claimed to be chief
He explained that he had no wish to
cause the men trouble. but would insist
upon claiming to be chief until the courts
had decided the question.
When the Davis incident transpfred
the station was filled with persons who
had called to congratulate the new off,
Gals and SightSeers. The crowd evil
IDENTIFY enjoyed Davis discontinue, and
many a laugh was heard as the former
lieutenant finally left the station
Really there Is nothing to say about
the situation" said Chief O'Connor when
asked as to future proceedings. "I am
chief of police and will simply fulfill tha
duties of the Office. These other officials
have been removed and that is all there
Is to 1t. They may try to hold on, but
they have no legal ground to stand on I
am in full possession of the office and
will be chief of police from now on. un-
der the appointment of the police COM
mission. There has been no force used
on my part to take possession of the
Office, nor has any opposition been Of
fered beyond what seems to be an effort
to stick to technicalities'
Former Chief Getcheu says he is act
ing under the advice of his attorney and
will continue to report at the station. re-
| naming throughout business hours.
This matter will be at once taken
into the courts" he said land until the
courts pass upon the question as to who
| is chief Of police, I shall claim the Of
fee. I have retained e. e. Mcdonald
as my attorney, and the power of the
police commission to summarily remove
| a member Of the force will be tested.
| Under the new charter charges must be
| preferred against a member of the de-
partment to remove him and he is en-
titled to a hearing. There have been no
charges made against me and have
been refused a hearing. My case will
go to the courts ON these grounds as
| soon as possible
Former Chief OF Detectives McIntyre
says his position is identical with that
OF former Chief Of Police Getchell.
Shortly before o'clock last evening
copies of the proceedings of the police