New-York tribune., 1900-12-23
COLONEL ASA BIRD GARDINER.
DEVERY TO 60, SAYS PLATT
WILL BE REMOVED. ACCORDING TO THE
SENATOR, BEFORE FEBRUARY 1.

After a conference yesterday afternoon with
Governor Odell. State Chairman Dunn.
Lieutenant Governor Woodruff and Speaker
Nixon, Senator Platt, speaking for the leaders
announced that Chief of Police Devery would be
removed from his present position before Feb
ruary /.
This is to be brought about by an amendment
TO the much talked of Police bill abolshing the
present Police Board and removing Devery
Nothing definite was done to selecting a
successor to General F. V. Greene. who last
week resigned the presidency of the Republican
County Committee.
Governor r-elect Oden announced the appoint
ment of Harrison K. Bird of this city. his
military secretary, with title major, instead
of colonel, as heretofore, Mr.. Cdelsss1 his
ssage t6 the Is sfslature was stiat' uncom-
shiel ID.
eseSS;a single headed police commission bill. the
! salient features of which have been referred to
in The Tribune will be introduced the first day
of the session of the Legislature quickly fol-
lowed by bill providing for bipartisan
bureau of elections, Independent of the Police
Department the commissioners to be appointed
by the Mayor. Two other police bills will be
held back. II Mayor Van Wyck shows a dis
position to appoint commissioner who meets
the approval of the Republican leaders, the other
bills 1t was intimated last evening, may not be
to time" one of the other bills will be presented
and probably damned through it was said
One provides for a State constabulary system
for the entire State the other for three commits
, sioners, with strict supervisory powers over
every Police Department in the State.
The bill which is expected to bring about
satisfactory results to the State organization
| leaders. provides for single commissioner for
this city, to be appointed by the Mayor. and
TO hXy he Iaf
vides that the Governor when he believes that
the Police Commissioner is incompetent or
should be removed for any cause may demand
of the Mayor in writing the removal of the of
fetal. If the Mayor refuses to act, then the
Governor is to have full power to remove the
offending commissioner and appoint his sue
cessor.
Senator Platt saw the reporters at $50 O'Clock.
When asked if the Republican party had any
immediate remedy for the present complications
in the Police Department, he said:
Does that mean that there is no doubt about
the quick passage of Police bill? he was
asked.
''If any bill goes through the Police bill will be
the and think it will be the first one
passed"
At the time of the interview. Governor Roose-
welt had not appointed John Proctor Clarke as
the successor of Justice Beekman. When the
Senator said that he understood that Mr.. Clarke
had been selected by the Governor some one
asked if the organization would indorse him.
The organization will indorse Mr.. Clarke after
he is appointed. That" said Mr.. Platt with a
broad grin, lis what the organization has gen
orally had to do with all Of Governor Roose-
velt's appointments.
When asked about the conference among the
leaders yesterday afternoon. Senator Platt said
that the greater part OF the time had oeen De de-
voted to talking about the Senate and Assembly
committee chairmanships, and that no changes
of importance would take place
Last night Mr.. Platt had conference with ex-
Senator Gibbs and William H. Ten Eyck, chair
man of the Executive Committee of the Republi-
can County Committee. II is understood that
the presidency of the County Committee was
offered to Mr. Ten Eyck. but that he declined it.
General James NJ. Varnum is also talked OF for
the place.
Harrison K Bird, the new military secretary,
ie a member of the Union League Club OF this
city. He belongs TO the list Regiment and dur
ing the Spanish-American War helped to organ
ize the 171st He went to Porto Rico TO assist in
dispensing assistance to the hurricane Su'-@reIs'
He lives at the Union League Clup. 90
Mr. Odell returned to Newhurg on the o;oo
train He will be in New-York again this week