New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-12-19
DEvERY'S FATE UNCERTAIN
ORDERS WILL BE RESCINDED AND
CROKER MAY EVEN REMOVE HIM.
HUGH MLAUGHLIN FORCES TAMMANY
FALL TO RECOGNIZE HIS AUTHOR
ITY IN BROOKLYN.

Chief of Police Devery has survived the COM
initial of several atrocious plumbers since he was
elevated to the conspicuous place which he now
holds, but il really seemed yesterday as If his
latest-the antagonizing Of the whole Demo
cratic organization Of Brooklyn-would cost him
his official head. No one could be found-not
even Commissioners Abel or Sexton-who would
share any of the responsibility for the recent
cyclonic shakeup in the force all the politicians
apparently agreeing to let Devery face it out
entirely alone. II was reported that the whole
situation had been laid before Richard Croker
by cable. and on his reply hung the fate of the
Chief
Some persons anticipated that the Boss would
order the retirement of Devery on a pension.
Others thought Croker would simply command
Devery to rescind those transfer orders which
are obnoxious to Hugh Mclaughlin. Anyway.
the orders will be rescinded. As for the Brook
lyn leader, he firmly maintained the position
that If Tammany did not restore 10 their places
the transferred officials in Brooklyn, he and his
organization would break with the Fourteenth
ST. crowd-a disaster which would certainly ruin
Temmany's chances of success in the coming
municipal campaign. Croker has the reputation
of being exceedingly loyal to his friends. and
Devery is one of the closest friends he ever
had, but it is considered doubtful IL Croker
would refuse to sacrifice Devery when the pen
atty of uphoIdng him would be so heavy.
Mclaughlin in the first heat of his indignation
demanded Devery's head but il is thought he
would be satisfied with the resembling of the
Brooklyn transfers, and statement by Tam
many that it in no way abetted Devery in max
ing them
WASH THEIR HANDS OF .DEvERY.
This disavowal was frankly, even eagerly.
made yesterday by the deputy leaders whom
Croker left in charge of the organization when
he went to Europe Men like Carroll, Nixon
Keller and others disavowed again and again
any completely in even toreknowledge Of the
shakeup. and the general feeling was that
Devery had indeed surprised them all-friend
and foe alike-by the holiness and the ill-con-
sidered audacity Of his action. Some Of Dew
ery's friends in endeavor to let the Chief
down easy circulated a story yesterday that
something he drank on Friday night upset him
and he was too sick, on Saturday morning 10
know what he was doing when he issued the
orders; but this is not believed by those who
know the red tape and clerical work which go
with the making Of transfer These orders
were all made out before Saturday, and Devery
merely released them by. telephone. If the Chief
had shown signs of not being in MS right mind
at the time, his friends would have held them
up until he recovered, it is thought.
Devery still kept away from Headquarters
yesterday, but early in the day telephoned TO
Deputy Chief Cortright that he would take some
of the thirteen days vacation due to him If ne
takes them all his absence will last till Janu-
airy l. Cortright will be Acting Chief until
Devery returns. Cortright was asked yesterday
afternoon if he intended to make any transfers
in Devery's absence. as ne has a perfect right
to do. but he replied emphaticaIly that he
would not.
DEVERY RESTING AT HIS HOME
Devery was seen at his home, No 80 West
Twenty-eighth-st, in the afternoon. He said:
Il am now enjoying little vacation, and al
though allowed until the last of the month by
the Board, I may go back to Headquarters in
a few days. I am feeling very we'll indeed and
will not go out of town. intend to stay right
at home and endeavor TO get brief rest, 1t
seems, however, that you fellows won't let
fellow get a needed rest. don't care to dis
cuss the recent shakeup, as I am not on duty
now. Everything. as you know. I did for the
hest"
Devery refused to say whether he was con-
templating another shakeup. There has been
one.' he added, "and that is sufficient for
awhile"
Commissioner Hess left his sickroom yester-
day, and was driven TO Police Headquarters for
the first time since Election Day. He looked
exceedingly i'll and shaky. full meeting of
the Police Board was at once called. 1t re-
manned in session behind closed doors for
couple Of hours When the meeting broke up
none Of the Commissioners would acknowledge
that the subject of Devery and the transfers
had been discussed at all. They said merely
routine bushes had been transacted, but il was
learned that Yorks letter to Corporation Coun-
sci Whalen asking for opinion on Devery's
power TO transfer deputy chiefs had been ap-
proved by the Board but had been simply Or
dered filed. So far as could be learned there
no promotions. and no eligible list had been
asked for By the Board
CRoKER's NOD AWAITED.
There was persistent rumor that Devery had
sent in his resignation, but Mr. York denied
this. He also said that no communication had
been received from the Chief regarding the re-
cent transfers. Another meeting of the Board
will be held this afternoon. Commissioner Hess
does not expect TO be present. It is expected
that the Municipal Civil Service Commission will
be asked TO send TO the Board a list Of those
sergeants eligible for promL lion to captains. A
third meeting Of the Board. II is expected will
be held tomorrow afternoon. at which Commits
sioner Hess hopes to be present. 1t is believed
that the much talked of and expected promotions
will be made at this meeting, and also that
some orders will have been secured by that time
by the Board from Croker concerning the fate
of Devery.
Transfers were made last night. to take effect
at o'clock this morning, of the stats of the
various inspectors who were transferred on sat
rday. Deputy Chief William W. Mclaughlin,
who has charge of The Bronx yesterday moved
his Office from Police Headquarters to the High
bridge police station. 1t could not be learned
last night why the change was made. but il was
said that in future each deputy chief must have
mands II may presage Devery's overthrow,
however as Mclaughlin and the Chief have been
close friends ever since Devery became head Of
the force.
CHARGES AGAINST HERLLHY
INSULTING AND THREATENING THE