Evening star., 1900-10-03
AFFAIRS IN ALEXANDRIA
POLICE INvBxTIHATION RESULTS IN
DISMISSAL OF CHARGES.
Commemorative Attorney Defines
JurfsdictiOn Of the MayOr-The Lat
ter Omcfal Snrprised-Brlefs.
Evening Star Bureau,
: No. 701 King Street,
= E.paY1 Tolaphana No 10&

ALEXANDRIA, Va, October 3. 1900.
There was 'ttempest In a teapot at the
meeting of the board of police commission
ers last evening succeeded by a calm. Two
investigations occupied the attention OF the
commissioners for more than an hour. and
finally both cases were dismissed. Officer
Herbert Knight was first brought before
the board to answer charges of insubord1-
nation preferred by Lieut.. Smith. Several
members of the force were called to tes-
tify. They stated that unpleasant words
had passed between the lieutenant and
knight. Some declared that Lieut.. Smith
had used profane language, and others
made that charge against Officer Knight.
Both denied 1t. At last Officer Knight made
the statement that he had intended no dis
respect nor indignity to his superior officer,
and the case was forthwith dismissed
The secretary then read an item from
Capt. Webster's report stating that party
named Sonnie Sutherland had charged
Sergt. James Smith with attempting to in
fluence his vote at the municipal election
last April. Sutherland was placed on the
stand, and stated that Sergt. Smith had
suggested to him, in an off-hand manner,
to cast his vote for Mr.. Frank G. Spinks,
jr., who was then a candidate for city SER
geant against Capt. w. H. Smith. The SER
geant then produced an affidavit taken be-
fore Mr.. N. S. Greenaway, notary public,
statements that the remarks Of Sergt.
Smith were made in a friendly, unobtrusive
manner: that the officer had not been at
all persistent, and that others We're insti-
eating the proceedings against the SER
geant. Mr.. Greenaway certified to the au-
thent1city of the paper. Sergt. Smith ad-
mtted having made the remark as above
stated.
After the evidence was in the case was
discussed at some length. Commissioners
BryaEt and Miller saw nothing whatever in
the charge. Commissioner Price took the
floor and made speech in favor of repri-
manding the officer and reducing him to
ranks. Capt Bryant explained that that
was not within the boards province, and
finally Commissioners Hill and Price voted
with commissioners Bryant and Miller, dis
missing the case.
The board then adjourned
Mayors Jurisdfction
Mayor Simpson has received communi-
cation from Commonwealth Attorney Mar
bury in regard to the law giving the mayor
Jurisdiction over territory within one mile
Of the city limits. Mr. Marbury states that
he has examined the statute In question and
finds that Mayor Simpson has no authority
to issue warrants for the arrest OF parties
charged with gambling at the st. Asaph
pool rooms. nor has he authority the attor-
ney states. to try such cases The letter
was very brief. Mayor Simpson handed the
note to reporter for The Star remarking
that he was greatly surprised to receive 1t, as
the commonwealth attorney had not been
requested by him to give an opinion and
there being no occasion, the mayor said
for any such procedure.
The paper was also signed by Attorney
Anthony w. Armstrong. Mayor Simpson
stated that he had not given 1t more than
a passing notice, and that it would not in
any way influence his action in the matter
He says the directors of the pool room and
-
Jurisdiction on the ground that the St
Asaph track is not directly north Of Alex
andria The engineers survey, he states
shows conclusively that the disputed ground
Is within mile of the city limits The law
specifies for local Jurisdiction a mile north
south. east and west. The contention as to
direction the mayor considers a mere cayil
the fallacy of which can easily be proved
he, cites case of recent date where the
police officers of Alexandria arrested a man
within the mile limit. southwest of the
city, who was tried in his court prosecuted
by the commonwealth attorney, convicted
In the corporation court and sent to the
penttentiary for twenty years on the charge
OF murderous assault.
General Matters.
Several society people met in Peabody
Hall last evening and effected the organiza-
ton OF an Alexandria golf club. with the
election Of the following officers: Mr.. Geo,
s French, president Mr.. Ashby Miller,
treasurer and Mr. Gardner L. Boothe, sec
retary. The following were elected to
constitute board of governors; Messrs
w. b. Smoot. Ashby Miller, Lawrence Stab
Ter. Courtland Smith Clarence Leadbeater,
Gardner L.. Boothe. Mrs. Gatewood, Mrs
Howell. Miss Agnes Bryant, Mrs. A. W.
Armstrong. Miss Phil Wattles and Miss
Bessie Lee
The fast Of Yom Kippur, or day of atone
ment. is being solemnly observed by the
Hebrew residents of this city All the