The age-herald., 1900-03-31
FELLOW OFFICERS "
 MOURN FOR KIRKLEY
Cloud of Sorrow Hangs Over
 Police Headquarters.
No. 13 AGAIN IN EVIDENCE
The Brave Officer Wore That Number Funeral Will Occur from the
 Family Residence This After
 noon at 2:3o O'clock

Over police headquarters hangs cloud of sorrow. Officers, patrolmen and at laches of the building speak in subdued tones in reverence to Patrolman Kirkley, who, in the discharge of his duty, met death at the hands of an assassin. No ray of cheerful light penetratcs the heavy gloom, and as the men come and go their stern faces show that something is wrong
 The stairway leading to the office of Chief Austin is drlped with the emblem of mourning, and on every side are signs of sorrow.
 'Kirkley, one of the bravest and best of icers on the force. has gone" is on every tongue. and great is the grief of the com panions of the dead officer, who, up to a few hours ago, patroled the streets in the darkest hours of the night, protecting citi- zens who walk in other paths >of life.
 On the wall of the office of the desk ser geant hangs the fatal oadge,- No. 13 sur rounded by folds of black crepe. Around this badge is also entwined q remarkable history of i'll luck. Numerous times has it's wearer been shot by the criminals who prey on honest humanity, and twice has it rested the dead body of fallen officer
 First Fatality
 The first instance of it's Fatality that can be recalled was In the case of poor Officer Batson, who lost his life several years ago in the rolling mill ward. II then descended tc an officer who was shot and seriously wounded, and so on down the line Several men have been discharged who wore the fatal badge, but it's iii luck had nearly been forgotten when, during last year, it was given to George W. Kirkley. When he first pinned the badge on his blue uniform some brother officer laughingiy called his atten- ton to its history. He smilngly responded that he guessed everybodys turn came some day adding that he had no supersti tlous fears. How true it has kept up itJ fatal record is tho well known.
 It has not been decided who will next wear the fatal emblem, but an order may be issued abolishing "No. 13' and adding another figure to the list.
 Chief Austin WornO Out
 Chief Austin is so badly broken up over the sad death of Officer Kirkley that he could not discuss any matters of business. Since Tuesday nights tragedy he has had not moments rest in his efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of the foul crime. Yesterday afternoon he had to be almost> forced to take some sleep. The brave men under him have also been un- ceasing in their efforts to run down the murderers, and though they report for duty in subdued tones, q look of stern resolve to avenge the death of kirkley can be seen on every ones face.
 It will be many days before the sorrow ful cloud is lifted, and the sad death of the officer in his last performance of duty will never be forgotten.
 The funeral of the dead officer will take place this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from t;le family residence, corner Eleventh ave nue and Sixteenth street The services at the grave in Oak Hill cemetery will begin about 3:30 o'clock. The police depar tment will send a special escort, headed by Chief Austin and Captain Weir, will also the local lodge of the Knights of the Macca- bees, of which order deceased was proml- nent member.