Evening star., 1900-09-26
Friction Developed Between the
Mayor and Rolice officials.
MEETINGOF BOARDOF COMMISSIONERS
Chief Webster's Recital of Griev-
ances of Long Standing.
GENERAL AND PERSONAL
Evening Star Bureau,
No. 7O1 King st.
(Ran Talaphopa No 106


long session last night most of the time
being taken up with discussions relating to
the management of the police force Com
missioner Herbert Bryant presided, and
Commissioner Ashby Miller was in his place
as secretary. Mayor Simpson was not pres
ent.
The first business was to appoint next
Tuesday night for a special meeting of the
board to investigate charges of insubordi-
nation preferred by Lieut.. Smith against
Officer Herbert knight, and also charges
mentioned In Chief Webster's report against
Sergt. Smith for alleged solicitation of votes
at the election In May.
Commissioner Price offered a resolution
to repeal section of police regulations,
supposed to exist, depriving the chief of
police Of certain power and comforting the
same on the mayor. Upon examination 1t
was found that there was no such regula-
ton. Chairman Bryant gave it as his opin-
ion that the mayor was the lawful head OF
the police department., which was under
his entire direction for the preservation OF
law and order in the community. he
thought that any attempt to abridge the
mayors authority would be defeated In the
courts. The minutes showed resolution
passed in June. 1885, permitting the then
mayor (Mr. Luther H. Thompson) to ex-
tend the time of the men on their beats.
Commissioner Hill wanted this privilege re-
voked, and a resolution to that effect was
passed. Mr.. Bryant voted against 1T for
the reason as above given.
Causes Discussion.
Mr.. Price then presented a resolution to
amend section Sc. page 13. by striking out
the word mayor and inserting captain,
so that the section would allow the chief
of police the appointment of men at the
station house. Mr.. Bryant opposed the
motion, as did Mr.. Miller, and Mr.. Price
withdrew it. Several times at this Juncture
Mr. Price arose and wanted to know now
he could ascertain the scope of the boards
authority. Mr. Bryant informed him that
the board had power to make rules govern
ing the police force, but had no authority
to interfere with the mayor in his method
of enforcing them. He informed Mr.. Price
that it was not within the province of the
commissioners to discipline the mayor.
Mr. Price wanted Chief Webster brought
in. and the latter was sent for. When hes
arrived Mr.. Price asked him to relate how
he had been treated, by Mayor Simpson.
Chief Webster commenced the recital of a
list of grievances, telling a story of a GER
tain prisoner, one James Grayson he
stated who was brought to the station
house by Officers Lyles, Knight and Ser
geant Smith. Upon inquiring into he case,
the captain stated Sergeant Smith told
him to mind his business and let theirs
alone. Mr.. Bryant asked if the matter had
been reported to the board, and Chief Web
ster answered that it had not, but that he
had mentioned it to the mayor, who the
chief said, had treated it with derision
captain Webster recited severa. other
grievances, tending to show that he had
been ignored by Mayor Simpson and treat
ed disrespectfully by several officers. He
said the mayor since-told him that all he
expected of him WAS to- sit around lue no.
lice station. He stated that the mayor
never consulted him concerning the man
agenlent of the police force.
Both Ignored.
Mr.. Bryant asked: Has the mayor been
in the habit of communicating orders to
the police through your" mo" replied
the captain. Sergeant Smith and Officer
Ferguson are used for that purpose Lieu
tenant Smith and myself are ignored"
He said he regarded Sergeant Smith as
more of hindrance than a help, and told
story dating back to the smallpox period
in which he charged Officer Ferguson with
profanity and insubordination. Mr. Bryant
asked why he had not reported the matter
10 the board, and the captain repIied that
the commissioners We're not holding regular
meetings at the time, but Mr. BRYANT re-
minded him that the board had always
stood ready to be called together when oc-
caSion required
Continuing, Captain Webster said thara
was much friction between the mayor and
himself, but he stated there had been no
open quarrel Mr. Miller asked If the whole
1orce could not be dismissed If it were
proved that 1t was split by warning fac
tions, and Mr.. Bryant was of the affirma
tive opinion AT late hour the commits
SlonerS ad1ourned.
Dedication of School BUILDING
Elaborate exercises will be held Friday
evening at o'clock in the Del Raw School
building, the occasion being the formal
dedication of the house as an educational
institution. The ceremonies will be under
the direction of the board of trustees for
jefferson district and the school music
committee Addresses will be made nv
Superintendent James E. Clements and
l Rev f. NJ Day, pastor of the Del Ray
program of music has been arranged, The
soosts will be Miss Edith Lindsey. Mrs.
Steers OF Washington. Mr.. George b. Ken
nedy' Mr.; Fred seibold of Washington and
Rev F. NJ. Day. The Messrs. Varney and
Nall Will sing in trio and Instrumental
music will be rendered by the Del Raw
orchestra.
been described in The Star, is regarded as
a monument of industry and enterprise of
the county Superintendent, the school off,
cials of Jefferson district and the peonIe Of
Del Ray generally. This session will be- the
first year of a graded institution in that
town. The school has been supplied with
a handsome piano, and music will be
part of the curriculum in the principals
department.
General Matters.
The case of Watkins against the Wash
ington, Alexandria and Mount Vernon rail-
road, suit for $4,000 damages was call
ed for retrial before Judge c. E. Nicol In
the circuit court, this morning The ex-
animation of witnesses was commenced
and it will probably be tomorrow evening
before verdict IS reached.
The will Of the late William H. Marbury
has been admitted to probate in the cor
poration court and Mr.. Leonard Marbury
son Of the deceased, qualified as executor
Deceased left his estate, valued at $1,000,
to his single daughters, Misses Eliza H
and Anna T. Marbnry. during their life,
and at their death to be divided between
Chairman Joseph L Crupper Of the re-
publican campaign committee for the
eighth district announced this morning
that Mr.. William j. Rogers, candidate for
Congress, will make speeches in every
county in the district before the election
Mr.. Rogers will open his campaign at King
George Court House October 4, and will
speak in Louisa October 8.
The remains Of Mrs. Elizabeth Barra-
claugh, whose death occurred yesterday at
her home, No. 1414 Duke street. were tor
warded this morning to Vineland, N. J., for
interment. So
James johnson. colored. one Of the oldest
dodgers at the city aims house, died last
| night at that place. johnson was ninety
three years Of age and has been at the poor
house for many years.
At the next meeting Of the city council
an election win take place in the board Of
Il