Evening journal., 1900-11-06
Text Of Police Boards
Minutes Obtained
JUDICIAL ACTION CONDEMNED
Criticism Is Not Confined TO Any
Party But Extends to All
Alike

There has been widespread comment
Of the most unfavorable nature by both
Democrats as well as Republicans, re-
garding the decision given by Judge
Cochran in the City Court yesterday,
in the case of Police Officer Robert
serson, charged with having commit
ted an assault and battery upon John
p Welch. chief engineer OF the Fire
Department
Tho case grew out of trouble that
took place in the booth Of the Third
election district of the first represen-
tative district, on the last registration
day, October 20, when 1t was alleged
that officer Serson without provoca-
tion assaulted Welch and struck him
twice over the head with his club I'm
his endeavors to remove him from the
registration place. Although charges
We're brought before the Police Com
mission on October 80, which alleged
that Serson had committed an assault
upon Welch, the board after carefully
considering the evidence produced,
unanimously eXonerated the officer
and declared that he had in no way
oyerstepped his duty
BROUGHT SUIT IN. COURT.
Notwithstanding the decision given
by full board OF the Police Commis-
sion, Welch insisted in pressing a
charge of assault and battery against
Serson, on a warrant sworn out by
him (Welch,) before S. S. Adams. clerk
of the Municipal Court. After two post
Judge Cochran yesterday, which re.
suited in a fine OF S25 and costs being
imposed on the defendant
The first witness called was John
J. Welsh, who said he was at the poll
ing place on the day In question, as a
challenger. in the interest OF the
Democratic party. He arrived
at the polls shortly after IL
O'Clock, and entering the room, which
the registration officers occupied.
handed his block book to James A.
Dugan, Democratic assistant registrar.
asking him TO take charge Of il for o
rev moments. He then went out bu
returned shortly and sat down In a
rocking chair near the table, where
the registration officers were seated.
He had been there but a short time
whea Frank Jones, Republican chal-
longer, who was outside the window
called TO him to come OUT, as ne nad
no business in there. He replied to
Jones' telling him to mind his owp
damn business and he. (Welch) woul
attend to his. He had been in tn
registration booth on three previous
occasions and no objection had been
made, nor did any of the officers re-
quest him to retire on this occasion. B..
he heard Jones call for Officer Serson.
but heard none of the registration Of
ncers request him to do so. In a few
moments SersOn entered and without
a word struck him over the head twice
with his club. He then grappled with
me onicer and both fell into the cor
ner upsetting a table, chairs and
breaking lamp. He denied striking
1t Serson.
He admitted that after he had gonA
lut that someone had brought him
lis proper credentials and that he re-
urned to the room in the afternoon.
REGISTRAR PYLE'S EVIDENCE.
Joshua Pyle, Democrat, being sworn
aid that he was registrar Of the dis
rict. That shortly after the polls had
'rN-t~'f ANf win llAs DuAdut the as
istant Democrat registrar and Mr.
tennis, the assistant Republican reg
strar, agreed that there should be no
hallengers allowed inside the window.
frank Jones, the Republican challen-
er, came into the room early in the
ay, but was requested to retire and
i'd 50. taking his stand Just outside
he window. Shortly after II o'clock.
Veloh came in the room. and after
laying a few minutes went out. but
eturned shortly after and sat down.
10 one asked him 10 retire, nor did
e create any disturbance. He heard
ones call to Welch to come out. and
lso heard Jones cail OFFICER Serson.
lie did not order Welch out because
e had not time 20 DO so. lie did not
se the first OF the disturbance between
felch and Serson. but saw the latter
18th his club raised The men then
II together in the corner and he kept
le crowd away from them
James A. Dugan, testified that he
as Democratic assistant registrar.