Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-04-11
HAMPTON.
POLICE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
TUNATE FAMILY-TRLAL
DAY-BREVITIES
Especial to virginian- Pilot.)

Especial to Virginian- Pilot.)
hampton, Va, April 10.-The Board
Of Police Commissioners have before
them serious charge, which was pro
ferred a few days ago against Town
sergeant Cunningham by Il man named
Crowther, who resides OH Hope street.
Mr. Crowther alleges that Sergeant
cunningham recently engaged in an
improper conversation with one of his
children. The child, he says. repeated
the oihcerS words to Mrs. Crowther,
from whom he learned the story. He
Ut once sought Mayor Hope and de-
manded an investigation, which was or
oered and Is now in progress.
1t is understood that Sergeant Cum
bingham does not deny having con-
versed with the child. He does deny.
however, that his motive in doing so
was In any sense improper. He ex-
piainS that distress warrant had been
placed in his hands for service, and
mat, not wishing TO cause Mr.. Crow
ther trouble concerning it, he under
LOOK TO obtain from one OF his children
certain information which he did not
feel disposed to so to the house for.
Inc Crowthers arc highly respccta-
pie people. but rs much can be said
LOT Sergeant Cunningham. He was
CHOSEN as Town Sergeant a. year ago, at
which time one Of the points urged in
ms tavor was his upright life. He has
oeeh Tor long time n member OF the
Queen Street Methodist Church. In the
aifairs of which he takes an active
part. His friends feel certain that Mr.
Crowther Is mistaken as to the Ser
geantS purpose in talking with the
child, and express the belief that when
all the facts have been brought out the
accused officer will need no further vim
dication.
The fact that charges have been pre-
ferred against Sergeant Cunningham is
not generally known, and it is not un-
hkely' therefore that its announcement
VIII create sensation. The story has
been known to one or two newspaper
men for week, but Mt the request of
the Mayor 1t was decided to withhold
1t until to-day. It Is thought that the
Police Board Will close the investigation
In day or two, but what the verdict
VIII be can only be guessed at, az the
body has conducted the inquiry behind
closed doors.
AN UNFORTUNATE FAMILY.
The death of Elijah Thomas at New
port News yesterday recalls the fact
that he was the fourth member Of the
family whose life was ended by yio
lence. Twenty-odd years ago his
father. one of the most highly esteem
cd citizens Of Elizabeth City county.
was murdered in the night time at
his door by robbers. Mr.. Thomas had
retired, but hearing suspicious sounds
in the vicinity of his barn arose and
WAS In the act of leaving the house
when he was shot. y few years later
one of his sons was killed by the ac-
cidental discharge of q gun while hunt
Ing. On the afternoon of May 3, 1897.
Benjamin Thomas, another son, was
fatally Injured at the Marsh Market,
In this city, by being caught between
n cart wheel and a trolley pole while
trying to stop runaway horse.
Elijah Thomas was we'll liked here
On last Sunday he came down from
Newport News to visit his little boy.
who is i'll at the house of his grand
mother. on Upper Queen street with
measles. Upon taking his leave he told
return Tuesday night Mr. Thomas
was cheerful and went away leaving
upon the minds of his friends the i'm
preston that he was free from care.
The news that he had killed himself
was shock to the many people in
Hampton who knew him.
TRIAL DAY AT SOLDIERS HOME.
Yesterday was Judgment day ut the
Soldiers Home, and Governor Woodnn
was kept busy for two or three hours
disposing Of the cases OF half hum
dred offenders. The Governor is noted
for the speed ut which he keeps the
wheels of justice going round IN the
Home court Ordinarily it takes him
but little more than minute to get
through with n case. but notwithstand-
ing the rapidity Of his decisions he sell
dom errS.
The veteran boys in blue before him
yesterday were charged with all tho
offences known to the Home catalogue.
I, I'D hann n IL n han
the victims of bad temper. many had
Jumped the fence and some had abused
mass privileges. The punishment in
nicted ranged all the way from day
or two on the dump to ninety days on
the limits.
BREVITIES.
The Board OF Managers Of the Sol
diers' Home. who have been Here sew
eral days inspecting the Home. left
Yesterday for the North, Governor
Woodhn was highly COMMUNICATED up
on his excellent management of the in
stitution.
City Sergeant William T.. Spencer.
whose death occurred at his home in
Williamsburg Sunday. was we'll known
here. Mr.. Spencer was the uncle OF
Prof Dudley b. Cowlcs. for several
years the principal OF the High school
of this city.
officials Of the Newport News and
Old Point Railway and Electric Com
pary were here yesterday. II Is said
that one Of the objects OF their visit
was the consideration of plans for the
management of the attractive summer
resort at Ruckroe Beach. Mr.. Charles
Hewins. who had charge of the hotel
last year. has been asked. It is said,
to take the place for the coming
season.
Oscar Williams, the West End drug
GIst, has secured an ingenious device