Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-07-19
SHOULD BE NO CONFLICT.

II will be gratifying to the public TO
know that the absconding inspector Of
street sprlnkling in this city Samuel
Spry, has been arrested, and that he
win probably be brought back, to be
tried for the serious offense which he
committed in embezzling funds belong
ing 10 the workmen who were then
under his supervision lie should be
returned here without delay. But an
unpleasant dispute has arisen between
two departments Of the law
The sheriff o. Salt Lake county has
been authorized TO serve a warrant
upon the defendant, and he naturally
thinks that he Is the proper officer 20
proceed 10 San Francisco and secure
his man. His explanation Of his pos.
tion will be found In another part Of
this paper, and II appears very con-
vincing.
on the other hand, the chief OF police
Of this city believes that as the Of
tense was committed against city en-
ployes police officer should be APP
pointed to go to California and brins
the delinquent here. His reasons are
also given and appear very plausi-
bic. But while It may be adj
mltted that each Of these officers has
some ground for the position he takes,
Il Is unfortunate that there should be
any clash between the county and city
administration. II Is not a new thing
under the sun but It is none the better
for that.
Seeing that the complaint against
spry was made under the statutes OF
this State that the matter was taken
In hand by the county attorney and
the papers were made out under those
statutes and placed In the hands OF
the sheriff, It looks as though there
should have been no interference with
the process by which justice could
claim It's own. The police, too, viii be
needed in this city more than on or
binary occasions, in a few days when
che carnival is in full swing, and none
OF their number can very well be
spared for service outside of the
state.
The acting. governor however, has
the matter in his hands. and he has
the authority to act In the premises
which he viii probably exercise ac-
cordlng 10 his best judgment, with the
purpose in view OF securing the prls-
oner IN the safest and most expeditions
manner possible, II is not a matter
Of dispute as to the ability OF either
department 60 accomplish what Is de-
sired. There are efficient men In both
branches of the public service whc
can be safely entrusted with the duty
70 be performed.
The unpleasant part OF the AFFAIR II
The contention between the two heads
Of departments which should work to-
yether for the common welfare. Each
has its own sphere clearly defined and
limited by law, and as the proceeding
were commenced and so far have been
carried on under the laws Of the state
and not the ordinances OF the city, II
would seem that the county officer
should be permitted to carry the matter
Forward to its completion.
AS far as the public is concerned. the
desire Is and win be for the capture
and punishment Of the offender the
restoration OF as much money as can
be recovered, and the relief OF the de-
frauded workmen 10 the full extent
possible under the law, and the ques-
tlon OF whether sheriff or a police
officer shall take the trip TO the coast,
and bring the culprit back to the place
OF his offense, is not matter OF gener-
al Importance. But. let US have peace
and no conflict between two branches
of the uuhllc service