New-York tribune., 1901-08-19
TOPICS IN CHICAGO.
A SCANDAL IN THE POLICE DEPART
MENT-THE ACTION OF THE SOUTH
CHICAGO STEEL WORKERS.

account IN the Police Department promises 10
lead to the unearthing of scandals and political
entanglernents the results OF which are expected
10 be far reaching In some respects the inquiry
now set on foot is similar 10 the investigation
into the New-York police system But TO Chi
cago the present developments like nothing
experienced here before. Comparison is some
times made with the disclosures Of the dealings
OF the money sharks which lead to the undoins
and final retirement of Former Chief OF Polce
Joseph Ripley. But there is no analogy for the
reason that the prosecution then involved only
one high Official. while the present Investigation
threatens the heads of offceholders ana the
prestige OF political dictators well.
Briefly il has been discovered that bogus
expense account Of $50 was signed by detec-
tive and stamped with the official seal by po-
lice lieutenant. All are responsible for their acts
TO Chief OF Detectives Luke p. Colleran. Collier
an must answer TO Chief Of Police O'Neill for his
own acts and those OF the men working under
him In this way the chain OF responsibility is
completed. Whether Lieutenant Joyce stamped
and 20 K'd" the account with the knowledge
that II was a fraud remains TO be proved The
officers who have made confessions to the chief
have implicated him. Colleran has been imph-
Gated in much the same way. but Chief O'Neill
has decided not to prefer charges against him
TO the Civil Sservice Commission. If the confes-
sions Of the officers before that body bring him
become
the alleged forgery of the name of States At
iorney Deneen to extradtion papers constitute
the evidence, far as the Police Department
is concerned.
The political entanglements form another part
of the story, and perhaps the most significant
part Colleran is Bobby Burke's man. Burke
has kept the chief Of detectives where he is for
years under the successive administrations or
Mayor Harrison, and despite the lukewarm sup
port OF the Mayor. Burke, who is Mayor Harri-
sons right hand man. repeatedly has been ac-
,used by stanch Harrison Democrats OF build
ing around himself zone man power; he has
been told that il would lead to fatal conse-
auences and would ultimately defeat the faction
whose successful campaigns he has managed
and directed since the coming out" Of Harri-
son. II Colleran becomes involved in the scan
aals he will have to go, by the edict of Acting
Mayor Walker. who declares that no man will
De shielded in the investigation and that polt-
.al influence and pull" will avail nothing. And
{ Colleran goes Burke TO this extent will have
ost power In his own ward and district of the
.ity where he has ruled with an iron hand for
Fears he has active rival In City Sealer
quinn, who managed successfully the alder
manic campaign of Honore Palmer Quinn will
aot try to stay the hand of fate if il points TO
he downfall OF Burke, even If the administra-
ion should suffer indirectly by the fall.
polzing on with interest They are anti-Harri-
ton and prof. Hopkins. Whatever tends TO dis
.reait the present administration viii be cam
,aign material for them, and so, while they are
aking no hand in the investigation they stand
o prost by IL, whatever develops. Mayor Har-
dson presumably does not intend to return from
ais vacation until several weeks have passed.
Acting Mayor Walker has declared that the in
fuiry viii not stop because of his absence. This
feas ha
political secret for some time that Mayor Har-
N ison is growing jealous of the general popu-
VI aTitY which, Corporation Counsel and fire.
guently as Acting Mayor. Charles NJ. Walker is
ginning The people Of Chicago have the ut
most confidence in the integrity and ability OF
DR.. Walker and this is regarded one Of the
nost important duties which has come before
he Mayor in the present term. If IL is left for
DIR. Walker. and not Mr.. Harrison. to manage
t, the former gains a point in what many be-
eve promises be a splendid political career.
What looks like the last phase of the Phillips
angle is now being wound up in the courts. By
shrewd counter move through his attorneys
'hillips has avoided the bankruptcy courts and is
tow in the hands of a receiver, so far the
ieorge II. Phillips Company is concerned. BY its
wn admission the company's liabilities will eX-
eed the assets by about 100000 after all set
dement's are made. Phillips has lost every cent
capital with which he started and all the
srofts he has made since he began his career
speculation. He has saved a homestead
Thch is in his wife's name. His proposition to
i've the creditors all that he may make an
odiyidual commission man above and beyond
900 a year is accepted an honorable offer.
is believed that the creditors will ultimately
. paid in full BY this means the young corn
ing hopes 10 maintain his good name and start
is business life again.
Persons who profess TO be advised assert that
he steel trust has won a great victory in the
Western field by the refusal Of the South Chi
ago workers to strike. That they have prac-
lcally given up the idea Of being reinstated in
he Amalgamated Association at the national
onVention next May is accepted certainty.
leaders in the local district talk II they fore
aw this before their first vote not to obey Pres
Sent Shaffer There is a prediction OF a West
IN protective association among the steel work
rs Of the Federal Steel Company Unquestion-
bly, they stand high with the company because
their display Of loyalty in holding sacred the
ontract which they contend binds them by the
cry rules of the company They have saved
heir homes and their high saIaried positions.
hey have won the consideration Of their
loyers. which they expect 10 stand them In
tead in the future. Thus, they believe still
olding that they have sacrificed no principle of
nionism, that their positions are insured 10
aem for years 10 With this comes the
amor that the steel trust win extend its plants
the Western field. and viii double the capacity
( these mills II this should develop, Western
ssOciatiOn OF steel workers might prove a
9rrnidable rival of the Amalgamated Associa-
ion In the opinion Of the men In the local field
The community has been stirred again by the
ctivities in the field in which Bishop Kozlowsd
ules the destinies OF thousands Of Polish parish