The times., 1901-06-29
DISMISSED FROM THE FORCE.
Major syIvester's Recommendations
in ,he Ashton Case Approved.


The Commissioners have approved the
recommendations of Major Sylvester in
the case of Policeman II. i. Ashton. Ash
ton was charged with conduct unbecom-
ing policeman and found not guilty by
the Trial Board. The specific charge
against Ashton was that he conducted
himself in an improper manner toward
two women while they were in pubic
thoroughfare In his review of the case
MAJOR Sylvester recommended an over
ruling of the suggestion of the Trial
Board and the dismissal of Ashton from
the force Major Sylvester, in his report,
said:
This case was reported to these Head
quarters by the prosecuting witnesses
whose only motive, so far as ascertalneu,
in making the complaint to the police,
was to secure action against man, alter
ward found to be a member of the police
force. who. they felt, had insulted them.
Nothing has been found that would i'm
peach the testimony of the prosecuting
witnesses, and the proprietress OF the
premises in which they reside has the
reputation Of exercising every precaution
which might tend TO qualify her patrons
as respectable people. If the defendant
thought otherwise and was attracted by
them he was guilty Of neglect Of duty IN
not taking proper action.
.sOn the other hand, it appears that the
alleged kissing was followed up by the
defendant taking position opposite the
domicile and windows Of the prosecuting
witnesses. and left cnly when policeman
was called Then, instead of disclosing
his identity as a brother officer with au-
thority, he apparently endeavored to elude
Identification. He was intercepted, now
ever, and then he assumed the attitude
| of innocence. 1t is unusual for member
| Of the force to go entirely out of the latl-
| tude where he is employed, in TINS case at
| the Long Bridge and consume his own
/ time in looking up a person who mas es-
caped from the worlzhouse. unless he had
been directed to do so through Headquar-
| ters or his precinct.
..The defendants witnesses differ as TO
the number Of persons at the corner in
question, which casts bad light on the
affair. and while the prosecutors diner
! somewhat in the matter Of precise !oca-
ton they agree upon the fact of the at
! traction on the part of the defendant. IN
stead Of making women and children the
objects of disrespect there should not be
the slightest doubt as TO their protection
bv members Of the police force ana ! am
constrained to agree with Captain Austin
and Mr. Pugh, the Assistant Attorney for
the District, that the defendants conduct
was not that of a good officer
The position is strengthened by ms
! carelcssncss or Indifference as evidenced
In lhe second case herewith presented,
wherein he was found guilty OF absence
from duty without leave, ana by a ihifu
Instance when he neglected to take such
/ action with reference TO an accident lhat
1 had occurred on the Long Bridge as
would enable him to Immediately inform
| the department fully as 10 the facl con
nected herewith While he called for an
| ambulance and stated that there was an
accident he did not pursue the case
promptly but waited until the next day
| TO eniighten the department
IN my opinion. the defendant should be
removed from the force MY cohhuehc" ii
him, after a trial, is shaken