The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-12-14

Probably the most important matter
passed upon by the board of police com
missioners today. was the accusation by
Henry W. NJ Mclaughlin. that he had
been assaulted by Patrolman Arthur l..
Butts on Broad street on Saturday even
ing last.
The hearing occurred yesterday af-
ternoon, commencing at o'clock and
lasted nearly two hours. each side pre-
senting several witnesses.
Mr.. Mclaughlin claimed that he and
several other young fellows were lending
their assistance TO raise a horse that had
slipped on the snow and dropped I'm the
street in South Providence when the Of
ficer approached and, without provoca-
ton nc maintained assaulted him.
officer Butts made a general denial as
TO any assault being committed by him
and In this assertion was corroborated by
the evidence of several citizens. After
few words between himself and complain
ant, he pushed Mclaughlin aside, using
no more force than necessary In the per-
formance OF his duty and with the pur-
pose Of rendering prompt assistance to
the driver of the fallen steed.
Butts has a good record since his con-
nection with the department or nearly
seven years and this fact weighed well
with the commissioners.
After due consideration. they handed
down their decision, today, generating
Officer Butts. He was not a any time
suspended, hence no loss OF pay and Chief
Baker was instructed TO assign him as
usual, this evening. to his old beat along
Broad street and vicinity, South Provi-
dence.
LICENSE FIGURES COMPARED.
With the exception OF druggists IT.
censes the commissioners have practically
completed their labors on wholesale and
retail liquor licenses and scarcely more
than dozen are yet to receive their at
tention.
They have granted a. frst-class licenses
two more than last year-meaning
revenue OF 900
They have granted 433 retail licenses
three less than the record Of their pred
ecessors-meaning a revenue of sl132OO,
grand total OF s206S The city's share
Is SIS. 100 and the states So, 100.
There were - new applicat tions this
year. two Wholesale and - retail. The
two first applications have been granted.
As To retail applications, old or entirely
new. about seven or eight have been re-
fused and practically not more than 10
can possibly be pigeonholed for further
information.
There were ITO druggists licenses last
wear converting into the treasury 500,
and IL remains TO be seen whether this
will he increased or reduced
\ conservative estimate OF the total re-
CENTS for licenses first and second class
and druggists-before the Inauguration
OF the next city government would be
$4,000.
GAVE THEM a TALKING TO.
Michael Feeley. Of l07 Julian street. was
before the commissioners at 4 clock
this afternoon. and though not exactly
"a hearing or inquiry. he was given
talking 20 for complaints Of having his
shop open after hours
lie explained that there was no intent
tn violate Tho law. but was detained.
out his Affairs FOR the day
following. After an admonition he de-
parted.
tlilerS. Arthur McSoley. Jr. whose place
of business o. at 80 Amherst street and
T.. J Duny of 2la Manton avenue. were
before the police commission. The offi-
rcrs covering the heats on which these
places are located rep0rtcd that they had
been kept opcu after IL O'Clock ana that
liquors were served after that hour. The
Officers were brought in 20 TESTIFY as -
what they found. and in both cases iho
men admitted being in the saloons with
others. but claimed That no liquors were
sold. Both men were rondN 90 promise
that their places would be promptly
closed hereafter if theN were allowed to
business. nud after sharp ipp-
ritnuud by the chsirmBu uf thc board
wore allowed to continue. Al ORDER was
ISSUED by the chief as = result requiring
aU curtains iu The Windows of btrroons
Co. De- thrown uyeu sf ~ O'Clock. - INST
hereafter thp bars VIII ht h run view
Of uuyune passing ou the street
Woe brIldr lhp retailer uf tavern h~cp-
er eaugIf. uT even suspected ui, FeIunA
tomorrow. The police sft luHlI ictfu 90
oxercise special vigilance. net only as to
saloons but as to suspected gamhling
places and houses Of questionable char,