Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-11-12

POLICE COMMISSIONERS "A called
meeting Of the Board of Police Com
missjoners was held last night. Tne
meeting was called to order at O'Clock
With Mayor Simpson presiding and all
the members present. The meeting
was exciting, and all present INDUCED
10 animated debate. At times the
scenes became more than exciting,
savoriny Of seriousness. Charges aud
counter -cnarges we're made without
hesitsney, and there was no miucing oil
words.
The first business vas the resignation
of Policeman James Deane. A vote was
taken aud his resignation accepted.
The secretary then read the names OF
number of applicants for position as
policeman. IL was then moved that
the election be proceeded With. Mr..
LawIer said it had always been the
custom to accept the resignation, ana
at the following meeting to elect a
mau 10 fill the vacancy. He could see
no hurry for such sn election, and
thought the board could wait two
weeks before filling the vacancy.
Commissioner Bryant stated that
seventeen men he'd appeared before the
board aud bsen examined, and he could
sec no improperly in an immediate
election.
Mr.. Lawler then denounced the
Whole method OF electinR policeman.
He asserted that the matter was all
fixed" before the meeting, aud 1t
ssemed ridiculous aud silly to have the
men appear there and stand outside
waiting. The last election, he declared,
showed couclusively that the matter
was fixed" when ]. Christopher Gill
syas elected on the secood ballot.
Mayor Simpson agreed with Mr..
L4wler on this matter.
Mr.. Lawer said 1t was known that
MIR. Gill was to be elected. Mr.. HUI
a This iuncture excitedly arose and
aid 81 voted for Mr.. Gill, and l
deny inst allegation. / have never
promised q living soul, and when l
e,me here come with my hands free"
Commissioner Miller stated that the
election of Mr.. Gill had never been
decided upon.
Wr. LAWYER continued to urge his op'
position to the election. A vote was
taken. and three voted for an I'M
mediate election. and two against.
The matter was about to be proceeded
with when Mr.. Lawler arose again and
nrofested. Commissioner Bryant sub.
sequently withdrew his motion, ana
the election was postponed.
Commissioner Bryant offered res
olutlon that bill for the sum OF $6UO,
or az much thereof as may be necessary,
for the legal expenses incurred In the
legal proceedings OF the Mayor vs. the
mmissioners, be presented to the
CITY Council tomorrow night, so as to
see If the Council would pay the bill.
Mr.. Lawler stated that the City Coun
Gil had already refused to pay the Dill
and they would do 80 sgain. He said
,he Commissioners had no right e
contract the bill and expect tho CITY
Council to foot it without having con-
suited them la the matter, as
the Commissioners we're really ser
wants of the City Council, that body
electing them. The speaker commended
that It was so Injustice to the tax-pay
ers TO present bill which had been in-
ourred in a squabble between them sod
the Mayor. Continuing, Mr, LAgler
said ~ am opposed to you bringing
that old bill here that has once before
bsen turned down by the City Council,
and want a recorded vote taken, and
most empbstically will vote against it,"
Mr.. Lswler asked the Mayor il he
had presented his bill to the City Coun-
Gil for his expenses incurred In the It'll
CATION and the Mayor smilingly said
"Oh, no."
mir, Simpson said that the resolution
could be submitted, but he would vote
against it, and wanted q recorded vote
taken. The commissioners, he said,
had gone into the matter without ask
log the City Council.
A recorded vote was then taken on
the matter aud Msssrs. Bryant, Hi
and Miller voted for presenting the bill
to the City Council tonight, and Messrs.
Sinnson and LaWler voted against 1t.