The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-15
OSTERNAN'S VISIT
TO MAJOR SYLVESTER
Episode of Taking Away Revolver and
Baton Has Been Grossly
Exaggerated.

Policeman c. F. Osterman. who was
twice before the trial board and by IL
found guilty OF being a ''Peeping. Tom -
and recommended for removal. made a
sensational call Sunday at Police Head
quarters, which has given rise to the
rumor in certain quarters that he in
Inundated the Major and Superintendent
of Police. drew a pistol on him. and
otherwise made himself obnoxious and
dangerous This rumor is not borne
out by the facts. which are, briefly as
follows:
On Sunday morning Osterman called
upon Major Sylvester at headquar-
ters and was very much exercised
over what he claimed was an injustice
done him by the publication that he
had been recommended for removal The
man had lost his nights rest and wor-
ried so over the matter that his sUspen-
sion was ordered, when he declared that
he might as well not live as to have
such an untruth given out to the public.
He had grieved over the matter so that
he was hardly responsible for his ac-
lions. Yesterday he called and apollo
gized. and said that he was 50 grieved
that he did not realize what he had
done
Major Sylvester says Osterman has
always shown himself good policeman.
and his superiors have sympathized
with him in the present case.
Captains Boardman and Gessford were
present at the time and he was finally
made 10 realize that he should make
no such mistake as he might through
grieving over the matter. which Is still
being considered and is under review.
Major Sylvester denies that there was
anything in the nature OF intimidation.
gun play. threats, or even profanity. in
his interview with Osterman. He had
come TO headquarters for half an hour S
extra work. but remained longer than
that to afford Osterman an interview.
He admitted Osterman was well-nigh
insane from worry over the publications
concerning him. and he carried in his
hand a clipping from local paper. He
dilated on his wrongs, and finally the
major orr ered Captains Boardman and
Gessford to remove the man. This was
done. says the major. without anything
like struggle
once downstairs. however. there was
an interesting time for awhile Oster-
man was taken into the bureau room
and ordered TO wash up, as his appear
ance indicated that he had not done
so that day. He was then in full uni
form. and was on duty, for. contrary to
published statements, he has not been
removed from the force. his case being
still pending before Commissioner West
with strong probability for a re-
versal OF the decision of the trial board.
IL was here that Osterman became
wild. and, smarting under a sense OF
his wrongs. he is said 10 have cursed
his superior officers in unmeasured
terms. 1t was realization of his men,
tai condition which prevented active
| measures being taken against him, but
when. a few minutes later. in the Of
/ fee of Captain Boo rdman, he momentar.
! lily laid aside his baton and revolver
while he adjusted his suspenders, tho
weapons were seized by Wade h Rab.
/ bitt. secretary TO Captain Boardman
and by him secreted.
| While Osterman was at headquarters.
/ Major Sylvester took his carriage anC
/ left, but as he had already stayed longer
/ than he had intended. and Lad officially
disposed OF Osterman. he Dies not set
where the charge Of intimidation can b'
/ advanced.