Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-01-29
DARNELL RESIGNS
Rock Island Chief of Police Ten.
ders His Star to Mavor
Knox.
ASKS TO BE RELIEVED AT ONCE
Will Stand Trial on Charges in Grand
Jury Indict-
ments.

Mayor Knox his resignation as chief
or police of Rock Island. The chiefs
action is the result of his Indictment
by the grand jury for alleged failure
to enforce the city ordinances with
reference to gambling and the regula-
ton of saloons.
The chief asked the mayor that he
be relieved from official duty immedi-
ateiy. When asked by an Argus re-
porter for statement DarneIl said
he had nothing to- say further than
that he did not desire to serve under
an administration that was attempt
ing to place on his shoulders the re
sponsibility for the evils brought to
light by the granu jury's investiga-
ton. However, he intimated that he
would be heard from more fully at a
later date.
1t is understood that the chief pro-
poses to stand trial on the charges
preferred against him in the indict-
ments, and will cause to be brought
before the limelight persons who
have been playing Johnny-under-cover
in the proceedings that have made him
out the scapegoat thus far.
UnmanIy Desertion
The desertion on the part of Mayor
Knox of his chief at moment when
the latter was in trouble has had the
effect of arousing degree of sympa-
thy all over the city for Darnell that
he might not otherwise have had.
The course pursued by the mayor in
failing to uphold, under all circum-
stances, a subordinate whom he con
sidered sufficiently loyal, worthy and
competent to keep in office and ad-
minister the affairs of Il department
of the city for which he himself is,
under the ordinances, held account
able, is weak and unmanly.
The whole proceeding is but an
other evidence of the deplorable in
capacity of Mr.. Knox to discharge
the duties of mayor. Under his for
mer administration he came so close
to wrecking the paid fire department
by placing il in incompetent hands
that it was necessary to reorganiZe
it completely after he went out of
office. The police force then was
even more of a farce in its general
nature than it has been during the
past two years. 1t Was absolutely
without head and the source of
general ridicule. The street depart
ment was likewise a subject of CON
slant comment and complaint.
streets Do Own Talking.
While the fire department. has main
tanned its efficiency under Mr.. KnoX's
present term il is because lac has TAX
EN- warning by his former experience
and kept out Of it. As far as the
streets are concerned. they are doing
their own talking just now. The tax
payers have paid for permanent inn
lprovementS ON most OF the thorough
fares and they know for themselves
whether they are getting the benefit
of their enterprise.
! That the police department has
been without discipline or organiza-
tiCn has been apparent to tise casual
observer for some time. Chief Oar
nell has shown in his own indiffer-
ence. due perhaps to encouragement,
by not even wearing his uniform half
the time, and Night Captain McCabe.
who blossomed out SO bccomingly at
the commencement of his duties, has
gone about looking as if he did not
care whether he was at the head of a
police detail or not
| Meanwhile burglaries have gone on
without limit and the city. because
OF neglect in other directions, is in
disgrace.