Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-19
vERNoN's RETIREMENT.
Veteran Policeman Becomes Lieutenant
for Day, Then Leaves Service.


Sergt. Charles r. Vernon. called at police
headquarters this morning ana was told of
the arrangements that have been made for
his retirement, as published in yesterday s
Star He will tomorrow sign the official re-
ports as lieutenant. and Saturday he will
be on the retired list. 1t is greatly regretted
by the older members of the police force
that this officer who has served so many
years with them reached the stage where
his retirement is rendered necessary.
Charlie" Vernon was known to them as
sincere friend whose advice was always
calculated to assist the younger officers
During his long years of service he fought
many hard battles and II is a relief to his
brother officers to know that he is to re-
ceive pension above that granted men
who have served only short time and
without enduring the hardships he endured
years ago.
The changes brought about by the move
required to give the rank necessary to give
the increased amount of pension makes T.
B. Amiss and George H. Williams serve as
priyateS until Saturday when they will
again be promoted to the former positions.
Major Sylvesters letter to the District
Commissioners. which was referred to in
yesterdays Star. is as follows:
Charles r. Vernon at the present time
private of class in the Metropolitan police
force. is an applicant for retirement from
active duty. and the question of allowance
IN MS case IS more than ordinary.
1t has been ruled that Private Vernon is
technically entitled TO the rating of a pri-
vate in the force Notwithstanding the fact
that he diligently and faithfully served
through all the grades In the force from
private to captain. 1t was believed that the
honorable the Commissioners might be en-
powered by law to exercise a discretion in
making an allowance in case of his retire.
ment which would. in a measure at least,
be consistent with the services rendered.
nj "a Ia
seems. does not make such course per-
missable and the only alternativ left the
Commissioners is to promote Private Ver-
non to such grade as would permit of his
retirement at the graded compensation At
the date of his reduction the higher grade
for officers was not contemplated, and had
1t been he would not have requested the
lighter duty at lesser COMPENSATION The
situation applies in his case and in that of
ex-Lieut John f. Kelly. These two officers
served in advanced capacities and prior to
the establishment of the graded pension
were reduced.
If it would be consistent to proceed in
Private Vernon's case as is done under the
general government in the matter of army
retirements there seems no good reason why
he should not be advanced to a Heutenancy
and then retired with the pay which at
taches to that grade. There are those on
the force who would gladly step aside tenn
porarily in order that justice might be ac-
corded in such a worthy case.
1t is not with a view to doing for an in
dividual that this suggestion Is advanced.
but that one who has done all the service
which would and should entitle him to the
allowance should have what appears to be
right and proper =.
On the 11th day of September, 1861. he be-
came member of the Metropolitan police
force and after faithful performance of
duty was on July %. 1866. promoted to SER
geant. These Were years when the work
was arduous and trying. January q, 1876,
he was made lieutenant and four years
later was advanced To- captain and inspec-
tor. On July 16. 1856 he resigned as cap
tain and took up the duties of a lieutenant
August 16. 1896, at his, own request, he was
reduced to be member of class two, with
lighter duties to perform.
In a period of fofty-one years not shad-
ow of discredit was cast upon his record
and now in the closing years of his life it
would be but fitting and in accord with
justice and right II he was enabled to re-
tire as 1T was intended he should. My
Judgment in this case, 1 believe. will meet
with the approval of all interested.
Vacancy Created.
The retirement of Lieut.. Vernon created
vacancy at police headquarters. where
he was in charge of the work of issuing
permits and attending to other matters in
connection with the work of the superin-
tendent. The vacancy was filed last night
by the transfer of Sergt. Carter from night
duty in the detective office, where he per-
formed the work of captain after Capt.
Boardnan left his office for the night. De-
tectiye Sergeant Heian was selected to fill
the night detail in the detective Office. and
went on duty last night. Sergt Carter
took charge of the permit work this morn
Ing. The detail Of Detective Helan takes
one man frOm street duty. but the va
-cancy will not be filed at this time.