Evening star., 1903-07-14
THE POLICE INQUIRY
Jos. L. elliott Testifes in His
Own Behalf.
THE EVIDENCE TODAY
MAI. SYLVESTER ASKS PERMIS-
SION TO MAKE STATEMENT.
Accused Policeman Practically Denies
Testimony Of Prosecuting Wit
nesses-Roasts Newspapers.

The hearing in the case Of Policeman
Joseph l.. elliott of the second precinct
who Is charged with promising several per-
sons. for pecuniary consideration. to use
political influence to secure their appoint
ment in the police and fire departments of
the District, was resumed this morning
beginning at 10 o'clock. in a room on the
second floor of the police headquarters
building. Today's session lasted until after
1 O'Clock. when an adjournment was taken
until 30 o'clock tomorrow morning.
The introduction of testimony prac-
tcally concluded today. the most interest
ing feature of the session being the testi-
mony Of elliott. who emphatically denied
that he had ever assisted any one or at
tempted to assist any one to secure posi-
ton in the police or fire departments for
a money consideration. He was evidently
very bitter against the newspapers and at
every opportunity took occasion to express
his dsapproval of the press. In general
the statements of the accused were in de-
NAL of testimony given by the witnesses for
the prosecution.
Assistant Corporation Counsel Sinclair,
a member of the police trial board. con-
Quoted the examination for the District
thorities. and Attorney Wilton j. Lambert
represented elliott The other members
of the trial board were Captain Pearson
and Lieutenant Swindels. Only two wit
nesses for the prosecution We're examined
this morning. Mr.. j. E. Armstrong. who
was on the stand last Saturday. however.
recalled by Mr.. Sinclair in order to
verify a statement. The defense produced
several witnesses. members of the force in
addition to Assistant Corporation Counsel
James l.. Pugh. who testified to the good
character of the accused and to his record
as a member of the police force.
Maj. Sylvester Asks for Hearing.
entered the court room and stated that be-
fore the case was concluded he desired to
make a statement. He will be given an
opportunity to do so tomorrow.
Just before the adjournment this after
noon Attorney Lambert stated that the de-
fenSe wished to except to the legality of
the board the right of its appointment and
its qualifications to sit, and to except and
object to the consideration of the testimony
of the first days session. by reason of the
fact that the major and superintendent of
police was present. which lie was not
thorized to be, and participated in the pro-
Ceedings.
Mr. Lambert stated that this was done
not in any way offensive. but to save the
rights of the accused in case the matter
should at any time be brought before the
courts.
Mr. elliott. who was the last witness
amincd today. stated that he has resided
in the District for the past three and half
years: prior to that time he was resident
o. Prince Georges county. Md. He SAID
he first became connected with The metro
politan police force about five years ago
In response to questions Of Mr.. Lambert
he said that he took the exami lati ons -
get on the force and passed them.
Did you ever tell anybody that you
did not pass the examinations?"
Il did not. On the contrary. I said l
did pass the examina tiOns. and when ques-
toned about the matter, / told the parties
that they could go to the department and
find my papers"
Witness said he became acquainted with
Mr.. Martin about three years ago. Mar
tin was an applicant for position on
the police force. said the witness, and
he was in the habit of coming around to
Gillotts beat and talking with him every
night
Did you assist Mr.. Martin to get place
on the force" elliott was asked.
Il did not in any way"
Did you ever ask him to give you any
thing to secure him pOs!tion?"
He did not.