Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-12-03
POLICE COMMISSIONERS.
Action Of Mayor Pan in Suspending
Officers Roberts and Mayhugh Sus.
tained-N0 Action Taken in the

A called meeting Of the Board Of
Police Commissioners was held last
night Mayor Patf presided, and Com.
missioners Hill, Lawler and Graham
were present.
The Mayor stated that he had convened
the board for the purpose of reporting hi:
action in suspending Officers John T.
Roberts and William Mayhugh for gross
violation of the police rules. He called
attention TO the fact that hi, action had
necessarily depleted the force, but that
be had consulted the chief who thought
the department could get along should
one man be appointed 10 serve during
the next thirty days.
Some discussion followed as to
whether the Mayor should appoint an
officer pro tempore or the board select
one 1t was generally agreed that the
Mayor, who had power tc appoint extra
men when occasion required it, could
make selection in this instance.
The Mayor stated that the chief had
suggested the selection Of ex-police.
man james Hall to serve during the
suspension Of Officers Roberts and May
hugh. The board approved the choice
and be was appointed last night.
The matter Of the suspension Of the
two officers referred to was then taken up.
Mr. Graham asked for information
concerning the record of these men.
Mr.. Lahler said this was the first
charge that bad been made against Mr..
Mayhugh, but the third of the same ma
ture Mr.. Roberts had been made to face.
The Mayor called attention to the TACT
that he bad imposed the maximum
punishment he could infict in such case.
While the board had the power to pro-
coed further. he believed that the moral
effect of the penalty he had imposed
would have as much effect on the force
as If the officers were removed
Mr.. Graham said a heavy fine had
been imposed The officers would lose
$50 each. He, too, believed the Mayors
action would have a salutary effect. He
believed the board should uphold the
Mayor in his action, which he approved
and made motion to that effect.
Mr.. Lawler said he viewed the matter
in an entirely different light The Mayor,
it was true, had done all he could in
the matter. The speaker had always
heretofore endeavored to be lenient to Of
icers oyertaken in fault, aud in this
matter he was in favor of sustaining the
Mayor so far as Mr.. Mayhugh was con
cerned, as it was his first ofiense, and he
recognized the fact that he was good
officer. He did not, however. think the
board should make any further delay in
regard to Mr.. Roberts. Mr.. LAWYER
gave most of the details in connection
with the charges which had been made
against the two officers, and maintained
that those against Mr.. Roberts were of
too grave nature to allow of any punish
ment short of expulsion. There had
been three charges on the same line pre-
ferred at different times, and in the last
instance the repetition OF the old offense
was coupled with a second of more
serious import. The acts alleged against
him had destroyed his prestige 10 an ele-
ment with which the police have much
TO do and his usefulness was at an end.
He believed the board should come dogu
to solid business In this case Much had
been said during the past two months
about bringing about discipline in the
police force. The time had come when
the board should be rough. ald he NOV
ed that the charges against Mr.. Roberts
be Investigated by the board.
Mr.. Hill said he had always en-
deavored to be lenient with members of
the force against whom charges had been
brought, but he realized that The police
force had been conducted carelessly of
late, and it was time the members were
made to know that.the board meant busi-
ness. He thought the Mayors action
a sufficient indication. In future he
would be in favor of dismissal, but in
the cases under discussion be thought 1t
better to sustain the Mayor in his action
at this time, as he believed sufficient
warning had been given.
Mr.. Lawler said officers should be !
above reproach, and be appealed to the |
board to know what respect would be
shown men guilty of charges for which !
one Of the two men had been suspended. |
Mr.. Graham acknowledged that there
was much truth in Mr.. LAWYERS obserya-
tions, the Mayor also signifying assent,
the latter saying that in future the BOARD |
could act more rigidly 10 such cases.
Dir. Graham's motion to sustain the |
Mayor was subsequently adopted-ayes, |
Messrs. Hill and Graham--2; no, Mr.. |
Lawler-l
The Mayor next called attention to a
matter that caused considerable COM
ment last week. His honor said that,
to a statement made 10 him
by Officer Henderson,. aman named
w. Il. Terry, a drummer, had been
guilty of disorderly conduct in one of
he passage ways Of the Braddock House
IN the night OF Monday, November Or,
md when Officer Henderson attempted
o arrest him the stranger clutched him
~ the throat aud be was compelled to
Use his baton in order 10 induce him to
elax his hold; that he broughttbe man.
Who was bleeding profusely, TO the station !
Iouse, that the officer and the prisoner
5ere of the opinion that both mad made
that Terry did not recognize ,
he officer in the dark, ard that the lat
er in twirling bis stick in front of him
ghen he entered the hall had struck the i
lau. Terry had no charge to urge
.,..inet tho officer and the lsttar had or