The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-04-25


1.-THE appointment of Frank StahI
as chief Of police was decided upon at
a meeting of the new police commit
tee of the city council, which was held
the night they were appointed, after
the council meeting adjourned. 1t
was three or four days after that that
I offered Sthal the place, and he ac-
cepted. The DELAY in making the
change has been due simply to Stahl
having certain business affairs to ar
range before taking the office"
According to this, StahIs appoint
ment was decided upon the night of
April II, and Mr.. Stahl was offered
the place and accepted about April IA
on April Is, the State Journal gave
the first exclusive announcement of
the change as follows:
Evidence comes from several reli-
able sources today which Indicates
that within a week Mayor Bergund-
thai Will call on Chief of Police Nc
Collum for his resignation, and viii
appoint Frank Stahl to succeed him.
The appointment of Frank StahI to
the office of chief of police was forced
upon Mayor Bergundthal by the law
and order people of the city, who had
become acquainted with the real char
acter of A E. McCOllum through the
columns of the State Journal. Mayor
Bergundthal disliked to make anv
change, because he had already been
police
whom he had put in over the protests
of the law and order people. who
wanted Stahl at that time
In response to questions Mayor
Bergundthal today made the following
statement
Two months ago Mr. McCoHum Of
fered to resign his position if I want
ed him to do so. Since then he has
several times offered to resign. He
found that the work of chief of police
was not cOngenial, and he was anxious
to get into something more to his lilx-
ing. Mr.. McCollum was not fred he
resigned.
In Frank Stahl believe we have a
man who will close the joints. He is
appointed for the purpose of closing
them. Stahl win of course have the
naming of the men who will serve un-
der him. 1 do not think. however, that
there will be any great Shake-up on
the force this month. If any changes
are made they will be made gradually.
None have been decided upon at this
time
'win Mr.. Stahl be asked to give
bond?' was asked.
Il don't know about that. Tt is still
before the council. Mr. Stahl is will
ing to give bond, if necessary
What is your plan of campaign
To close the joints
win you try to close the clubs
which dispense liquor and other places
aside from joints?"
I have not talked that matter over
with Chief Stahl yet. I can't say what
will be done about that"
1t is understood that Mr.. Stahls ap-
pointment was unanimously endorsed
by the three members of the police
committee. Mr.. Howe. Mr.. Green and
Mr.. Swendson.
There are seventeen replevin cases
pending against A. E. McCollum in
which the plaintiffs are jointists whose
stuff has been seized by the ex-chief
They have all taken back their con-
fiscated goods. and the only question
now is who shall pay the costs in the
cases. Legally. McCollum is liable.
but 1t is doubtful whether the costs
could be collected from him. When
Etahl was chief. he settled up all the
replevin suits pending against him by
giving back the goods on condition the
jOintists would pay the costs. McCol-
lum has no such hold on the jointists.
Chief of Police Frank NJ Stahl was
interviewed this afternoon by a State
Journal reporter. The chief sat in
the office over the police court which
has been used by A. Z. McCollum
since November 13. 1903. There
isn't much to say" said the chief
You may say for me that I intend
to do as near right as I know how,
and profit by my experience, observa-
ton and the wishes of the majority
! am not going to neglect any branch
of the criminal catching business if ]
can help it, but I viii pay strict at
Gention to the greatest evils. I antici-