New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-20
CRANE SCOLDS POLICE.
Then Dismisses Gamblers Charge
of Oppression.

The police against the gamblers IN hearing
before Magistrate Crane at the Jefferson Market
court yesterday. Although Mr.. Crane indulged In
some criticism OF the police which was evidently
meant to be severe. he refused TO issue warrants
for the policemen who had been keeping men out
OF an alleged poolroon in West Twenty-ninth-st.
The result is that the police will continue the
patrol Of the poolrooms and continue to suppress
pooiselling under the orders OF Police Commits
sioner McAdoo.
Inspector Walsh and Captain Burfeind had been
summoned before Magistrate Crane charges OF
oppression made by attorney for the alleged
social club in West Twenty ninth-st, which. the
police say was organized for the purpose Of run
ming poolroorn. Assistant Corporation Counsel
Malone and Deputy Police Commissioner Cowen
were present to defend the police against the
charge of oppression. A stenographer was sent
from Police Headquarters to take the testimony.
and Magistrate Crane seemed TO be somewhat dis
concerted when the stenographer took seat at
the bench and made ready for business.
Several members OF the alleged club testified that
Inspector Walsh personally directed efforts OF
policemen to keep from entering the place
Inspector Walsh went the stand and said the
place had borne the reputation of a poolroom, and
a raid had been made there. ten OF the prisoners
being held He said that one of his visits to the
place he had found the attorney there. and the
attorney had ordered OF the men in the
pace 70 throw MIN downstairs he said ne warned
q poolroom and he had reason to believe 1t was
fend, testified that he had ordered policemen to
guard the place.
Mr.. Malone said the police were simply doing
their duty under Section S5 of the charter. which
directs police prevention of crime. and the inspec-
ton OF all gambling houses. II the policemen
failed to suppress such places. he said. they would
be liable to charges OF neglecttng their
attorney for the alleged pooroom repeated the
oppression" charge and asked for warrants.
Magistrate Crane In denying the warrants. said
In part:
This is a question which is coming up every day
una IS coming every day nearer a termination OF
some kind / wish 10 impress upon these police
doing these acts complained OF they not COM
Ing under the law
In the OF private club. II a member wishes
TO enter or 20 leave that club he has a perfect
right to do So ard II IS serious thing II the
police interfere with his right in this respect It
may be said that the police officers do moth
Ing else If they wish to be sincere and honest IN
their WORK. but such q thing as this IS not per-
missible.
With new Police Commissioner IN charge doing
his utmost to superintend the department II is not
a light matter TO have these charges OF violations
OF the law made against members OF the force
II this continues there won't be any OF houses
safe The police will feel that they have perfect
right 70 enter or leave q suspected house as they
choose.
II this continues blood will be she'd you see
cannot invite these conditions. The nearer we
get the law, all OF US. the better II viii be for
US all. Now. am not going to take further
issuance OF warrants is concerned. going to
say 20 the Police Department. and to Deputy Com
missioner Cowan. who is in court. that the police
have right TO enter mans house without
warrant In doing so they violate the law.
\ request OF the attorney for the alleged pool
TO hold the open for two days. 10 see
what the police would do. was denied by Magistrate
Crane. and the gamblers appeared TO be discon-
certed when they left the courtroom