New-York tribune., 1905-12-23
HOWELL ASKS PROBE.
CALLS CHARGES FALSE.
Petitions Mc4doo for Investigation
-Eggers Case Closed.

william Howell. secretary TO Commissioner
,fcAdoo. sent written request to the latter yes
,sr5ay asking for immediate investigation OF
h,s official conduct while he has been in the Po-
rca Department. Mr.. McAdoo said that he would
name a time and place for the investigation and
seclared that it would be conducted without
fesr or favor
Mr. Howelrs request is a result of the testi-
,nony which Sergeant Eggers gave on the wit
ness stand on Thursday. when he was charged
With failing TO take action while he headed the
rice squad In the cases of two disorderly houses
against which he is alleged to have had incrim-
mating evidence. Sergeant Eggers said that Mr..
Towell told him to keep hands off, of these
tro places, but this Mr.. Howell denied when
called the stand
Nr. McAdoo refused to discuss the Eggers
case lie said that he would be the final judge
ana that it would be improper for him to discuss
the affair at this time. He issued the following
statement telling of Mr.. Howelrs request:
Fer some time past have given a great deal of
zine and labor 10 the Investigation of the con
duct of Detective Sergeant Eggers, while attached
- this Office and also that of other officers whose
conduct calls for investigation, more particularly
during the tine tine was absent from the city on my my
vii be continued regardless CT the result of this
s4 fe er eoP oP a8or fo w Mr. RoWe @ has 6ad aoth
inr whatever do with this investigation nor does
he know of the details SO far as am aware. When
TIesrned Of the nature OF the defence IN this case
7 ordered that II be expedited and brought to
,-eI al once AS / act in a judicial capacity in
his matter I, of course, have nothing 10 say about
the merits OF the at present Mr.. Howell has
made request of me in writing for q, thorough
ond impartial investigation of his conduct dis
closed in this and in general, so far es this
oice is concerned and that will accord him at the
first opportunity
This is Mr. HowelTs letter to Commissioner
McAdoo:
Referring TO various suggestions that have been
us1rping powers which did not attach to my off1ce
IS secretary to the Police Commissioner, and that
nv official conduct otherwise improper, or that
hay committed wrong whatever. beg to
-e0uesr that, II you 1L you cause to be made a
thorough investigation OF official conduct while
IL IFS deuartInent. To this end / ask that you
n1hicv invite any one who has any charge to
make against in the above respect to come for
ward for the purpose.
Mr.. Howell said he had nothing to add to the
litter. but declared the accusation made against
him would be fully and clearly proved to be
false. Mr. McAdoo will hold the investigation
some day next week
The trial of Sergeant Eggers, on charges of
neglect of duty in failing to close two disorderly
houses against which he is alleged to have had
evidence while he was head of the vice squad
was continued yesterday at Police Headquarters
before Deputy Commissioner McAvoy.
MI Grant, of counsel for the defence, had asked
for an adjournment on Thursday to enable him
10 call a special witness. This witness not
on hand yesterday, and Assistant Corporation
Counsel Breckenridge asked that the case be
closed. Mr. Grant objected, but MI. Brecken-
ridge opposed delay, and Mr.. McAvoy announced
that the case was closed. He reserved decision.