Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-23

moved from the police force. This time
the charge against him was of SO serious
a nature that the chief of police and Com
missioners concluded that some action
must be taken.
The charges grow out of alleged improper
conduct on the part of the detective with a
teacher in the public schools. This teacher
was questioned by Major Sylvester some
time prior to the filing of the charges, and
it is alleged. she made sensational state
ment regarding the detectives alleged mis-
conduct. Allegations contained in the
charges were OF such a nature that, it is
claimed. the detective might have been cited
to appear in court to answer them, but
those who were interested in the prosecu-
ton preferred to have the trial board deal
with them.
Postponement Secured.
When the case came up before the trial
board yesterday, Attorneys Jeffords and
Dickey appeared as counsel for the ac-
cused officer. They demurred to the charge
and claimed that under the terms Of the
decision of Justice Barnard in the Lewis
case the trial board was without jurisdiction
until there had been a legal hearing of
such charges in a court of Justice. Under
this plea the chairman of the trial board,
Assistant Corporation Counsel Smith,
granted continuance in order that there
might be time for a more complete investi-
cation and consideration of the question
raised Major Sylvester had been anxious
" nave inc Charges SlIteQ ana settled, but
under the circumstances he could not force
an early hearing. He thought, however,
that in view Of the serious nature of the
charges the detective should not remain on
DUTY In SO important a branch Of the serv-
ice. He consulted Commissioner West and
the order relieving Lacy from duty In the
detective office and suSpending him was
signed about noon today. The order was
then sent to Capt. Boardman, acting chief
Of police, to be inforced. 1t is likely that
the accused officer will be given official
notification Of the action of his superiors
when he reports at the Office tonight at
the o'clock roll call.
Lacy and His Successor.
Detective Lacy has been connected with
the local police force since the oath of De-
cember, 1892, shortly after the reorganiza-
ton of the force. He had been identified
in local and national political circles prior
to that time, and had many friends who
were prominently identified with the repub-
Ncan national committees. He gave up his
pool room business on 10th street to ACCEPT
the position in the police department. Lacy
was born IN this city, the 18th day of April.
ls46, and was photographer by trade
During the early part of hts career as a de-
tective he figured in number Of promi-
nent cases and was the means of landing
many burglars in the penitentiary. Later
the color line was drawn against him by
many OF the members Of the detective corps
and for long time he has been without a
partner. He denies that there is any truth
in the wholesale charges against him and
claims that he is the victim of conspiracy,
Precinct Detective Clifford L. Grant, who
receives the promotion. Is favorabiy known
in police circles. He spent several years
as a member of the police force a good
while ago. and resigned to engage in other
business. When he wanted to be restored
to his position he found no vacancy and
spent a probation period as a crossing Of
ticer. He then received promotion and
was sent to the first precinct to do duty
under Lieut.. Amiss. During the time he
has performed the duties of precinct detec-
tive he has made an excellent record and
his promotion was made for that reason.