Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-05-18
Police Commissioners.

I
ler Fisher and Graham were present
The Mayor submitted communica-
ton from Chief Webster announcing the
recent sickness of Officers Sherwood and
Mayhugh and the temporary absence
from duty Of those officers.
Mr.. Lawler stated that the CHIEF
generally sends in a report concerning
the working of the force during the
month. lie called attention to the
fact that the Mayor had suspended Or
ficer Henderson Tor five days, and that
the board had not been apprised OF this
by the chief.
The Mayor stated that he would IN
form the board of bis action.
Mr.. Lawler said his honor's procedure
met with his approval.
Mr.. LAWYER called attention to the de-
facement and serious injury OF the mouse
on the northeast corner OF Wilkes ana
Fairfax streets. belonging to Mr.. w. r.
Fcndall. These acts OF vandalism has
been committed by boys and young men
who were allowed to congregate at that
intersection day and night and annoy
people living in the neighborhood Mr..
Fendal had complained to the police.
men, to the Police Commissioners and
the Mayor, while the newspapers on
several occasions had commented upon
the disagreeable conditions existing at
that intersection. Policemen were sup
posed to be on duty in that section day
and night, while two officers lived with
in a square of the place.
Mayor Paff said Mr. Fendall had COM
blamed to him of the N inner in which
hi, property was being damaged. His
honor suggested that the house was un-
occupied and consequently was liable to
be defaced and damaged, as was the case
with the old courthouse on north Column
bus street.. The Mayor said that there
were but four men on duty in the city
during the day, and that they could not
be everywhere.
Mr.. LawIer said the commissioners
should put more men on the street by
clearing out the station house. Too
many officers were kept about police
HEADQUARTERS, and The manner in which
the force was worked did not suit him.
The Mayor acknowledged that certain
beneficial changes could be made, aud
said that he had desired to confer with
the members of the board in regard to
matters on the lines suggested by Mr.
Lawler but had been unable to do so
He thought three men should be at the
station house instead of five.
Mr.. Lawler said the same mn should
not be continued at the station house,
.but that there should be a rotation.
Mayor PafT opposed such change.
Some men were more fitted for station
house work than others. Recently two
men who had been appointed station
KEEPERS had asked to be returned to their
beats.
Mr.. Lawler again called attention to
street disorders and vandalism, and sal 1
the corner of Wilkes and Fair
fax streets was not the only theatre OF
such scenes, but that Mr.. Nugent, liy-
ing at the norihwe-t corner OF King and
Payne streets, had also complained OF
the procedures in that neighborhood
The people expected the commissioners
to remedy these evils.
The Mayor said other people made
omplants as we'll as Mr.. Fendall.
MIR. Lawler replied that ball playing
was carried on ia thestreet in front of Mr..
Fendall's property daily, Sundays not
excepted, and that the locality was the
assembling point of the neighborhood'
Mr.. Graham said the disagreeable
state of affairs complained of was doubt
less due to the lethargy of the officers,
some of whom were inclined to loaf al
certain points. They should be more
alert. He had often noticed them stand
ing motionless at certain points.
The Mayor said he did not consider
it ais duty to inspect the beats and SEQ
that officers were on the move. Th
chief should see that the men perform
their duty.
Mr.. Lawler suggested that the Mayo
could inquire into derelictions Of dut
when they were brought TO his attention
Mr.. Fisher wanted the matter lalt
over until next meeting.
The Mayor said he would call meet
ing to further consider the subjects IN
der discussion.
Mr.. Lawler suggested that the chic
should read the riot act to the men an
compel them to keep order in their beats
Mr.. Fisher and Mr.. Graham concurre
with Mr.. Lawler. The first named how
ever, said there we're many chronl
, grumbers in Alexandria, and that pee
pie should make their complaints TO IN
board in writing.
Mayor Paff repeated his observation
concerning the fate of idle houses, an
v Mr.. Graham suggested that all had bee
r BOYS. and vacant house was tempti
a ton to juveniles.
d The board adjourned with the unde
D standing that the chief would be Gale
T. upon to map out certain beasts, rea
e range the "tricks," &C., and submit II
II same to the board.
: Petty Thievery.
Aaanh otro