Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-06-22

ton Of stool pigeons by the M mbets,
the Major saying he had no confidence
in certain members of the force because
of the class of people with whom they
mingled.
Mr.. Graham asked Mr.. Lswler if any
charges of collision between members
of the police and certain questionable
people had been made to the grand jury.
Mr. Lawler said the Mayor had been
present and heard certain things. He
could enIighten the board. The speaker
said he had been told that he Qhe Mayor
had been censured by certain members
of the force for not giving information
to them of his movements.
The Mayor acknowledged that he had
heard the same.
Mr.. Lawler said he heard it was
Lieutenant Smith.
Mr.. Hill said chickering's among mem
bers of the force had been going on for
the past six years.
Mr.. Lawler saw no way out except
to dismiss the entire force.
Mr. Hill demurred to this PROPOSE
ton, and said the charges brought by
the grand jury were of the same nature
as those heretofore before the Police
Board.
Mr.. Graham said the grand jury must
have based their report upon similar
evidence.
Mr.. Lawler asked Mr.. Graham if he
was in favor of sumnoniug the members
of the grand jury as individuals before
the board
Mr.. Graham did not seem anxious for
this procedure.
Mr.. Lawler-''That is the only bust
ness way to act"
The Mayor thought some action
should be taken.
Mr.. Lawler-'Let us act, then"
This Mayor implied that all action
should be taken with caution, as there
was more or less likelihood of law suits.
Mr.. Lawler said should deposed men,
bers OF the force appeal to the Corpora
ton Court he failed to see what show
they could have ia the face of the grand
jury's report.
Mayor Psf it your purpose to
remove the force now"
Mr.. Lawler-"Ye', tonight"
Mr.. Hill opposed this.
Mr.. Lawler said there were some good
men on the force, but there were Others
who had no business on il although the
grand jury had recommended the dismis-
sal of all. Their report was a slap at
the Mayor and Police Board as well as
at the policemen.
Mr.. Hill said from his observations
the police force was in better condition
than it was six years ago.
Messrs. Graham and Hill said they
must have positive evidence before voting
TO dismiss any member of the force.
The discussion continued, many things
which had been previously said being
repeated.
Mr.. Lawler recommended heroic ac-
ton, but the Mayor and Messrs. Hill
and Graham were not prepared for dras-
tic measures.
Finally Mr.. LAWYER asked the Mayor
v hat course he would recommend.
His honor said it had occurred to him
that there should be captain and three
sergeants of the force the sergesnts to
have charge of three squads, and after
having posted the men they would be
to inspect the different beats.
He also said that in order to retain Chief
Webster, who had grown old in the
faithful discharge Of his duty to the city,
he could be made station master. To
carry out all this the commissioners, the
City Council and the Legislature would
have to vie, and one more man would
be needed by his plan. There was, he
said, no need of both chief and lieu
tenant.
Mr.. Lawler said such a procedure
would not meet the requirements of the
grand jury. They wanted all the mem
)ers dismissed and the force reorga-
lized. When Mr.. Lawler wss asked |
low he would proceed in the mat
er he replied that he would summon |
zach member and tell him his ces
we're no longer needed.
Mr.. Graham was not in accord with |
Mr.. Lawler. The grand jury was no
more Invaluable than the Police Board. |
There had been too much talk among the |
members of the latter, but nothing had |
,een done. He, however, wanted time
u which to act.
Mr.. Lawler asked Mr.. Graham if he was !
n favor of taking action, and referred to
instances where he alleged the board had
members of the police force
Who had repeatedly been arraigned for
Irunkeness. He said the same result
7ould follow should there be an attempt
lade to examine the charges made
gainst them collectively. Mr. Lswler
lentioned half a dozen cases where
layor Paf in less than year suspended
ficers for offences.
At the suggestion of Mr.. Hill il was
greed that the Mayor prepare his ideas
. Writing and submit them to the board,
d the meeting subsequently adjourned
1t lIed Friday night.