Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-06-27

Mr.. lTranam SalQ tue DOarO knew all
about the lack of unanimity which lad
besn referred 10 by Mr.. Hul6sh, and said
ii was iffcult matter % handle. "But
| think we might have the assistance Of
such model citizens as yourself in the
work before us"
Mr.. Hulfish again threshed over much
he had previously said regarding old
men, drinking men or others lacking the
characteristics of gentlemen, but acknow-
ledge that be had ever received courisey
from policemen.
Mr. Graham then told of the proceed
ings OF the board several months ago
when a futile attempt was made to pro-
cure evidence against policeman who
had been charged with drunkenness.
Witnesses had refused to testify; hence
the members OF the board found their
hands tied. The Police Board was as
honest a tribunal as the grand jury. The
former were all of one mind and there
was no white washing. Mr.. Graham
reiterated that the board should have
help from gentlemen like Mr.. Hulfsh.
Mr.. Hulfsh again said he knew moth
ing of his own knowledge; but the COM
missioners could get witnesses in the
same manner as the grand jury procured
them.
Finally Mr.. Lawler observed that the
board could get nothing further from
Mr.. HuItish and implied that lie should
be directed to step aside.
The Mayor thanked Mr.. Hulfish for
appearing before the board, and the latter
started to leave the room, but turned
and repeated some of his previous OBJ
servations concerning police matters
generally.
Mr.. Lawler arose aGd said he took
exceptions to what Mr.. Hulfsh had said
concerning the board He was not ex-
pected to deliver lecture to the board,
and the summoning OF him had been
decided miscarriage, as might have been
expected.
Mr. Hulish replied by saying that he
did not favor the dismissal ofall members
of the police force. There were, he said,
some good policemen, and he proceeded
to make further sugg estions as to what
could be done. For instances Chief Web
ster could be given something to do
He was willing to pay his quota as a
taxpayer.
Mr.. Hulfsh finally left the room,
when Mr.. Lawler observed that nothing
whatever TO the purpose had been oh
tanned from Mr.. Hulfsh except an ex-
coriation of the board. Had he been
presiding over its deliberations he would
have raped him to order at the outset
He (Hr Lawler) had always endeavOred
to perform his duty He referred to
Mr.. Hulfsh's suggestion TO the effect
that il the members of the Police Board
did not understand their business they
should make room for others. lie should
have been called to order by the Mayor.
Mr. Fisher agreed with Mr.. Lawler in
all that he had said concerning Mr. HUI
fish's gratuitous suggestions.
The Mayor said he saw no reason to
add anything to what Mr.. Hulfsh had
said concerning witnesses brought before
the grand jury. The board, however,
should do something toward the better
ment Of the police force, and as a move
menl toward that end he suggested that
IN future the commissioners meet behind
closed doors and exclude newspaper
men.
Mr.. Lawler opposed any such pro-
cedure. All meetings of the board, he
claimed, should be open TO any one who
desired to witness the proceedings aud
people had a right TO read descriptions
of the same; if the board desired to
transact business that it be done open
and above board. He was opposed TO
hiding anything that was doue or said.
Mr.. Hill favored the Mayors sugges-
ton. Secret meetings Of the board were
held at one time.
Mr. Lawler-"Not since have been
a member of the board -
Mr. Hill said he was not afraid of
people knowing what he had to say, and
both he and Mr.. Lawler said they never
talked to the gallery.
The Mayor said he did not care for the
newspaper reports, but they had occa-
stoned considerable comment Ghe pub
lie WIS entitled to the results of the meet
ings, and the people would be satisfied
with the same. He had recently been
asked if newspaper men were allowed at
meetings Of the board, and several citi-
ze"s had expressed establishment that
such thing had been tolerated
Mr. Lawler-''Suppose the City Coun-
ell of Philadelphia had excluded repor
tiers, the gas grab would not have
been exposed the Police Commission
ors should have nothing secret from the |
people in whose interests they are work
ng. Newspapers are for the public
good.
Mr.. Graham believed the business of |
ne DO lrG could be exped ted if the May.
RS plan were carried out. The secre-
AIRY could furnish newspapers all that was
Necessary for public information. He
bought it the part of wisdom not to
make the proceedings Of the board public
property.
The Mayor said the meetings should
'e on the order Of those Of TIE grand
ury.
Mr. Fisher referred to the fact that
here had at one time been secret meet
ngs, but that nothing had been accom-
'lished by the rule. He favored allow
ng newspaper men to attend.
Mr. Hill cid not object to them being