The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-06-20
THE OFFICIAL FINDING.

must be made up. There is plenty of
work TO do and in doing It we shall ex
pect the loyal cooperation OF every MEM
Der OF the police department.
1--WE had a talk with the chief OF police
yesterday. He Us going TO be the execu-
tive officer of the department. All orders
are to be transmitted through him, there
is to be no interference with his depart
ment: but the members of this board Will
have a good working knowledge of con-
ditions.
Personally, intend to know something
more about the police business OF this
city outside OF these walls. l shall have
information first hand, and shall act
accordingly. All we ask OF the public
is that we shall be Judged by results"
Asked regarding the boards decision
adopting the new rule relating to election
OF superior officers. Chairman Luther
said:
'"rhe decision was unanimous. We think
II good rule that IL Will encourage
every official in the department, every
member of the force. I'm fact, TO do his
utmost 20 merit promotion, or at least TO
retain his position. whatever IL may be-"
Mr. Luther refused TO indicate whet
any immediate changes were contem-
plated in the personnel OF the department; |;
but as the new rule provided that the
officers from captain up TO chief should
hold until next February. IL was inferred
that any further action of the board will
be confined 10 admonitions designed TO
promote discipline in the department.
No officer who believes the argus eyes
OF his official superiors are on him is
expected TO kick over the traces between
now ani February and incur the penalty
OF dismissal that might be imposed for
any serious breach of the rules. II the
board should depart from the precedent
haC eat i, nn M Ma
When asked II the board searched It's
| records. or the records OF the department,
| in reaching it's conclusions that there was
no mark against Chief Matthews prior tn
| the reprimand administered yesterday Mr..
| Luther said:
"I am not going into the past any more.
I'm keeping my eyes on the future OF the
department
WAS there any mark against Detective
Parker at the time he was reduced 10 the
ranks7" Chairman Luther was asked.
II couldn't say as to that" he replied,
land haven't the records at hand just
| now"
| Col Gross refused to discuss the ver-
| dict, but stated that the new rule offered
J by him had been under consideration, on
| and on, for the past six months. IF
had not thought II was good thing Tor f
offeerd It," he said The full text of the
| rule follows:
rule in amendment of rule of the
rules and regulations OF the police depart
| ment
"By virtue OF the authority vested in II
| by law the board OF police commissioners
hereby adopts the following rule and reg
| ulation:
Rule l of the rules and regulations OF
| the police department or the city or Prov
idence Is hereby amended by adding
| thereto a paragraph to read as follows:
IS. The board OF police commissioners
will annually appoint In the month OF
deputy chief of police and captains OF
police. who shall hold office until tht
month OF February next following theil
appointment. and until their successors
are appointed. unless sooner removed b,
said board. The persons holding the Of
fees OF chief OF police. deputy chief o.
police and captains OF police at the tim'
of the adoption OF this rule shall continue
to hold their respective offices until Feb
cessors are appointed as aforesaid. unles
sooner removed by board"
Commissioner Pierce also refused TO dis
cuss the verdict. II have said my say a
some length" he stated. and hurrie'
After leaving their room yesterday af
ternoon the three commissioners called a
the city hall to pay their respects {
Mayor Dyer, who they said had expresse
desire long time ago, according {
Chairman Luther to see the board prio
TO the departure OF Col. Gross for Europe
The chairman evidently wished 20 dis
abuse the public mind OF any impression
thot the board called on the mayor {
enable his honor to extend congratula
tions on the verdict reached In the Mat
| thews case.
"The Invitation was received a long tim
ago" was the way he put IL; and the com
missioners spent less than five minutes 1
the executive department.
--------------s-----