The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-05-28


the charges which Rev. A. y. cristy has
brought against Chief OF Police Frank A.
Matthews. Is growing daily.
Even the police commissioners, who
have been applying themselves assidu-
ously TO the case, seem 10 be losing some
OF their cheerfuness as the time rapidly
approaches when they must render the
most important verdict that has fallen
10 their lot since the commission was
created. more than five years ago.
Not little anxiety is left by the gen
eral public. which has followed the case
through its many compicating and SEN
sational phases with the greatest interest
and is now awaiting the verdict patiently
but not calmly.
That the evidence will be completed
and the arguments made before the board
adjourns tomorrow night. is assured.
Then the three commissioners who will
act as judges I'm the case. Will consider
the evidence and render their decision.
which Will be absolute and final.
In sense. OF course the public is the
jury in the case. though its verdict can
have no positive influence until the fall
election.
Nevertheless, popular as well as political
pressure has already been felt many
times since the charges were aired: and
as the critical period Of the trial opens.
There Is talk 10 the effect that two.
at least OF the commissioners have made
up their m,nds-or perhaps. that the pub
lie has made up its mind as to the atti-
tude OF two OF the commissioners.
II is even said that the only element
Of doubt regarding the vote OF any COM
missioner is that which attaches TO Col.
Harold J. Gross; and the fact that no
one has yet been heard TO even attempt
TO speak authoritatively concerning the
way this mentally and physically stall
wart young man VIII vote is generally
considered to be a high tribute to his
character and standing In the city and
state.
Throughout the trial Col Gross has
given not the slightest sign of bias. He
has shown an earnest and apparently sim
cere desire TO get right down TO the bot
snat Son ol S ,ne sc.s IN sne case ae mas
the evidence or points that were obscure,
and he has taken great pains 10 clear has
skirts or even suspicion OF douetiul
connection with the events which led up
TO this trial.
Aside from the fact that ne signed the
decision In the contempt phase of the case
"a decision which reflected upon Chief
Matthews I'm at least two points ind-
rectly connected with the conspiracy case
Col Gross may. be said not 10 have
given any sign OF his conclusions as 10
the chiefs guilt or innocence.
OF course. he Is chairman OF the Repub-
lican state central committeei and the
machine Republicans are credited with
being desirous OF throwing down
Cristy." II must be remembered. how
ever that col. Gross did not seek the po-
sition. and probably was prevailed upon
TO accept II merely 10 help his party in a
season of perplexty.
Likewise, he has recently been appoint
ed a member of the tunnel commission.
another lucrative position within the gift
OF the Republican organizations but that
Is regarded as more tribute TO his bust
ness ability and reputation as an expert
on real estate values than as a recogni-
ton OF political services.
Though naturally ambitious. the colonel
he sought the rewards attaching to po-
litical services.
The fact that he is member Of the
police commission. a position which the
Organization Republicans have always
controlled has also been cited. as IL this
position, which came TO him unsought
and as a testimonial to his military train
ing-an invaluable aid 10 the preservation
OF discipline i'm the police force-has also
been referred to; but II is known that the
osior colonel i1ng 1dnq Se 9ent ay to give Il the
attention necessary because Of the In
creasing demands OF his rapidly expand
LinR real estate and insurance business,
Col. Gross has at great sacrifice attend
ed oil the meetings OF the board and has
never shirked any or the duties, though
he has found them somewhat irksome.
and associations he had them before his
political star had appeared above the
horizon and the general confidence re-
posed In his business judgment and acu-
men has been reelected in the growth OF
the business with which he has been
identified.
All these factors, therefore. of which SO
much has been made by would-be fore
casters OF the Colonel Gross vote on the
A4ot L. elf aaty hss Il liam a aa1
as likely to have no bearing in the mind
of a straightforward man, whose life has
been opposed to the idea that purely sel-
fish considerations should influence his
moral attitude or warp his judgment of
right and wrong.
A representative citizen OF Providence
who has known Colonel Gross almost
since his boyhood-and the colonel is still
In the morning of life-sad today:
Harold j. Gross Is one OF natures noble
men. / have never seen a man who was
more unswervingly loyal, more conscien-
tiously honests> more devoted TO the duty
his hands find TO do than Is he. He never
equvocates nor lodges but meets all Ia
sues face to face, and deals with them.
on their merits. regardless OF whore or
whom they strike. l have never known
him to be influenced by selfish considcra-
tions
i'' SNuultS earnestly tNffN
presented to him. whether II is on the
police board or elsewhere. and gives his
decision with clearness and promptness
and the frankness that has ever been one
OF his most admirable characteristics.
People who seem TO believe or fear
that his whole nature has been changed
or his Judgment warped. by honors or
profits from business or politics are sadly
mistaken In their man, or have mover
known him as / have.
When he casts his vote In this case he
VIII do IL only after the soberest rcflcc-
uon and the conviction that he Is doing
what is best for the city. and that Is In
strictest accord with the facts in hand.
regardless OF any or all other corsidern-
tons"
NO one who has attended the trial could
have found the slightest indication I'm the
attitude OF any Of the members toward