The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-07-05
Only the Beginning Of New
Deal in Department
Commissions Unexpected Actun Regarded as ForeshadoWg
Improved Conditions in Localities Where They Are SOIsy
Needed, and Officers Realize That Their SupsTOIs will
Hold Them TO Strict Accountability for Faithful Discharge
Of Duty.

"The blow almost killed the ring, but IL
isn't a marker to what is to come" said
a member Of the police department this
morning when asked what was the gen
eral impression among policemen of the
big shakeup in the department which will
take effect next Sunday night.
why, II simply means that the ring
which has been carrying on things with
such high hand must go, and that the
10 It's legitimate end the policy they In.
augurated when they convicted Chief
Matthews OF attempting 70 conspire
against a representative Of the law and
order element In this CITY,"
Didn't the chief know that the COM
missioners contemplated making the
changes7" was asked.
Not on your life," was the answer.
do you believe that Chairman Luther
and Col Gross have taken anybody into
their confidence, least of ell Chief Mat
thews? Their action was a surprise even
TO their colleague. Commissioner Lewis j.
Pierce: and it struck like a bolt out of
the most serene sky.
Just look at the promotions and the
transfers, and see how you can figure
that the shakeup will benefit Chief Mat
backing him.
There's Capt Lawrence, who testified
to the flower store episode In the Nash
TO Station s.; and Lieut. Maynard l..
Stone or the Central station remains
there as captain.
Now, Capt. Lawrence many think has
made flrst-rate man In this always dif-
hcult position. and he has done some very
satisfactory work. He has generally been
regarded as nobody's tool: and many
doubt whether the district was ever any
ministration.
while I do not speak by the book I
DO not believe that IL was intended to
discipline him when he WAS transferred
ana a much younger man put in charge
or me distrlct capt; Lawrence has been
on the force more than quarter OF a
century. and I'm all that time has never
even been 'reprimanded.
his superior. Chief Matthews. can't
say that much; and the chief remains I'm
charge OF the entire force. under the com
missioners.
capt. Lawrence has incurred the enmitv
OF some powerful political personal ges.
however. by obtaining evidence against
certain hotels whose licenses have neen
revoked and driving out scores OF the
demi- monde. who under Chief Matthew'S
administration used TO travel about the
streets I'm gaudy equipages.
'The commissioners know these facts
as we'll as do the policemen. and have
doubtless taken into consideration every
thing bearing on the conditions. They
know that Capt. Lawrence and Lieut.
Stone have co-operated successfully, and
that Lieut.. Stone will be both willing and
able 10 continue Lawrence's policy.
Occasionally. a man who does desire
TO reveal his hand does things which can
not be reconclled with known facts: and
this may explain the transfer Of Capt.
Lawrence. who. I know, Is highly re-
garded by the majority OF the commits
sloners.
III the board had desired TO really throw
down Capt Lawrence they would have
selected another Lieutenant to take his
place; and this would have been consid-
cred distinct victory for CHIEF Mat
thews.
Up In the Fourth district The board
thought Il would he better To relieve Capt.
Marston OF some OF the vast responsible
tiles, and this explains the transfer OF
sSspt. Constant s. Horton to that district