The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1907-10-22
TOM PITT IS NEW
CHIEF OF POLICE
Mckenzie Tenders His ReSig-
nation Because He Is
Not a Citizen.
MANLY LETTER TO COUNCIL
RETIRING OFFICIAL ASSERTS AL
LEGlANCE TO UNITED STATES.

Roderick Mckenzie rendered his resigns-
ton as chief of police to the council last
evening, and Mayor John S. Bransford
named Tom D. Pitt to succeed him.
McKeuzes resignation came as the re-
suit of 1t becoming known that he is not
a citizen of the United States. He came
with his parents from Canada when four
years old and his father died without TAX
ing out naturalization papers. As re-
suit the son did not become a citizen on
attaining his majority and has neglected
to take out his papers since. The stat
utes require that in order to hold any
elective or appointive office in Utah
person must be a United States citizen.
The resignation did not come sur
prise, it having been generally known for
the past day or two that Mckenzie would
take the action he did. After the letter
of resignation was read Councilman T. R
Black said:
81 move that the communication be re-
ceived and filed and the resignation ac-
cepted."
TT is so ordered If there is no objec-
ton" DECLARED President A. J. Davis. ami
at that znement Chief McKenzies term OF
office ceased and the city was without a
chief of police. This condition of affairs
did not last long however. as the next
on the program was communication
from Mayor John S. Bransford naming
Tom d. Pitt to fill the vacancy.
The roll was called and when President
had been unanimously confirmed, Salt
Lake had new chief of police.
Chief McKenzie's Letter.
The following is Chief NIcKenzie's let
Oct. q. 1867.
To the Honorable Mayor and City CouR-
ell, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Gentlemen: / herewith tender my res
ignation as chief of police of Salt Lake
City, to take effect Immediately.
In doing so | wish to express MY heart
felt thanks to the mayor and to the gem
tlement of the council for their unanimous
Endorsement upon the occasion of my ap-
Pointment. ] also desire to thank the
pubic press of Salt Lake City for the uni
form courtesy extended to me during my
occupation of the office, to the police de-
partment and the public generally for the
encouragement and support received.
During my limited incumbency | have
endeavored to meet every situation pre-
scented, give to each question my best
thought and judgment and TO discharge
the duties of the office conscientiously
and fearlessly.
l have no regrets In accepting the Of
flee L have made many friends of former
acquaintance and have been br0aGened
in my conception OF the duty man owes
to his brother man. | accepted the office
in the light of a duty to my personal
friend Mayor BransfOrd, and not because
sought it.
In conclusion. l can say, without fear of
successful contradiction, that my ale
glance is, always has been, and shall be
to the United States of America its flag
and to the people with whom ! have lived
since the earliest days of my childhood.
Very respectfully,
RODERICK Nj K ENZIE
Chief of Police.
Tom ID. Pitt is wel-knOwn member Of
the American party, having been the
party's candidate for sheriff at the county
election in 1906 He is engaged in the
mining business and is associated with
G.. R. Cleaveland another American
politician of some note. He is a-brotIter-
in-law of Ben B. Haywood, another stanch
supporter of the American" cause, and
! the proprietor of the Cullen hotel