The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-03-05
Makes Attack on Alder
 man Roemer.
CALLED POLICE A FARCE"
Councilman Speaks Slightingly of
 Montgomery Department.
TxoubIe Arises Out of Argument over commission Fol. City Force--Tay- Tor Calls It Personal
 Insult.

Resenting aspersions cast upon him and the police department by Alderman Adoiph Roemer. Chief of Police W. H. Taylor. in the city Hall Monday night men were immediately sepearated by Police Captain Miles Smith. who had been standing some distance away, and each soon afterwards went to his home.
 The blow delivered by Chief Taylor caused slight confusion upon Alder man Roemers face.
 The statements made Tn the Council session by MT Roemer were in part. that the Montgomery police department which was always being "brag6ed" on was "a farce' Tell the police who broke Into store," he said. "and they win arrest him $ '--
 He said the police did not find men described. but only these pointed out. His remarks upon the Birmingham police department and the Birmingham. Police Commission were followed by statements which Chief Taylor regard ed as assertions that the chief of the Montgomery police department was gambler and was unworthy to hold the office.
 Chief Taylor, sitting in the doorway of the Council Chamber, heard the statements made during the debate up- on the election of 8 Police Commission. When the meeting had adjourned he met Alderman Roemer in the corridor of the City Hall and struck him. It Is not known what words preceded the attack upon the Alderman, who when struck. asked Chief Taylor, What are you hitting mo for.
 Captain smith Parts Men.
 Captain Smith, hearing MT. Rocmer's words, rushed to where the two men stood and parted them.
 'Alderman Roemers remarks about the Chief of Police" said Chief Taylor last night, were unwarranted personal reflections upon me. His statement that I am a gambler I felt, and now feel, that l had right to resent aa a personal insult"
 The quarrel followed q meeting noe table for the personal character of its debates. The trimming of candidates sails to catch the breeze in the next municipal regatta was constantly. though good-naturedly, insinuated; serio -comic demands as to political as- pirations. and intentions interrupted every speech made upon any question having detailed consideration; and the oratorical storm centered and broke upon the debate over the proposed elec- ton of police commissioners.
 The call for election of the Police Commission was made by Alderman Roemer when President Gunter an nounced the election to fill vacancies had been reached in the regular order of business. Alderman Holloway stated the matter was before the joint Committee on Police and Judiciary. and he thought the committees ought not to be Ignored. President Gunter, upon question: ruled that the Council had a right to proceed to election if 1t de- sired. Alderman J. C. Tyson moved the matter be taken from the joint committee and be given to the Judiei- ary Committee, which he thought would expedite its transaction.
 The chair, again ruling that the Council could proceed to an election, which had been authorized by the Leg isIature, stated the chair would enter tain Alderman Tyson's motion. Alder man Jones moved to table Alderman Tyson's motion but Alderman Joness motion was lost.
 Alderman Roemer again asked that the question of the election be taken from the committee and be brought finally before the Council. He advo- cated the lmmediate~eleetion of Police Commissioners. He said the commit- tee had had the matter for several months.
 No Need for Commission.
 Alderman Sullivan said that with two prominent members absent he thought it would be unfair 70 spring the matter tonight" Alderman Sulli- van referred to Aldermen Coins and Lobman. He said thes matter was rot ten to the core in Birmingham and other cities. He claimed there was no need of a Police Commission in Montgomery. "The Council is virtu- ally a police commission" said Mir. Sullivan. Under the police commits sion system the chief of police would be merely a hgure-head."
 Were not certain policemen in this town relieved of duty because they did not support certain candidates?" quer- jed Alderman Tait.
 50 said," replied Alderman Sullivan, and continued his speech Politics is sure to get into the Police Commission, no matter who is elected"
 He pointed with pride, he said, to the record of the chief of police and of the men under him.
 Alderman Roemer. after denying he was a candidate for Police Commits sioner, said the police department was a farce.
 ''Tell the police who broke into store and they will arrest the man." he said; otherwise they won't find him. Is our School Board a farce? WA aIart if If we elect the proper