New-York tribune., 1907-08-08
NO STOCK IN CHARGES.
Hanson Doubts Stories of Graft an
BROOKLYN Police.

Considerable surprise was shown two weeks ago
when Commissioner Bingham decided 20 call on an
investigation OF charges OF graft IN tne brooAlyIi
Police Department. When II was tntimated 10 'l'
Commissioner some weeks ago that ne dare not at
tempt TO investigate the charges he not only con-
sented 70 order the investigation. but n Piac7o
tbe inquiry in charge OF the Hamburger Detective
Agency on the suggestion of those who were most
-r9vto,,s for tho inaui-v He did this 10 give the
Investigators a free hand III getting evidence tn''
would prove the charges -,.-- En-.
-ba graft and corruption in Brooklyn we're the
worst IN the history Of the borough IL was az
legged that gambling and disordetiy uousJS , 81
running openly. particularly in one ihspecti"u W.
rrlct Jacob G. Hamburger. who was in charge 81
the investigation. had requested the transfer %
Lieutenant Busby and Lieutenant Hushes anu ~ 80
tho baadouarters men. Detectives Cln and Powers
nd tho transfers were made as requested. "heh
Commissioner Bingham employed the u-'eS.iro ,o
agency he also instructed MI ftillu'' 81 - ~
regular reports TO him =.
the reports Of the commission gave fun details CON
cerning the operation Of dives in Hamilton avenue
brooklyn and the name OF the police offcer VINO
had received money-ror the protection OF tneSe
places and also the names Of the persons VINO haI
conducted the negotiations. The whole system OF
graft and corruption at Coney Island was exposed
II was alleged that Coney Islands tribute alone
was s. 100 a week.
II was stated that the detective agency had
worked up a against two men attached 10
local headduarters and that arrangements had
been made for their arrests Ihe plan Idiieu W
cause fl is believed. the men were transferred Dc
go tba evidence was conclusive. There vas moth
inc IN the reports OF the detective agency that con-
1ectad Deprtv Commissioner 'keeffe with any or
the alleged charges OF graft Commissioner blnS-
hams Investigations Of the aGenCyS reports had
convinced him that the charges OF corrupt condl-
+inns in Rrooklvn were absolutely unfounded. and
y-ne, ne called OF the Investigators he issued a
statement that his confidence in Deputy Ioiltil rs
etonor O'Eeeffe was mistaken. At the end OF his
investigation Mr.. Hamburger said he was ready
to 90 before the grand jury with the evidence ana
procure indictments
In commenting on the statements OF the charges
NJ graft in the Brooklyn Police Department anu
the Investigation conducted by the detective aGeh-
~ Deputy Commissioner Hanson said last nSh't
IT is true that Mr.. Harburger made various re-
norris 10 Commissioner Bingham / thoroughly IN
,,astipated some OF alleged facts that were IN
the r4ports and found that they were absolutely
without foundation. I found that the evidence
,Don which the alleged facts We're stated was en-
tireIv tntrustworthy. and concluded that there
was nothing, in the reports which could be accepted
or given any weight AS a result of my tnveStisa-
tion and other things which came to the notice or
services were useless. and he was therefore un-
willing 10 continue TO pay Mr.. Hamburger anything
more for such services and he therefore discharged
him.
Regarding the statement that Mr.. HarhurEer was
ready to go before the grand jury with evidence
for indictments. Commissioner Hanson said:
'If he has evidence sufficient on which 10 so be-
fore the grand jury for Indictments the Police De-
partment hopes that he will present the evidence
and give the District Attorney a chance to act
upon H. This department will welcome an investt-
CATION by any one who is competent 10 procure the
necessary evidence.