The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1910-03-04
MAYOR USED AKN|FE
CUT OFF THE OFFICIAL HEADS OF
TWO POLICE OFFICERS.
Messrs. Edwards and Call Are Re-
moved From the Force; the Exec
utive Would Give No Reasons For
u. Dismissal; Chief Pond Stated
That at Was For the Good of the
Service"

Mayor Meyer made two changes OF
the police force last evening, removing
Officers Edwards and Call, and APP
pointing Fred Austin to fill one OF
the vacancies. 1t was thought that
the other vacancy would be filled
this afternoon, William Swedberg, the
former policeman, being under con-
sidcration.
Mayor Meyer made the order at elev-
en- o'clock yesterday forenoon, and
hSaaaI the notices to Chief Pond, TO
serve &c the officers when. they should
appear for duty in the evening. The
officers appeared about $3.50 o'clock,
and were surprised to be served with
the following notice: you are hereby
notified that YOU are dismissed from
the Mankato police force, to take effect
at once. August G. Meyer, mayor
Mayor Meyer Gives No Reasons.
Mayor Meyer WAS asked today what
Is reasons were for making the change
bur declined to give any. lie SAID .1he
charter gives the mayor the authority
to remove any time for the good OF
tie service and fill the vacancies. |
simply told Chief Pond to notify the
men that they were dismissed from
the force. have been thinking about
doing this for three or four months,
so it is no sudden resolution. / think
Mr.. Austin will make Il good man on
the force
"For Good of Service"
Chief Pond was asked III regard to
reasons for the dismissal of the off
GERS, but merely said that it was done
FOR the good of the service" and fur
Their than that he would not discuss the
matter.
MIR. Austin went on duty last even
ing. Tie is son of Chauncey III.
Austin, who was for many years en-
gagged in the boot and shoe business
i'll this city, and is a level headed
gentleman, trustworthy, and it is be-
licvcd that he will make good mem
Der. He was an applicant for posi-
ton on the force last spring.
Officer W. L. EDWARDS has served
OH the force for three years, and was
the oldest man on the force in con-
tDuous service up to the present
time. Officer Schuctte now holds that
distinction. Officer NJ. E. Call was
one of Mayor Meyers original appoin-
tees, having taken office April Ia,
last. Both of these officers have served
faithfully, and well, so far as the pub.
lie is informed.
Will Talk Later
Alessrs. Edwards and Call were seen
this forenoon and expressed their sur
prise at their removal. They say that
they have never received any COM
plants of their service, from the NAV.
or or chief of police, and that they
know OF no reason why they were let
cut. 1--WE asked Chief Pond what the
reason was for our dismissal" said the
gentlemen, "but he told us that he did
not know
Both gentlemen feel that they have
not been fairly treated, but would not
talk for publication. "We will have
something to say later after seeing
what the mayor has to say they
said.
Surprise to the Public.
The public, generally, was taken by
surprise by the dismissal of the two
officers, as it has not been known
that there was any unusual happening
a. this time. There have been rum
ors of friction on the force, but it was
not taken as being of serious ma
ture.
William Swedberg Accepts.
William Swedberg has decided to ac-
cept The appointment to fill one of the
vacancies, and was sworn in this after
noon. He will go OH duty tonight
He, like Mr.. Edwards, was an appoin-
tee of DR.. Andrews, but he resigned
because he could do better at his work
III the stone quarries.
Mr.. Edwards states that he has
been offered a position that will pay
him twice as much as his job on the po-
lice force, and has until Monday to
accept.