Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1911-12-18
Receiving Valuable Presents
From Denizens Of Under.
World Causes Scandel
WAS A GOOD OFFICER
Patrolmen Said To Be In
Similar Fix Mayor Fer
guson Acts Chief


charges in the police department of
Hoquam, which have been current
for several months past, Chief of Po-
lice William Wyrck, for two years
at the head of the local police force,
rendered his resignation Friday eve
ming, which was accepted by Mayor
Harry Ferguson.
Mayor Ferguson gave notice that
he would act in the capa-
city of Chief of Police for the
time being, and at once entered on
the duties.
Wricks resignation is no surprise,
as he has been more or less subjected
to harsh criticism for his acts, since
the story of accepting gifts from den
liens of the underworld became
known.
That the matter may lead to thor
ough cleaning out of the police de-
partment, and the discharge OF two
other officers, is almost a certainty,
as Mayor Ferguson has intimated
that he would ask for the resigna-
tons of officer Postle and Night Ser
geant Johnson.
Received Many Gifts
The charges against Chief OF 70.
lice Wyerick were made several
weeks ago, when l.. Beauderle,
plumber, was arrested and fined SoO
and costs for frequenting house OF
i'll repute. Beauderie had been spend
inc considerable time in the restrict
ed district and in this manner mad
secured considerable evidence against
the officers, 50 when Sergeant John
son took him into custody. Beauderie
got sore and told Mayor Ferguson
Just what members of his police force
had been doing for months.
Among the charges made against
the chief of police was that he had
accepted gifts from the women of the
underworld, and when called before
Mayor Ferguson, Wyerick admitted
the charges.
To a Herald reporter, Wyerick said
Last Christmas | received a hand
some watch, which l showed the
members of the press and the papers
printed the fact as news story.
| said then | did not know where the
watch came from and did not flnd
out. until several weeks afterwards
then it was too late for me to give
it back. With the exception OF an
other present-that is all received
from these people. My wife once
made quilt and asked me to raffle
it. which | did, selling chances to
every one, who would take one, ana
some of these people took chances.
Il have not attempted to hide these
matters. | have not accepted any
money, and if it was wrong for me
to accept these presents, why it must
have been wrong for me to accept
presents that business men gave me-
quit because | could not get along
with Mayor Ferguson. He butted III
to nv affairs and rather than be CIV
en- the worst of a deal, resigned lie
never asked me to quit and when
these charges came out and ! talked
with him. he never suggested that
| resign
Mayor Ferguson said: 81 did not
ask Wverick to resign. He quit OF
his own accord. have not sald any
thing regarding this matter-the oth-
er people seem to be talking ana eN-
planning. l shall act as chief OF po-
lice for the present.
Other Men Have Fallen
Chief of Police Wyerick is not tne
first head of the Iloquiam police de-
partment TO fall from temptation, as
this office seems to be hoodooed. Prac-
tically every man at it's head has had
similar charges against him, Which
has either caused his removal. or pre-
vented his reappointment Presents
of gold stars, wedding presents, mon
ev and other emOluments, have nS,
ured in the long list of disgracelul
charges against many heads Of the
local force.
That the scandal is bound to con,
tinue and that the department VIII
be cleaned out, there is no doubt.
Only one man who has been on the
force for several years, seems to be
ont of the mire and that man is Pa
trolman Jeff Bartell. Jeff's record is
said to be absolutely clean.