Evening journal., 1911-03-30
POLICE PROBE
MOVES SLOWLY
Witnesses at First Days Ex-
animation Give Unexpected
Testimony
DISREPUTABLE HOUSE
FIGURES IN THE STATEMENTS

The first days session of the inves-
tigation being made by the Police
Commissioners of the charges pre-
ferred against Chief of Police George
Black by Henry c. White, a member
of the Legislature, was marked by
a number of tits between the coun-
sci in the case, J. Frank Ball, who
represents Chief Black, and Reuben
Satterthwaite, Jr.. counsel for Mr..
White. The session began at o'clock
yesterday afternoon and continued for
nearly three hours, during which
time a number of witnesses were
heard, who were called by Mr. Sat-
terthwaite to prove the various charg-
es. a list of which was filed with
the Police Commission two weeks ago
by Mr.. White Several of the wit
nesses gave interesting testimony.
The hearing was conducted in the
Board room and because of the lack
Of space the number OF spectators
was small. City Solicitor Brady, As
sistant City Solicitor Chaytor, Dan
iel p. DuRoss, chairman Of the Po-
lice Committee of Council, Represen-
tatives White and DIR. Cooper. and the
full membership of the Board we're
present.
In going over the list of witnesses
Mr.. Satterthwaite found that some did
not respond TO their names when call
ed, and he said he might have to ask
for attachments for them. The Com
missioners, however, were not sure
about their power in this respect and
held a short conference with the City
Solicitor, following which President
Clarkson announced that the attach
ments would be issued.
Among the most interested persons
at the hearing was James p. Ratledge,
a former State detective. He ap-
peared to be Mr. Satterthwaite's as
sistant and held several consultations
with witnesses. During the hearing
several witnesses referred TO him.
him.
Z. S. Myers, a stenographer, en-
ployed by the Police Commission,
took all the testimony.
The first witness called was by
President Clarkson,of the Board, who
questioned Representative Henry G.
White, who preferred the charges
against Chief Black. as to his knowl-
edge concerning the charges he made
in his affidavit He said he had nc
personal knowledge, but based his
charges on information he received
Mr.. Ball wanted to know whether
Mr. White had received his informa
ton from Harry /. Gillis and Jamel
p. Ratledge.
Mr.. Satterthwaite objected to tn
question.
Mr.. White finally admitted he re
ceived some Of his information fror
these men.
Girl Testifies Against Chief.
Elsie Barton, of No. GOA West stree
was called by Mr.. Sstterthwaite. Sh
testified that she had lost a watcl
and testified in City Court against one
Austin Pierce in the case, and tha
was the last she heard of the case
She said she tried to recover th'
watch, and called at Chief of Police
Blacks Office in September Of las
year. She said she entered Chic
Blacks Office, and the Chief, as sh,
remembered him, was sitting at hi.
desk. She said she told the Chiei
about her case, and he then caught
her by the wrist and pulled her tC
his knees and laid his hand on her
making the remark, "We will get your
watch, grille" The witness said. she
told the Chief she would scream If hs
did not let go. This he did, and she
left his office, she testified.
In cross examination the witness
said she could not recall the date in
September she called at Chief Blacks
Office and additional questioning on
the part Of Mr.. Ball brought the state
ment from the witness that she had
not related her experience TO any