The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-01-07
This Is the Status i'm Matter
of the Suspension of
Chief of Police
BOdeker
CHIEF GLAD CHARGE
INVOLVED NOTHING
TO TARNISH HONOR
Commissioner Lanes Action Not
Taken to Still Spasmodic Clamor.
States Recall Threats Do
Not Disturb - Captain
Eagan Is in Charge

On a charge of assumption of authority
George II. Bodeker, chief of police. was
suspended yesterday morning by Judge
a. o. Lane, commissioner of public JUS
tice.
Unless the commissioners as body de-
termine that Chief Bodeker's punishment
should be more severe than that inflicted
he will return TO duty at the expiration
of thirty days.
Judge Lane, in announcing the verdict,
declared that he would consult with his
associates in an effort TO ascertain wheth-
er or not the suspension should be made
permanent. The consultation was sched-
uled to occur yesterday afternoon. but
was postponed. 1t is, therefore, consd-
cred certain that at the commission meet
ing this morning nothing concerning
Chief Bodeker will be officially done
Capt. Martin Eagan will act as chief of
police. He assumed charge Immediately
following the decision of the commissions
er of justice
Bodeker's "Silver Lining"
That action of the chief which invoked
the censure of the commissioner consist
ed in the reinstatement of two officers,
Shellnutt and McCown, who had been
SUSPENDED by Judge Lane on a charge
of certain official misconduct.
"After the suspension of the OIL
GERS" stated Chief BodeISer yesterday
"Judge Lane visited French Lick. Dur
ing his absence 1 detailed two of the
most careful members of the force. Ser
eeant Armstrong and officer Mingea
to investigate the charges against
! shcIlnutt and McCown. These officer.
Investigated very earnestly and report
ed that the evidence was not at nIl
satisfactory; that the situation was n
frame up as a matter of fact. There
upon / reinstated the officers with the
understanding that their Reinstatement
could endure no longer than the return
of Judge Lane.
ut is possible that went beyond
my authority. If II was necessary that
he suspended i am happy that no
charge was brought involving graft
maIfeasance, dishonesty, or neglect OF
official duty
Lane on Recall
The action Of the commissioners OF
public Justice was not taken for the
purpose of stiIIing the cIamor of n few
shriIl tongues tossing a head to
politicians who cry for blood.
Judge Lane says Ire is not disturbed
that certain threats of "recall- occur
or IN mass meeting of bowling malcon-
tents il prOmised.-
'.They may do whatever they think
proper" stated he yesterday. 81 hnve
acted in reference Ia the Bodelxer mat-
ter as my conscience dictated. can
not say what will he the result of the
conference with MIR. Exum and Mr.
Weatheriy. cannot say as yet what
recOmme ndatiOn l will make. How
ever, we Will discuss the situation from,
every standpoint, and L trust that our
action will not only he just but Will
work for the welfare of the city OF
Birminaham.-
Burden on Lane
The news of the suspension of Chief
Bodeker was not received with surprise.
The suspension was anticipated. The an
nouncement that there was a possibility
that the suspension would be made per
malent. surprised a few who had not
been aware that the charge was con-
sidered of such grave and somber ma
ture.
Mr.. Exum and Mr.. Weatherly we're not
surprised Neither hesitated to discuss
the situation from every angle and every
standpoint, but-neither agreed to talk for
the general public.
1t was deduced from their remarks
however, that the burden Will he borne
by Judge Lane; Tint. In other words
whatever Recommendation the head of
the department. Of public Justice makes,
will most probably meet the approval
of the commission whole