Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-12-19
East Orange Pays Tribute
to Chiefof Police O'Neil
Men of Prominence at Test
moniaI Dinner in East
Orange.

Chief of Police William H. o'Neill,
of East Orange, received a fine tribute
from men of promineee in and outside
OF the official family" of that munich
PATTY at a testimonial dinner last
night In English's Banquet Hall.
Described as a man of sterling char
acter and possessing much ability and
integrity as a police official. Chief
o'Nein was cheered to the echo when
ever reference was made to his
achievements. The dinner. given by
citizens. to attest their qualification
for the action OF the Supreme Court
in sustaining his appointment. which
was strenuously objected to by the
Civil Service Commission. because
1t was contended he should have
taken the examinations in accordance
with the rules of that body. brought
together undoubtedly the most repre-
sentative body of men that has gath
cred at a similar function in the city
for many years.
Two hundred and fifty men crowded
into the banquet hall and Joined in
celebrating the occasion. Lending a
lively color to the occasion thirty
members of the champion football
team of the East Orange High School
gave locomotive" cheers. Seated
with the group was Andy" Dempsey,
Barringer High Schools star full
back, whose individual playing
against the East Orange eleven was
a feature during the battle for the
championship honors of the Inter-
scholastic League. Praise for the no.
table victories of the eleven was in
cluded in the remarks OF the speakers.
Chief O'Neill was presented with
gold police badge, the gift of the citi-
zens. Mayor Gregory made the pres
entation speech. The police head was
deeply effected, and after heartily
thanking his friends, attributed his
successful regime TO the cooperation
of all the officials. p
Present and Former OniciaIs Attend.
Men who compose the city's govern
ing body and their predecessors were
there. Those who found~it impossible
to attend sent their regrets. City
Counsel Borden ID. Whiting, who
fought the case of Chief O'Neill for
the municipality, was toastmaster.
He injected much fnirth into the af-
fair.
Seated on either side of the guest
of honor were Mayor Julian A. Greg
ory, the man responsible for the
chiefs promotion; former Playground
Commissioner Thomas r. Creole,
former Councilman Edward S. Pier
son, Rev. Howard j. Chidley. pastor
of Trinity Congregational Church;
Chief of Police Michael Long, of
Newark; Frederick Welmer, chief of
prosecutors detectives; Alonzo N.
Messer, president of the East Or
ange Police Commission; Freehoider
William Cardwell, former mayor of
East Orange, and former Judge
Elijah DoremuA
Rev. Mr. Chidley delivered the adj
dress of the evening. The clergyman
dwelt on democracy and compared
the conditions of our forefathers with
those of the present age. He ex-
planned the remarkable progress of
life, declaring the country is 100000
miles ahead of the days of 1880. He
spoke of the ability and confidence
of Chief O'Neill and urged encourage
ment for police officers instead of
criticism.
Credit for the selection of Chief
O'Neill to command the department
was given to the sergeants of the