Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-03-04
Senate Orders Inquiry
Into Failure of Police
to Protect SuffraqiStS

Senator Jones today proposed a res
olution directing the Senate committee
on the District of Columbia to investi-
gate the conduct of the police of the
District and find If it was negligent in
their duty along the route of the suf-
frage parade yesterday. and proposed
an appropriation from the contingent
expenses of the Senate to make the in
quiry.
It's introduction was the opportunity
for sharp criticisms of the police OF
Washington.
Papers this morning are filled with
statements. of what happened along
the parade" remarked Senator Jones
II am informed by a man whose word
is always good that the actual condi-
tons were a disgrace to our civiliza-
ton and that the police were negli-
gent"
Calls It Disreputable.
1T was most disreputable affair !"
added Senator Nelson, who had pushed
through last night resolution calling
upon the chief of police for a report. 1T
was d;screditable to the police force Of
the city
Secretary Bristow. as a member Of the
committee on contingent expenses, hus-
tied around the chamber and cloakrooms
to find other members of the committee
and get their approval of the Jones reso-
luton.
1t did not take him long. AS reported.
however, provision for expenses OF the
inquiry is stricken out. AS amended, It
was agreed to without debate
Action by the House on the resolution
is not necessary.
Criticism by Poindexter.
Senator Poindexter ,>>ok five minutes
at the very end of the session to criti-
else the police actions during the pa
rade.
They might as we'll have been lot
of wooden, painted policemen" declared
Mr. Poindexter. 80 far as their control
over the crowds"
senator Fletcher of Florida tried to
cut off the discussion by making
point that the speech was not in order.
President Pro-Tempore, Gallinger
overruled the point OF order. 1t was
Senate clock the time was 11:45 am.
hTe police, said Senator Poindexter.
did not protect the paraders from We
hicles and from ''jeering and hostile"
crowd.
Text of Nelson Resolution.
The text of Senator Nelson's resolu-
ton calling on the chief Of police and
the District Commissioners for report
and adopted by the Senate is as follows:
Resolved, That the Commissioners OF
the District OF Columbia and the super
intendent OF police of the District Of Co
lumbia be, and they are hereby. directed
to inform the Senate why the direction
of Senate joint resolution 164-that the
of police OF the District
of Columbia prevent any Interference
with the suffrage procession on the ID
day of March, 19l3-was not complied
with.
The Joint resolution providing for the
protection of the women during the pro-
cession introduced last week in the Sem
ate. ard adopted, was as follows:
Resolved. etc. that the superintendent
Of police of the District of Columbia be.
and he is hereby. directed to stop all the
ordinary traffic and travel. including the
operation Of street railroads, along Penn
sylvania avenue from the Peace Monu-
ment to 18th street, between the hours
of and pm, Monday, the Sd day OF
March. 1913, and to prevent any inter-
ference with the suffrage procession on
that date
Police Scored in Congress.