Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-03-03

urge that the police force make earnest
efforts as speedily as is consistent with
Justice TO tae parties concerned. to Sc
cure positive evidence 10 the end that
the law may be enforced
e. We further suggest that In this
effort the police force should receive
the aid OF the courts having such mat
ters in their jurisdiction by prompt con-
victon and severe punishment when
ever justified By the evidence brought
before them.
In this connection we would ask the
presence of the Commemorative Attor-
ney or the City Attorney. as may be
most appropriate and proper. at the
hearings of all prosecutions for viola
ions OF the law bearing upon the keep
ing Of disordcrly or designation houses
and other vicious practices OF like ma
turc The commission recognizes that
the presence Of the law officers Of the
Common wealth and Of the city may not
ne considered a Stfict and enforceable
DUTY, but the commission feels sure that
they will willingly undertake. the l,bors
suggested, In order that the police force
may profit by their advice and assist
ancc. and that such cases may be prop
eriy presented before the tribunals hav.
ing Jurisdiction thereof
NOT APPOINTED AS
PROSECUTING OFFICERS
D referring 10 Your Honor's last
communication to the commission ask
ing for specific evidence % wrongdo-
iHE, the comm iSSion rcSpcctfully rcplies
mat it's members have not considered
th'' 'hcY were appointed as prosccu-
tors. or Tor the purpose Of securing evil
nehce against any officer or officers Of
inc city government, nor is such pur-
pose shown IN the letter addressed bv
our Honor appointing the Individual
members OF the commission. While this
~ true the commission recognizes Your
II q
specific evidence showing official mis-
cohuuct on the part of any officers OF
the city government
Ia response TO your reuucst. there
fore, the commission bcgs 10 say that
while unwilling to be placed in the
position OF prosecutors IL acknowl-
edges the right OF the city to tn. nos
session Of such evidence az has becu
brought TO the notice o. the commits
SION during the Investigation OF the
subject OF coininerc!alized vice re
Guested By You" Honor, and made
possible in part by the appropria-
tion from the ci;y's treasury The
submission therefore. respectfully
informs Your Honor that it recog-
nzcs the duty and Obligation OF fur
nishing to any properly constituted
committee or Investigating body all
evidence In It's possession tending to
show official wrongdoing on the part
OIL members OF the Board Of Police
dEO upon the demand
OF such committee or other investiyat-
ing body. we shall place such evidence
in It's hands.
NOTHING IN RECORD As
TO MISUSE OF FUNDS
The commission docs not wish to be
understood as refusing 10 place this
evidence In your hands az Mayor of
the city Of Richmond. but being ad-.
V!sed that 1t Is not within your power
10 conduct an investigation OF the Pc
lice Board, II feels that the evidence In
Its possession would more approprtate-
~ he transmitted to such committee or
other body as may be charged with the
riSht and duty TO make an nvestiga-
ton. II is proper TO add that the Off
cihl misconduct referred to has no ref
erence whatever TO misuse OF public
FUNDS or any iinpropriety Of any sort
with reference TO financial matters
This report Is herewith respectfullv
submitted By the commission to Your
Honor for your consideration as report
NO. .. II is hoped that at a later date
further report or reports may be sub
United with recommendations for tn.
oettermcnt OF existing conditions
ON behalf of the commission
tSigned) ASHTON STARKE,
Chairman.
T. r. McFaden. Secretary