New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-01-07
SAYS JOHN D. RUNS
mitchell and CITY
Police Discussions Held
Due to Rockefeller
Influences.
SERGEANTS' SOCIETY
REPUDIATES ELLISON
Board of Magistrates Assures
Woods They Appreciate Work
of His Department.

Rockefeller influence in the present
municipal administration was freely
charged last night with being the prin-
cipal factor in the discussions existing
in the Police Department and other
branches of the city government A
man conversant with political affairs
in the city said last night:
"The Rockefeller influence has been
the dominating power in the present
administration. John D. Rockefeller, jr.,
was sponsor for at least three members
Of Mayor Mitchel's cabinet.
John A. Kingsbury, the Charities
commissioner, was recommended TO
Mayor Mitchell because of his former
position as superintendent OF the So
ciety for Improving the Condition Of
the Poor. Miss Katharine Bement
Davis, Commissioner of Correction,
was an adjunct to the Rockefeller Blu
reau of Social Hygiene Research.
The Rockefeller influence in the
Bureau of Municipal Research. which
resulted in the resignation of Director
Allen, brought about the appointment
OF the present City Chamberlain, Mr.
Bruere.
Incidentally, the same influence is
responsible for the continuance in Of
flee of Police Commissioner Arthur
Woods.
FOsdick Prepares Defence.
Raymond d. Fosiick, an employe of
the Rockefeller Bureau of Social Hy-
siene, who has been investigating po-
lice conditions in the Old World, is
preparing a report to show that the
present police administration is one Of
the best in the history of the city"
When Commissioner Woods was
questioned yesterday concerning the
activities of Rayond ID. Fosdick, former
Commissioner of Accounts, he said:
Mr.. Fosdick is preparing a survey
of the department in order to obtain
information for a book which he in
tends to write on the police depart
ments of the United States. He has
already written a book on police ad-
ministrations in Europe"
At a special meeting of the Police
Sergeants' Benevolent Association yes
terday afternoon the following resolu-
tons were passed:
porting TO emanate from William B.
Ellison, criticising the conduct of the
Police Commissioner relative to his
management and control of the Police
Department; and,
Whereas, Such statements inferred
that these were the sentiments of the
members of the police force of the
Police Department of the City of New
York; and,
Whereas, The said William B. FL
lison was never authorized to issue
such statements; therefore be it
Regulated in Entirety.
Resolved by the Sergeants' Benevo-
lent Association in meeting assembled,
That the statements Of the said Will
lam B. Ellison be repudiated in their
entirety; and be it further
Resolved, that the services of said
William B. Ellison. as counsel to the
Police Sergeants' Association of the
Police Department of the City of New
York, be dispensed with, to take effect
as from January /, 1915; and,
Be il further resolved, that the Ser
geants' Benevolent Association take
this opportunity of assuring the Police
Commissioner of their loyalty, devo-
ton, respect and support"
The resolution was signed by John
T. Conway, president; Floyd Horton
vice-president, and John +. Baxter, sec.
rotary.
Police Commissioner Woods yester.
day expressed himself as deeply graft
fed by the receipt of letter from the
Board of City Magistrates, signed at a
meeting at the office of Chief Magis'
trate McAdoo, at 300 Mulberry st.
Every magistrate in the first divi-
sion signed the letter, with the excep-
ton of Magistrate Corrigan, who is
absent in Florida. The letter said:
"The city magistrates of the first
division wish to assure the citizens
that there is no evidence of any dis
satisfaction, rebellion or mutiny in the
Police Department. On the contrary
we find that the police are doing their
duty intelligently, earnestly and con-
scientiously.
"What is needed at this time is COM
mendation and not Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation discourages the po-
lice and encourages the lawless of the
city"
William B. Ellison last night said
81 can simply reiterate all that | have
already alleged against the present
police administration. | do not ask OIL
expect the support Of the police them
selves in my criticisms. A prophet is
always without honor in his own coun-
try, but his prophecies are usually full.
filed"
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