The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-17
RICHARD v. BOE 5 AL
H1PEWtLL POLICE HEAD
City Sergeant Made Police Chief, Sue.
ceedinx Recently Deposed
Chief Cotton.
DISTINCT CITIZENS, VICTORY
Acting Chief VIII Select Force From
Among Citizens of Hopcweil--En-
dorsed by Law-Abiding Element
Close Dance Halls.

Petersburg. Va. Feb. 1s.-with ey.
cry member of the Hopewell city coun-
ell present In special session today
and the police court room taxed to
capacity with one of the most repre-
sentative gatherings Of Hopewell citi.
zens that has ever assembled. a reso-
luton offered by Councilman Bunting
and seconded by Mr.. Eppes. electing
Richard w. Boisseau acting chief Of
police. succeeding deposed Chief Cot
ton. was unanimously adopted. The
resolution Is as follows:
Be It resolved by the Common
council Of the city of Hopeweu, the
the office Of chief OF police be not
created at this time. BE 1t further
resolved, that until further order by
the council and until the creation Of
this office be made by the council
and chief of police elected to fill
such office. that r. w. Boisseau, SER
geant OF the city of Hopewell. be
named as acting chief of police at a
salary OF elghty-five dollars a month"
Victory for Citizens.
The naming Of Mr. Boisseau az act
ing chief was distinct victory for
the citizens Of Hopewell and a COM
plete overthrow of the nonresident
lnfi1ence which has dominated in
Hopewen affairs since it became a
city. Mr.. Boisseau Is a Young men
of excellent character and thoroughly
familiar with the prevailing senti-
ment. and is capable of making Hope
well a cleaner and better city. 1t Is
stated upon reliable authority that he
has selected an efficient corps OF Hope
well citizens as members of his force.
which ia unnthar ~ ha nit
The acting chief is said to be thor
oughly in sympathy with law enfoce-
ment and no doubt is expressed as to
his ability to wipe out forever the
notoriety which has been the lot of
the Wizard city.
Ubiquitous Places Closed.
A distinctive forward step was taxi
en- in Hopewelrs progress this week
when the numerous notorious dance
halls which have been permitted.
were notified that they must close
their doors. A committee composed
OF the mayor. the police justice. act
ing chief OF police and the city at
torney recommended tho closing Of
the Ubiquitous places and the council
acted promptly,
The acting chief Is to he consratu
lated upon having the unqualified en-
dorsement OF the best citizens of
fopewetl. as well as the HopeweI
Daily Press. edited by e. Barrett
Prettyman. and he will doubtless re-
ceive the endorsement of all Virginia
in his efforts to make Hopewell a
better and cleaner city. In his sue
cess no doubt is expressed
Objects to Nom Residents.
Councilman J. r. Crutchfeid. for
merly of Richmond, sprung sensa-
ton by challenging the right Of J.
NJ Luke. now of Norfolk. and j w.
Phillips. now of Baltimore. formerly
of Hopewell, to sit as members OF
tho council Council requested that
City Attorney J. O., Hcfiin give an
opinion at the next meeting of coun-
Gil when action may be taken on Mr..
Crutchfield's point. Both members to
whom objection was made by Coun-
Gilman Crutchfield were present at the
session.