Omaha daily bee., 1918-09-04

Ure and Falconer. Commissioners
Butler and Zimman voted against the
appointment. Commissioner Towl
was absent.
MFR. Ringer explained that the ap-
pointment of the new chief was in
line with policy outlined before his
( election; that he intended to defeat
gang" rule in Omaha, and he added
that certain adverse influences have
not yet been subdued, but he, hoped
and expected that this action will be
forward, step in the accomplish.
ment of his plans.
To Have Full Authority.
Addressing the council, Mr.. Ringer
said: Marshall Eberstein is regard
ed as one OF the most competent
men in his line of work in the United
States. I have investigated his record
thoroughly. He has been highly
recommended for honesty and in
tegrity. I have no personal charges
against Dempsey. We had pleasant
talk this morning and he understands
the situation. | expect to give Demp-
sey an opportunity to have a chiefs
pension. A change was necessary for
the solidarity and harmony of the po-
lice department"
On roll call, Mayor Smith asked
Mr.. Ringer: "Will you make Eber-
stein chief in full charge of the de-
partment, with power to promote and
denote; give him ,pleniary authority
over the departmentH
"That is what I intend to do"
Ringer replied.
Then why don't you give Demp-
sey that right?" Butler inquired.
II don't care to answer that ques-
ton because it would open up mat
tiers which I don't wish to discuss"
was Ringers reply. T.
Smith Defends Dempsey.
II have absolute confidence in
Dempsey" the mayor continued. II
/, believe in his integrity and his desire
to make good, but there are condi-
tons in the police department for
which the chief is not responsible.
No present member of the police de-
partment, as chief, could surmount
those conditions, and that is not say
ing anything against Dempsey. The
situation requires new man shall
be placed at the head of the police de-
partment. ! will vote for Eberstein
on the understanding that he shall
deliver the goods or deliver his
resignation. He will be held respon-
sib1e and he must have full charge"
Butler, voting no. stated that the
matter had been presented to him like
a thunderbolt; that he wished more
time to look into the matter, and that
he could not vote intelligently until
he knew the reasons for the change.
Mr.. Ringer thereupon explained the
circumstances of the case. ~
The resolution offered by Mr..
Ringer to the city council stated that
Marshall Eberstein had been ap-
pointed chief of the police department.
at $4,000 per year, beginning Octo-
Der !.
Director" is Title.
Chief Dempsey was appointed to
his present position on April this
year and, under the rules, must have
served at least one year to be entitled
to pension on the basis of his pres
ent salary. Mr.. Ringer explained that
it was his purpose to arrange mat
ters, if he can do so legally, to the end
that Mr.. Dempsey shall not forfeit his
right to a chiefs pension. He has
been considering giving Mr.. Eber-
stein the title OF director of police"
until April !, 1919, and during the
meantime assign Mr.. Dempsey to the
duty of instructing police under the
police school" plan which has been
adopted in some cities.
& Chief Dempsey was appointed pa
trolman on October 81, 1885, under
the old police system. He began his
services with the present metropoii-
tan police department on July %,
1887; promoted to sergeant April !,
1901; captain, November IS, 1910; as
sistant chief, July 26, 1917; chief, April
!, 1918. He succeeded Henry >W.
Dunn as chief.