Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1918-07-19
DICK" MAHER
GETS DISCHARGE
Draft Evader Said to Con-
template plea for ReinState-
ment on PoIlCe Force Shortly

Former Patrolman Richard A.
Maher. who disappeared when no
was called to report for military serv-
ice at Camp Dix last fall, has been
granted an honorable discharge from
the National Army and is now at his
home in this city.
It is understood that Maher will ap-
ply for reinstatement to the police
force of which he was member prior
to his disappearance. If he takes this
action he Is assured of warm opposi-
ton and enmity, which has already
developed among members OF the
force and persons connected in one
way or another with the department.
Maher was one of the men called
September 22 TO answer the first large
draft call. When the train pulled out
OF the station here, the smiling Dick
was not aboard and he was nowhere
to be found.
When the roll OF the men was called
at the camp that night Maher was
still absent and word was sent broad
cast that he was wanted as Stacker
Posters, with his picture and descrip-
ton printed thereon were sent
throughout the country and for sew
eral months reports were received of
his presence in certain places. but
and he continued to be out OF evidence
until Feb. s of this year, when word
was received here that he had been
apprehehded at Lakewood and taken
to the camp, where he was inducted
into service.
Reports of how Maher came TO en-
ter the service were never officially
stated and it was claimed in certain
quarters that he had surrendered
h4v,aualf Narfotn fa hnruaxfnr TINT
he received no punishment for his
evasion Of the selectiVe service regu-
lations, and shortly after he was taken
into the army at the cantonment he
appeared on the streets of the city.
Maher. whose popularity when he
was on the police force, was ace high.
dropped to zero in the estimation Of
most of his friends and those who rec
ognized him as an acquaintance. The
members OF the police force took his
evasion 20 heart, and many and bit
ter were the remarks made about him.
For several weeks after he had enter
ed the camp, Maher would appear
here at frequent intervals. but never
in uniform. 1t was said that he could
not be outfitted at camp, because OF
the lack of a uniform to fit him.
And now the former patrolman is
back in the city, smiling and brazen
whom he speaks. or who speak to him
that he is out OF the army and back
on the Job. He blames his evasion OF
the draft and consequent classification
as a Stacker on being drunk. II was
known that Maher had taken out OF
banks and other secure places. a large
amount OF money which he possessed,
and Il is believed that he expended
this on one grand bust before return
ing 10 this section.
He has not as yet made any effort
to report for duty on the police force.
Chief OF Police p. ]. Burke says that
he has been informed that Maher in
tends applying for reinstatement to
tho forcn and the report is generally
current that he does intend trying 10
again get on the force which he dis
Eraced by hts actions last fall.
Chairman Benjamin Reidy, OF the
police committee OF the Board OF AL
dermen, says that with his consent
Maher Will never serve again on the
police force. Members OF the force
expressed considerable bitterness at
what thy termed Mahsr's unmitigsted
gall at endeavoring 70 again get on he
force.
They are in a quandary as TO what
action can be taken against the man
In view OF his honorable discharge.
There Is some doubt in their minds as
10 whether IL would be possible 70 bar
Inn from his former post In view OF
the honorable discharge.
II was said at police headquarters
today that haher had engaged coun-
sci TO represent him in his EFFORT TO
get on the force again In case his
application should be refused or his
Efforts blocked.
The lawyer whom Il was under
afoed Maher has retained was said 20
be out Of town when his once was
nM11a4 an khA talauhona ko0Mx.