Omaha daily bee., 1920-08-05
Captain Of Detectives Member
Of Department for 19 Years,
Dismissed for Misappropria-
tion of Pension Funds.
COUNCIL POSTPONES
ACTION ON EBERSTEIN
Resolution Asking Chief of Po-
lice to Resign Referred to
COMMITTEE In Stormy Ses-
sion of City Officials.

Captain of Detectives John Dunn,
member ofthe police department for
19 years, was dismissed on charges
of misappropriating police pension
funds by four to three vote of the
city council Yesterday afternoon.
Commissioner Thomas B. Falconer
casting the deciding vote.
A resolution asking the resignation
of Chief of Police Eberstein on the
grounds that he has not inspired
the city commission with confidence
nor demonstrated his ability to be
head of the police department" was
then introduced by Commissioner
Zimman.
Police Commissioner Ringer i'm
-mediately asked that the resolution
be referred to the committee of the
whole and was supported by Mayor
Smith.
"We shouldn't vote on this matter
III the heat of the moment" said the
mayor in answer to Mr. Zimman's S
protest. II don't mind telling You
though, Mr.. Zimman, that I'll vote
for it when it comes up"
Resolution in Debate.
The. resolution was carried over.
Mr.. Zimman asserted his confidence
it would be passed, 'even without
the vote of Commissioner Ure," who
leaves on his vacation this morning.
The vote on the Dunn case de-
veloped several heated arguments,
during which personalities were free
ly INDUCED in.
at is a dirty piece of jobbing,"
shouted Commissioner Butler, when
asked for his vote. There is too
much outside influence being brought
to bear. My opinion of any COM
missioner who votes to dismiss Dunn
isn't fit for print. Dunn has hurt
somebody's feelings, that's what's
the matter" H. ,.
Plug Up the Streets.
"If Commissioner Butler spent as
much time filling in holes in the
stre,yt as he does putting his nose in
the police department we would have
better Streets" retorted Commission
er Ringer heatedly.
IF you'd clean up some of the
dumps around the city" began
Butler when he was silenced by the
mayor.
"No one can honestly charge me
with voting for anything but the
best. interests of the department at
heart" said Ringer. Dunn is guilty
of taking money from the pension
fund, a sacred fund which stands for
his protection as we'll as that Of the
other members of the department.
I'VE said we'd clean up the police
department and now we got some
evidence to do it with. believe in
treating a police captain the same as
a patrolman. I confess it embar-
rasses me to vote the same way as
Zimman is voting. but l must do it."
Falconer Breaks Tie.
81 think the penalty is too harsh.
I vote no." said Commissioner
Towl
at doesn't embarrass me to vote
the same. as Mr.. Ringer" declared
Zim,nan. II vote yes"
The deciding vote was cost by
Commissioner Falconer without
comment. .-
The vote stood: Ure, Zimman,
Ringer and Falconer for the dis
missal; 'Towl. Smith and Butler
against dismissal.
Commissioner Ringer was in
Close conference with Elmer
Thomas before the vote was cast.
Thomas was present during the
council meeting. s. -.
About Eberstein.
Ringer denied rumors that Eber-
stein had or would resign.
Zimman's prediction that his reso-
luton for Eberstein's resignation
would secure the necessary votes to
pass reflects the general opinion IN
city hall circles, where it is said
only aSsudden change III sentiment
among the commiss ssionefs can pre-
vent passage of the resolution.
Ringer would make no comment
on the resolution.