Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-10-14
POLICE HEAD ASKS
| D. c. WEAPON LAW
Congress May Be Urged by
Commissioners to Limit
Firearms Sales.

1T is probable that the District Com
| missioners will give careful consid-
GRAFTON to the recommendations con-
tanned in the annual report of Mai
Harry l.. Gessford, superintendent of
| police, relative to the purchase, sale
ana carrying of weapons. Several at
| leinptS nave been made to induce
| congress to enact a law containing
the main features of Maj. Gessfords
recommendations. and it is probable
that the District Commissioners will
repeat the efforts of their predeces-
| SorS in the matter
| MAJ. Gessford's report shows that
! there were forty-eight murders com
| united in the District during the last
nscal year. one less than the proceed
ing year: while manslaughter cases
| numbered twenty-three. an increase
OF nine over the preceding year.
weapons openly purchased for
rev dollars figured in many cases in
winch human life was sacrificed. and
IL is the bellef of the police that there
would have been fewer such crimes
committed if the police had had CON
trol over sales of weapons. The same
would nave been true in numerous
cases or suicide. the police believe
Fewer Weapons Carried.
Arrests for carrying concealed wea-
eiiS ihoe iISSdi ear numbered S4S
decrease OF seventy. compared with
thoSe OF the preceding year Included
IN the list of victims in homicide cases
were three members of the police force
detectives James E. Armstrong and
/ Harry Wilson and Private Oscar A
Mckimmie.
detective Armstrong was slain in
Union station by John McHenry, who
IS under sentence of death, McHenry
having previously held up and killed
Null
tomobIle accessories merchant De-
tectlve Wilson was shot and killed. it
IS charged, by Carrie Johnson, coloreG
during the so-called race riots in July
and Private Mckimmie, it is charged
was shot to death by Herbert Wesson.
-, and alleged colored burglar
Police officials do not assert that all
the crimes committed by armed per-
sons would have been prevented had
a law safeguarding the sale and car
books They feel reasonably certain.
however, that some of them would
have been prevented.
Easy to Buy Firearms.
When it Is SO easy matter for a
person to enter a place of business
and obtain loaded revolver, the only
requirement being few dollars,
| a Star reporter. 1T is no wonder that
human life is sacrificed in so many
! instances"
1t long has been urged by police
officials that many murders committed
IN neat of passion would not be com
united if the person with a grieva nee
mad time to think over the trouble it
off," wv
! Because of the recent shooting and
instances in which persons have been
held up. it is stated. a number of
persons have applied to the judges of
Police Court for permission to go
in few instances. it is stated the
court requiring applicants to make
a showing of the necessity for their
CARVING a weapon. Bond in the sum
OF $500 is required of persons given
such permission
1t is probable. in view of Mai.
!Gessfords recomme ndation, that civic
bodies will discuss the recommends
tlon ana assist the Commissioners and
! chie1 or police to obtain favorable
action when Congress conyenes at the
next session.