The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-01-07
Roy Payne Says Chief Gave
y Threats In Last Campaign.
Charges Hannah Threatened
Him With COrWine Picture.
CALLS IT A KANGAROO COURT
Chiefs Designation ArOuses
Members City Commission.
MOre Developments In Eva
Lambert Friendliness.

-. Chief of Police George G. Han
nan, Police Judge Hugh MacFar-
land and Detective Augustin
Alba were discharged this after
noon by the city commissioners.
1t was decided at a conference
Of the mayor and commissioners
that the resignation of MacFar-
land and the temporary suspen-
sion of Alba and Hannah should
be made permanent.
The decision was announced by
the mayor when the commission
returned to the council room at
2::35 o'clock, following the con-
ference in his office, which be-
gan at 2 o'clock.
To Appoint New Chief Soon.
Mavor Corwine said this afternoon
that the appointment of the next chief
of police of Topeka will be announced
in a few days, but that he could not
announce it this afternoon. He said
that Police Captain Maurice Leonard
who has been acting as chief during
the suspension of Chief Hannah, will
remain in charge of the force temper
arily. Acting Police udge Williams
VIII retain that place temporarily.
Judge MacFarland had already re-
signed prior to the beginning of the
investigation by the commissioners A
IL - time his resignation was refused
except temporarily.
However" he declared this after
noon. ''I told them that whether re
fused or not. my resignation was per
manent.,
Let Go For Harmony.
Mayor Corwine stated this afternoon
that the commission had deemed i
advisable to let the three men g
"for the good of the public and tn
department, and in the interest of bet
ter service to the public"
Commissioner Hancock said that i
was seen that there had been no har
1nony in the police department TO
some time; that discord causes ineffi
cheney and that it was deemed best t
let go the three men who were in
yolved in the inharmony. He said n
specific charges had been considers
by the commission and that Alba, VIII
was charged with extorting none
from the Mexicans by Chief Hannar
was discharged, not because thi
charge had been substantiated, but be
cause he was one of those involved i
the unharmonious conduct of the de
partment
The commissioners. as public serv
ants. considered it their duty to TAX
this action, but not with any feelin
against any individuals. Hancock saiC
II will say this for Alba" Hug
NacFarland said today. IF there is
dishonest hair in his head, they wi
have to show it to me-"
The city commissions probe into a
legged misconduct in the police ,depar
ment adjourned for the noon hour
an uproar today. brought about /
chief G. G.. Hannan's desis nation {
the commission as kangaroo court
and charges by Roy Payne that Han
nan had given him a veiled thre;
concerning putting Mayor H. ]. Co
wines picture in his window durir
the campaign.
s'Didn't you tell me that unless I pl
Fl. Corwine's picture in my windo
during the campaign that 1 would wis
had?" asked Payne.
s.Well now" the chiefs voice ro!
above the babel of voices, 'let me te
YOU, you are on trial in kangart
court and -"
ssI object to this commission beir
called kangaroo court" explained
S. Hancock. street commissioner.
Whereupon number of voices we