The Washington times., 1921-04-15

iHds pIdStiSdiiy SFciy HSubVi
Of the police Department is on pro-
baton was told Major Harry E.
Gessford, superintendent of police,
and Inspector Clifford L. Grant,
hief of detectives, by District
/, ,mmissioner James F. Oyster at
Inference in his Office in the
District Building yesterday.
MUST ENFORCE LAW.
Both heads of the two branches of
Police Department were told that
they must enforce the law TO the let
ter.
"The laws are on the statute
books" Commissioner Oyster declar-
ed. "and went them enforced, and !
am going to see that they are en-
forced"
Further. Commissioner Oyster said
that he wanted every member of the
Police Department to be on his met
tle-that his job depended on the
amount Of efficiency displayed in the
performance of his police duties. 1t
is understood he further declared that
he was particularly anxious that the
various precinct commanders give
stricter attention to their jobs.
Gessford and Grant were put on the
carpet as a result of the difference of
opinion that has arisen between them.
Commissioners Oyster assured them II
is reported. that there would be no
changes in the heads of the depart
ments as long as they had the law
enforced. 4ts-a-sis.-
CHICKERING'S MUST STOP.
1t also is said that Commissioner
oyster has made IL plain that he will
not tolerate petty chickering's and jeal-
ousies among members of the force,
particularly such az have existed
between members of the uniform rank
and the plsinclothes men.
When asked about these reports of
the conference, District Commission
er oyster declared:
The Police Department has a Su-
perintendent of Police. II is his duty
to enforce the law. | am not yet
aware that he is not enforcing IL. i
IT, tend to see that the law is enforced
The conference with Gessford aud
Grant followed one that Commissioner
oyster had with Thomas T.. stone.
Federal prohibition director of Mary
land and Ohio, including the District
of Columbia. 1t is understood Stcne
made charges against the efficiency of
some members of the department, but
neither he nor Commissioner oyster
would discuss the nature OF their con
ference.
SWEENEY GETS HEARING.
Frank Baur, who, with Thomas
Sweeney. was denoted by Major Cess
ford yesterday from the rank OF ic-
tective sergeant to that OF uniforried
policeman. will be granted confer
ence by Commi ssioner oyster this art
ernoon.
a.. - tx,f Saf a
Commissioner Oyster. and, of course,
| granted the interview" He FUR
ther said that he intended to be fair
with every member of the depart
ment, from the major down.
II will see that no man gets an
unfair deal" he said.
Baur and Sweeney were reduced IS
a result of their acting as guards FOR
a shipment of whiskey said to have
been transferred from point In
Maryland to the Russian embassy.
here.
Both men were on leave of absence.
tt is said the whiskey was shipped
through legal permits as provided for
in the prohibition enforcement act
Friends of the two well-known de
tectives stated. on learning of their
demotion. that they felt verbal rep
rimand would have been sufficient
punishment
RAUR TO EXPLAIN.
But both Commi ssioner Oyster and
Major Gessford take the stand that
members of the Police Department
should not act as guardians OF liquor
being transported into the District
even legally. 1t is understood Baur
will make n full statement of his con-
nection with the shipment of liquor
and will explain that he and Sweeney
did not believe they were violating
the law. as the shipment was said to
be legal and both were on leave OF
absence.
Commissioner oyster would not dis
cuss the case, other than to admit
Baur had asked for the interview.
The status OF the police situation
today Is that Gessford, despite the
rumor he would be denoted and sue
ceeded by Inspector Clifford l.. Grant
chief of detectives. will hold his job
as long as he makes good and brings
about a strict enforcement of the