The Washington times., 1925-05-19

ground departments from his apart
ment.
Captain Oyster had been president
of the Board Of Education, District
Rent Commissioner, District Com
missioner, president of every major
civic organization.
MY ambition has been fulfilled, .
he said at the time of his appoint
ment as Commissioner four years
ago. II have been given an oppor-
tunity to serve the people. God
grant that the trust the President
Of the United States has reposed in
me shall not be misplaced"
Was Real WashingtOnian.
Captain Oyster was a real Wash
,ingtonian. He was reared on Capt.
| tol Hill. He was educated in the
public schools. He started in the
butter and egg business early in
life, continuing the business until
his death.
Old in years, he was young in
action. He admitted seventy four
years. Until his death he was
active. Unable to go to the District
Building to direct the work of his
divisions. he had department heads
/ visit him daily at his home.
I'm not through until I'm dead, T"
Oyster told friends a few days ago.
I'm on the job at home just as
much as IL / was downtown"
The life of Captain Oyster has
been a series of fights since he
first came into public notice, battles
in which he usually emerged vic
tcrious.
Never a Side Stopper.
He always boasted that he never
sidestepped an issue. He was ever
ready to fight for what he thought
was right He was always willing
to give every man or woman "a
square deal" He was tender at
heart, though stern in outward
appearance.
His career since he became Com
missioner in charge Of police was
picturesque. He was i'm touch with
tho police day and night. He sue
cCssfully directed scores Of cam
paigns against bootleggers. hand
book men and dope peddlers.
"C4o get them was Oysters usual
Instructions to police when he gave
them an assignment
Captain Oyster said he always
believed he was cop at heart"
Gave Sullivan "a Chance"
The retirement of Harry l.. Cess
ford as superintendent of police,
shortly after Oysters first appoint
ment as Commissioner, caused many
difficulties. Daniel Sullivan, then
assistant superintendent, was named
acting superintendent.
The day after Gessford's retire
l. LIT
ters and phone calls urging the APP
pointment of a dozen or more men.
He took all of the requests under
consideration" He determined to
give Sullivan a chance.
He delayed making an appointment
for several months. Meanwhile, call.
didates for the job, and candidates
numbered a score or more, got their
pull together.
Senators and Congressman de-
scended upon oyster at his office
and home. manding the appoint
ment of-their friends. Tney tod
the Commissioner that President
Harding was behind their men. Oys.
ter turned them down.
Provoked His Visitors.
Other delegations came Some
made requests, others demands. The
appointments of several men Oyste"
did not feel were capable were urged.
To those delegations demanding the
appointment of such men, Oyster, il
they became insistent. replied:
I'm see you in hell before | alp
point that man."
Naturally the Commissioner at
titude provoked the visiting deleg:I
tons. Some of them complained to
the President. Oyster was called to
the White House. The story of mis-
interview with the late President
Harding is revealed in public here
for the first time. Oyster told it
this way:
Il was at my office at Ninth
and Pennsylvania avenue about
o'clock on Saturday night when
the telephone bell rang. | answered
ii. The voice at the other end said:
Hello, is this oyster? l replied it