Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-11-24

body, without O hearing, without giving
him an opportunity to be heard In his
own defense, transferred him to an
other post of duty leaving the possible
thought that there might be some pos
sible justification for the criticism of
his activities" in the Mcpherson case
what Mr.. Kelly demanded Is the
right Of every American citizen of see
ing, hearing and cross-examining his
accusers. This right is guaranteed him
by the Constitution Of the United
States. Criticism behind closed doors
in q star chamber proceeding has never
been approved by free people. Hys-
terra should not take away the hon.
orable and distinguished career Of such
a policeman as Edward j. Kelly.
''Mr. Kelly insists that this criticism
of his activities in the Mcpherson case,
contained under the guise and cloak OF
a grand jury report. be brought into
the open, so that he may be exonorated.
him. Let the people responsible for
this report come before q proper tri-
bunal and face him. Let Lieut.. Edward
J. Kelly's distinguished career be not
blighted by this urwarranted and un-
called-for report.
"A prompt response to this letter Is
most respectfully asked OF you, his SUI
periors."
SheIby's Demand for Trial.
Following IS the text of Shelby's de-
mand for public trial which was
signed by both Of his attorneys:
ION october 4, 1929, we appeared be-
fore the special board appointed by you
to investigate the grand jury charges
against Assistant Superintendent Will
liam s, Shelby, and demanded that for
NAL charges be drawn against our client
and a trial board be convened at the
earliest possible date to hear these
charges. We requested and urged that
this be done, even though witnesses
should fail to appear, and the evidence
gathered by the investigating board
might seem trivial and unconvincing
The failure of the members OF the
grand Jury to appear before the inves-
tigating board would seem to make 1t
Impossible to draw specifications show
ing the precise acts which formed the
bases of these charges. We are, how
ever. anxious to have a public hearing
on these charges, and in order to bring
this about, we express to you now the
willingness Of Mr.. Shelby to go to trial
upon the general charges made by
the grand Jury without requiring speci-
fications In support thereof.
Wants Accusers Summoned.
"The present grand jury has exon
Grated Robert A. Mcpherson. The view
seems to be prevailing that this action
of the grand jury should be sufncient
Justification for putting an end to all
proceedings looking to hearing OF the
charges against Mr. Shelby. We do not
share this view. Justice to him requires
that the charges be publicly tried be-
fore tribunal clothed with the power
of compelling the attendance of wit
nesses, especially those who are his ac-
cusers. In this way and this way alone
can these very serious charges be es-
tablished to the satisfaction OF all as
absolutely groundless.
"a quarter OF q century OF faithful
service in the Police Department Of the
District of Columbia has earned for
him the right to have not only his SUI
neriors. but the public generally know
that he has done nothing to forfeit the
high esteem Of those whom he has 50
faithfully served"