Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-10-30
Commissioners Fear Grant
ing Request Might Become
Dangerous Precedent.
RUMORS DECLARE DOYLE
MAY RECANT REMARKS
Counsel for Suspended Captain Say
Reports Are Without Foun-
dation of Truth.

The trial of Private Robert j. Allen
like that of Capt Robert E. Doyle of the
eighth precinct, his commanding officer
who defended him in his criticism of the
United States attorneys Office, was
postponed today until November 6, as
the District Commissioners made prep
arations to take action on the sus-
pended policeman's plea for the Gre
alton of an extraordinary civilian board
to try him on charges of insubordina-
ton.
In the meantime rumors were current
at the District Building that overtures
had been made to have Capt. Doyle
recede from the position he'took in sup
porting Allen, with promise that the
charges of characterization preferred
against him by Maj. Henry G.. Pratt,
superintendent Of police, would be dis
missed. Chapman w. Fowler and T.
Morris Wampler, counsel for the sus-
pended police captain, admitted that
they, too, had heard these reports, but
emphatically branded them as utter
falsehoods.
The rumors are believed to have
originated following a conference yes
terday afternoon between Fowler and
Corporation Counsel William w. Bride.
The latter fatty declined to discuss the
case, asking newspaper reporters not to
1nterrogate him about it, but intimating
that he might have some statement to
make later.
Maj Pratt said he also had heard
these reports but had not received con-
hrmatton Of them from either Doyle or
his attorneys. The police superintend-
ent limited, however, that he believed
such move on Doyle's part would be
a satisfactory disposition of the case as
far as he Is concerned.
Even though on the verge of a de-
cis1on on Aliens request for a civilian
trial board, the Commissioners would
give no indication of the action con-
templated in advance of meeting of
the Board Of Commissioners, which is
scheduled to follow public hearing of
the Zoning Commission now in progress.
The board meeting, however, is not
likely to begin until some time this
afternoon.
Sees Danger in Precedent,
Despite the secrecy thrown around
the deliberations of the Commissioners
1t was learned that they have given
serious consideration to the probable
effect of the appointment of civilian
board to hear the charges against Al
zen. Inc creation Of such board In
tnlS case, 1t was said, might establish
dangerous precedent, and at the same
time indicate that the Commissioners
had little faith in the Police Trial
Board.
Moreover, it was pointed out. the
function of the board is to maintain dis
cipline in the Police Department, a
question with which civilians are not
IlKely to be as familiar as members
within the department. It also was ex-
planned that Allen should have no fear
of Police Trial Board is subject to an
peal and review by the Commissioners.
who have the power to reduce the pen
aside.
The postponement of Aliens trial
Tor week was approved by the Police
Trial Board on recommendation of H,
Ralph Burton and Tench T. Marye,
counsel for the accused policeman. Cor
poration Counsel Bride also agreed to
the continuance. The delay viii bring
the Doyle and Allen trials on the same
day.
Await Senator Sackett.
Further steps in the senatorial in
vestigatton into police affairs and the
District government generally viii await
the return to Washington the middle
OF next week Of Senator Sackett, Re-
OF Kentucky, chairman,
Senator Sackett had to leave the
city Tor Louisville, KY, last night. A
few hours before his departure he con-
1erred with Commissioner Dougherty
regarding the course of procedure to he
followed by the subcommittee when it
resumes the inquiry.
=. Pointing out that the members of
the subcommittee are not familiar with
the detailed organization Of the District
government, the Senator said he con-
ferred with Commissioner DouPhertv
so that the subcommittee would know
the proper officials to call when infor-
nation is wanted on particular phases
OF the investigation. The conferences
was held at the suggestion OF the sub
committee.