Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-10-02
Inspector Shelby
BreaksDOWnW When
He Quits Post.
FRIENDS DOWNCAST
AS CHIEF DEPARTS
SubOrdinates Offer to
Take Blame, for
Commanders.

Broken in spirit and choking
with emotion, Inspector William
s. Shelby, who today was relieved
of his duties as chief of the De-
tective Bureau as a result of
severe condemnation by the grand
Jury in the Mcpherson case, bade
farewell to his detective associates
this morning amid extraordinary
scenes.
They call these detectives hard
boiled and cold-blooded, but their
nerves were far from steady, and
their eyes were far from clear
when they took off1cial leave of
two of their best-loved colleagues.
Lieut.. ED" Kelly, gray-haired
head of the homicide squad until
today, stood silently, tight-lipped,
with his chief as the latter barred
his sorrow to his men at roll call
in the squadroom at police head
quarters.
1t was an impressive leave-taking.
Both men, confronted with serious
charges by an offici.l body of men and
women, insisted today that they face
their friends, their enemies and the
world at large with clear consciences
and with full expectation of vindication.
Bantering Absent.
The 81 headquarters detectives, IA
precinct plain clothes men and corps
of police reporters assembled in the
SQUAD room with grave faces at o'clock
this morning. The usual by-play and
bantering among such men was no.
ticeably absent.
As INSPECTOR Shelby walked into the
room to make his last inspection be-
fore becoming supervisor OF. the uni
formed forces" there was q burst OF
He waited motionless until the noise
had subsided. Then he cleared his
throat and began.
IT suppose you have all heard of my
disgrace by this time" he said In
low, hoarse voice. His hands went be-
hind him and he clenched them there;
It was with difficulty that he could
continue. He managed to speak Of his
clear record of the past, OF his % years
of effort to render faithful service to
the public, of the crushing blow that
now was his reward.
II know of no act Of any quasi
judicial body which has caused SO much
sorrow in so many directions" he said,
somewhat bitterly.
"It has broken the heart OF the one
dearest to me"
Inspector Breaks Down.
His voice faltered and died away in
silence, Inspector Shelby was crying.
So were his men. 1t was Impossible
for them to keep from swallowing the
Jumps in their throats. Dozens OF hand
kerchiefs came out and dozens of hands
flickered drops of moisture from be-
meath misty eyes.
Inspector Shelby was the first to re-
gain control of himself. His arms came
round in front of him. In one Of his
hands was clasped long cigar, long
since gone out.
But though my heart is broken, my
head is not bowed" he went on, with
growing firmnesS Of tone.
II look back on your loyalty and your
affection and your love. I want you to
give them to him who succeeds me"
He motioned toward Capt. w. E.
Emerson, standing beside him.
I'm every assignment I have held in
this department" the inspector con-
tinued, IT think have left behind me
something of a constructive nature. 1t
had been my hope to do the same here.
I had great visions, great plans, for the
future of this bureau. now must give
them up. God bless you ALL"
Detectives Follow Him.
He turned abruptly and walked out OF
the room. Several of the detectives
rushed after him and sought to detain
him, to pat him on the back and shake
his hand. He paid no attention, but
plodded back along the little corridor to
the office which no longer Is his own.
The office soon was filled with MS
friends.
They crowded around him, but he
continued to straighten his desk in read
| mess for his successor. Headquarters
Detective Varney, one Of the younger
men on the force, spoke up, to voice
what was in the mind of all his fellows
"You know, inspector" he said, with
emphasis, II would take all Of this for
you, If could"
glasses to wipe them. The men turned
their eyes to Lieut.. Kelly.
"Well, so long, boys" he snapped out
| turning to leave. i've got to get to
work on my new duties upstairs"