Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-01
HESSE ASKS PROOF
OF CAPTAINS GUILT.
win Not Seek BurIingame
Custer Until Witnesses
Confederate Evidence.

Ruffied somewhat by the tactics fol-
lowed in the investigation Of Mrs. Helen
Blalock's sensational charges against
Capt. Guy E. Burlingame of the second
precinct, Maj Edwin B. Hesse, super
tnterdent of police, today announced
that he would not recommend discip-
linary action against the police captain
until witnesses are produced to COR
rsborate the alleged documentary evil
dence given the United States attor.
ney's once by Representative Blanton
of Texas.
The investigation has now become a
triparty affair. with the District Com
miSSionerS, the Gibson subcommittee of
the House and the United States attor-
ney's Office each taking part. But thus
far none has reached a definite objec-
tive. The Police Department, which is
vitality concerned, has been practically
ignored. however, and Mai. Hesse said
he is still waiting for photostatic copies
OF Mrs. Blalock's afidavits and senti-
mental love notes turned over to Blan-
ton by the missing palmist.
1NdJ- f1eSSe ueCidEeu lie QlO nOJ WANT
30 be placed in the position of protect
ing Capt. Burlingame If he is guilty,
but that he would not set idly on the
sidelines and see one of his command
ing officers prosecuted" before any
steps are taken to prove the felonious
charges Of Mrs. Blalock. IF Capt.
Burlingame is guilty, then I will turn
on him and fight for his removal from
the police force, just as vigorously as I
intend to support him until witnesses
are produced to corroborate the evidence
in the documents which Mr.. Blanton
has given to the District attorney" the
police superintendent said.
Commissioners Undecided.
The Commissioners already have
given serious attention to the Burlin-
game case ON two oCcasions--at a spe-
cial meeting late yesterday and at the
regular seri1i-weekly board meeting this
inorning-but have been unable to reach
q decision as to what action should be
taken. Maj. Hesse and Inspector Henry
q. Pratt. assistant superintendent, con-
ferred with Commissioner Dougherty,
who has administrative supervision over
the Police Department, before the meet
ing this morning and discussed various
details of the case.
The special meeting of the Com
missioners yesterday afternoon fol-
lowed conference between Commits
sioner Dougherty, Corporation Counsel
William W. Bride, United States Attor-
l1ey Leo A. Rover and Assistant United
States Attorney William H. Collins
The procedure to be followed in the
Burlingaf11e case was discussed, but
definite action was deferred because the
District officials said they were not
suflciently acquainted with the charges
against the police captain to agree on
any program.
Report Is Awaited.
In the meantime the United States
attorneys Office will mark time with its
investigation and prosecution of the
case pending report from the Com
nnisSioners. This report Is expected to
be submitted to Mr.. Rover at another
conference which has been tentatively
arranged for Monday.
Despite reports that the United
States attorneys Office has information
as to the whereabouts of the missing
palinist, Mr.. Collins said he 10 just as
much in the dark as where she might
be as he was last week when the case
NN3 h4AlGa OtCA W tt4itt All tAtScbAG0-
ton. The rumors that the woman is
hiding near Washington, Collins said he
believed to be bunk"
Because he is under fire, Capt Bur-
1ingame voluntarily has declined to sit
on the police trial board, of which he
Is member. There was substitute
in his place on the board when it met
yesterday, and police officials said the
accused captain probably will not re-
turn to the board until the case Is
closed.
Aside from his comment on the pro-
cedure followed in the investigation of
the charges against Capt Burlingame.
Mai. Hesse. also replied today to the
statement contained in Representative
Gibson's telegram to Blanton, In which
he said that Mrs. Blalock's story may
break ring In control Of police af-
fairs" This is q one-man Police De-
partment," Maj. Hesse declared, land
Il there is any ring 1t is about my head. :"