Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-10-01

his assistants to McPherson's prosecu-
ton shortly
In the conference at the District
have advanced the theory that the
recommendations regarding Shelby, and
Kelly could be satisfactorily adjusted
perhaps by detailing a squad Of head
quarters detectives to work under the
direction of United States Attorney Leo
A. Rover in gathering further evidence
in the case. These detectives, under
this plan, would have no connection
with the detective bureau while working
under Rover.
The attitude of the Commissioners
on Mai. Pratt's reported suggestion was
not disclosed, although there were in
timations that the Commissioners telt
1t probably would not entirely meet with
public approval The Commissioners,
however. it was indicated, have not
lost their confidence in Shelby and
Kelly.
Mai Pratt also is said to have sup
ported Shelby and Kelly when he APP
peared before the Commissioners to
tions, and pointed out that he believed
il drastic action Is contemplated II
should be tempered with thoughts of
the past records of Shelby and Kelly,
both veterans in the Police Depart
ment, who have done capable and
efficient work. Shelby has been con-
nected with the department for 81
years, and Kellys service covers a
period of % years.
Although the Commissioners met in
regular semi weekly board session at 10
o'clock this morning, it was said they
cast routine affairs to the side to dis
S,,R Iav,c1AyHS%oAr1tc IN the
Mcpherson case and the recommends
tions of the grand jury with respect to
Shelby and Kelly.
Improper Activities Denied.
The chic fof the Detective Bureau
and the head of the homicide squad,
specifically condemned for "inefficiency"
and "unbusinesslike" methods. joined
in requests that the public withhold
them are sifted.
Meanwhile the District attorney de-
MED accusations of improper activities
on. the part Of his Office, and Police
man Allen, elated at his complete
vindication' by the grand jury, de-
manded promotion to detective SER
geant, said to have been promised him
in the event he proved Mrs. McPher-
son did not commit suicide.
Young Mcpherson, Jailed on charges
Of "willful and premeditated" murder,
announced from his cell at the District
Jail that his conscience was clear and
that justice would prevail.
Aliens Status Unchanged.
Asked whether Policeman Allen, who
Is under suspension, would be rewarded
in any way Tor his independent investi-
CATION of the Mcpherson case, which led
to the grand jury indictment of the
young nurses husband for murder, Maj.
Pratt replied that Aliens status re-
manned unchanged.
In other words, it is Pratt's intention
to send the suspended officer before the
he had gathered in connection with his
probe of the case to superior officer.
The formal charges. it was learned,
have not yet been drawn.
Aliens trial, set for Thursday, on a
charge Of neglecting to patrol his beat.
however, has been postponed tentatively
until october 10.
Recovered somewhat from the shock
of the grand jury report. both Shelby
and Kelly appeared to be in a better
mood today, although they were anx-
Commissioners as to the action on the
grand jury's recommendations. Neither
would discuss the case, however.
Under the circumstances" Shelby
said, ut would be exceedingly impolitic
for either Kelly or me to make state
ment at this time"
After his conference with Allen Sen
ator Capper stated later that he had
taken no definite action as yet. but
added that the report of the grand
jury was too serious to be ignored. u
The chairman of the committee indi-
Gated that he was waiting to see what
action the proper local authorities take,
and in the meantime he would keep In
touch with developments.
Allen told newspaper men they could
quote him as saying that he expected
the evidence which he discussed with
Senator CapneH today would be laid