Evening star., 1935-05-19

A PPARENTLY the Commissioners
- had selected in advance the new
chief, for on the same date as that
Of Mai Dyes retirement The Star
printed the following news item:
This afternoon the Commissioners
announced the appointment of Samuel
H. Walker as major and superin-
tendent Of police to succeed Mai. Dye.
Mr.. Walker called at once at the
Commissioners Office and qualified
by subscribing to the oath. He then
had long conference with Commis-
sioner Wheatley.
when asked when the new su-
perintendent would be installed, Com
missioner Wheatley said to a Star
reporter, I think he will be installed
In few hours
"The New Superintendent.
Maj. Walker, who is AZ years old,
is a native Of the District and son
Of the late Jonathan T. Walker, a
successful lumber merchant here for
many years. He was born at the cor
ner Of Eighth and Z streets north
west. He attended the Columbian
College, but did not graduate, as his
studies we're interrupted by Ill health.
He subsequently studied law, but
never practiced. He has been en-
gagged for years in the real estate
business and owns considerable prop
erty on Capitol Hill, where he has
a residence, corner of Fifth and B
northeast. He is an active member
Of Waugh NJ. E. Church.
He has never held ONCE, except
that of constable and notary public
He was a member Of the library site
jury, which completed its labors yes
terday. He is about feet inches in
height. thick set and has a pleasant
face, wearing mustache and brown
beard on his chin. Mr.. Walker, after
receiving his commission today, and
comforting with District Commissioner
Wheatley, went with Mr.. Padgett, the
attorney for the District, to police
headquarters. On the way UP Dr.
Sunderland congratulated him, and
laughingly remarked, Well make it
hot for YOU" And they certainly
did!
MAJ. WALKER was a prosperous
A business man, was capable and
efficient, and q few years ago the
writer visited him at his home when
he was well up in his 80S and had
q pleasant interview with him in con-
nection with his experience as chief
of police. Since then the major died
at the age of 90, still esteemed and
regarded by host Of friends.
His service as superintendent OF
police was the shortest on record, but
this is how 1t happened: The first
thing he tried to do was to clean up
the vices south of Pennsylvania ave-
nue., in Lieut.. Richard A. Arnolds
precinct, the site of which is now
occupied by the Twelfth street side
of the new Post ONCE Department
Building. A night attack was made
on some of the dives then existing
in this unsavory neighborhood, and,
not so strange to relate, some prom
inent men, not Washingtonians, were
caught In the net. Some one made
the statement that these arrests were
ordered by the chief for the purpose
of influencing legislation in Congress,
which he emphatically denied. The
result, however. was an investigation
and trial Of number Of officers and
much publicity.
After the matter had dragged along
for some time the findings of the Com
missioners were announced, Novem-
Der 26, 1885, in which Lieut.. Arnold
and Pvt. Edelin were dismissed, Sergt.
Diggins was reduced to the ranks for
three months and Lieut.. Kelly sus-
pended for three months. At the
same time Maj. walkers resignation,
which had been rendered, was ac-
cepted.
Indeed, it has been well said that
o policeman's lot is not a happy one.
Maj. Walker stayed In ONCE Just