Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-12-14

given an inscribed gavel and
briefcase in appreciation Of his
service to the community.
Takon1a City Council
Orders 7 Suspended
Police Reinstafed
Two of four suspended auxil-
larry policemen in Takoma Park,
Md, were ordered reinstated by
the City Council last night. Sus-
pensions of the other two will
remain in effect at least until
January /.
Councilman o. j. Forehand,
chairman Of the public safety
committee, reported on an in
formal investigation of the suS-
pensions ordered by Police Chief
Chester E. Thomas last week.
The four were suspended after
they were said to have partici-
pated in a controversial discus
sion at a civic meeting.
On Recommendation of Mr..
Forehand's committee, the coun-
Gil voted to reinstate Maurice E,
Taylor, 1904 Wildwood drive, and
Theodore J. Gooch. 1921 Glenside
drive.
Continuation of the suspen-
sions were ordered for Robert E,
Mohr, 217 Spring street, and
&c. E. Wehrback. 6607 Cockrill
avenue.
Were Association Delegates.
Mr.. Forehand reported that
MIR. Mohr and Mr.. Werback were
delegates or voting members OF
the Joint Committee of Prince
Georges akoma Citizens Asso-
Citations and had voted in favor
of a proposal which possibly
could lead to the separation OF
the Prince Geroges County por-
ton of the municipality from
the city Of .Takoma Park.
The report said. "We believe
that no member Of the special
police force or of any organiza-
ton of the city government. who
has sworn to uphold the tcity)
charter, should, while a men,
Der of the city government, take
any action as a member of a
group or as a private citizen
which would possibly lead to
repeal or change Of the city
charter. except with express per-
mission of the Mayor and City
Council"
In q second motion, the coun-
Gil approved tthe suspension Of
Mohr and Werback to remain
In effect until January l. 1856
without prejudice. :"
A resolution adopted Sunday
at a special meeting of the Joint
Committee of Prince Georges
Takoma Civic Associations was
presented. 1t expressed complete
confidence in the four suspended
officers.
Public Hearing Asked.
The civic committee called
upon the mayor and council tt
hold q public hearing without
delay.
The committee expressed
concern and alarm over the mat.
ter as Chief Thomas did not .ex.
tend to these men the courtesy
of informing them of the reason:
for this action and they have
since December 8 been living I'm.
der a cloud. Coming as it die
so soon after the last meeting o.
the joint committee, at which
the future possible Relationship
OF this section of the city to tn,
rest of the municipality was dis.
cussed. the action OF Chic
Thomas raises serious question:
which must be answered immedi
ately. A
The timing Of these suspen
sions, unfortunately, can be In
terpreted as q reprisal for par
ticipation as private citizens Ii
the joint committee meeting
1t is therefore imperative tina
| all the facts be brought into TIL,
open and the men be given tn,
| opportunity, in the American
| tradition. to face their accuser
and answer the charges agains
them as Americans and out
| standing leaders of the commu
nifty. these four men are entitle,
to a full public hearing"
| Center's Restoration Asked.
| In other business the counci
heard an appeal from Stephel
Z L. Curtis. president Of the Com
munity League of Takoma Parl
to restore the health and welfar
center and appropriate half q
the expenses with Montgomer
County. which would furnis
doctors and nurses.
The council voted to send
letter to Gov. McKeldin askin
for an opportunity to discus
with him the flooding of thor
oughfares in North Takom
after heavy transforms. tn
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad In
formed the council it was willin
to cooperate, but has failed
secure action from the Wash
ington Suburban Sanitary Com
/ mission.
Il The city Office will be close
all day December "a and 81.