Evening star., 1954-01-20
Beach Explains Party
On Collection Surplus
To Quiet Inference

SAASS 4AAOH~SOSA ASSNSAAJ ~
Beach last night held a press
conference to dispel an ''infer-
ence" he felt had been created
by newspaper stories about his
appearance before Chief Robert
Y. Murray yesterday.
The stories said Inspector
Beach. who was suspended from
the force as an outgrowth Of
the Senate District Crime Sub
committee hearings. had been
questioned about distribution of
Christmas baskets to the needy
Of No. z precinct.
About $100 of the more than
$100 collected from merchants
and citizens Of the precinct was
left over after all the requests
for the baskets had been filled.
Inspector Beach said.
Party With Surplus.
The surplus was used for a
party for the men of the
precinct and their families, he
declared.
Saying that he has not pre-
viouSly fought "slanderous in
situations" growing out of his
suspension and an inquiry into
his finances. Inspector Beach
continued:
This issue. however, presents
q different situation. If I were
to remain silent, undoubtedly
there could be created in the
mind of the general public an
unfair and untrue inference. and
for this reason you (the report
erSl are here.
During my interview with
Chief Murray, there were no ac-
cuSationS or inSinuationS of a
nliSappropriatiop of any funds
collected in the 7th precinct. I
was asked if such collections were
made, the purpose of such col
lections and to supply any rec
ordS / might have relating
thereto.
* Old Custom at No. !.
al was able to give untesitant
replies. I was further asked by
what authority such collections
were made. and I explained that
such procedure was traditional
In the, 7th precinct. dating
back to my recollection. as far
as 1881. and the further fact
that other precincts including
headquarters. had distributed
baskets of food to the poor and
needy at Christmas times in
other years.
From the line Of questions
propounded to me by the chief
of police, it was obvious that
the main concern was centered
around Christmas party held
in the American Legion Hall at
Wisconsin and Prospect avenues
on December "a, 1850. and which
party was financed by funds con-
tributed by businessmen and
other persons within the 7th
precinct. ! explained that this
was solely my idea. arrived at
after due consideration and con-
sultation with responsible 4 busi-
ness persons who had made con-
. tributions to the fund. and with
officials of my command.
THE purpose of this party was
intended as a morale builder.
and I believe that that purpose
was accomplished. All members
of the precinct and their families
we're invited. as we'll as business
men and residents.
Recalls No Objection.
II know of no individual,
whether he be in business or in
private life, who has ever voiced
any objection to this affair. Why
1t should become an issue at this
time when I am being brutally
attacked is far beyond my ability
to understand.
I'm spite of the accusations
that am a man of high af-
f1uence, we (Mrs. Beach and u
owe thousands of dollars above
our assets.
Il would like to say that I
have the highest regard for
Chief Murray, and it is my firm
belief that the prolongation Of
this investigation is not of his
making"
After presenting the prepared
statement. Inspector Beach said
he had called to his apartment
the station clerks and other po-
licemen who had testified previ-
ously before Chief Murray about
the Christmas fund. but that they
had been sworn to secrecy and
could not help him prepare his
statement through their recol-
1ections.