June 18, 1908 SAVES THE MAN THAT STRUCK HIM.
Victim of Policeman's Attack Pities His Wife and Children.
When it was shown to the police board yesterday that Patrolman Samuel Combs had abused and struck a young man named James B. Bailey, Combs was ordered suspended for thirty days. When Bailey heard Combs testify that he had a wife and five children, he asked that the extreme penalty not be inflicted. That was all that saved the officer from dismissal from the force.
A similar case against Patrolman Jerry Callahan, brought by Charles A. Calhoun, a traveling salesman living at 908 East Ninth street, was put over for one week after the case had gone to trial. Calhoun was ignorant of the board's procedure in such cases and appeared without his most important witnesses or his attorney.Labels: Ninth street, police, police board June 18, 1908 WIFE MARCHED HIM TO JAIL.
Smith Lewis Was Even Afraid to Speak in Her Presence.
"Here he is, now lock him up. I went over town and arrested him myself and made him come across the line with me. I'll show him he can't pick up and desert me."
The speaker was Mrs Della Lewis of 836 Everest avenue, Kansas City, Kas., and her remarks were addressed to Acting Sergeant "Pal" Richardson at police headquarters as she marched her husband, Smith Lewis, up to the sergeant's desk yesterday morning. Officer Richardson did not know what to make of the matter at first and asked what charge she wished to place against her prisoner.
"The charge has already been made," continued Mrs. Lewis. "I swore out a warrant several days ago for his arrest for not supporting me, but he slipped over to Kansas city, Mo., to avoid arrest. I went over and found him this morning, and here he is."
No one at police headquarters knew anything about the case and City Attorney Nelson was called. He stated that it was true that Lewis was wanted for abandoning his wife and family. He was searched and locked up.
"Now that I have landed you in jail I will be on hand in police court in the morning to prosecute," were the parting words hurled at Lewis by his wife as he was being led to the cell room. Lewis offered no remonstrance and appeared to be afraid to speak in the presence of Mrs. Lewis. After she had gone he remarked to the jailer: "She's fierce. I can't do a thing with her."Labels: attorney, jail, Kansas City Kas, marriage, police June 16, 1908
TWO LIVES LOST IN BLUE RIVER.
ALFRED G. BUCHANAN AND MISS NITA EWIN DROWNED.
THEIR CANOE STRUCK A SNAG.
YOUNG MAN TRIES TO RESCUE HIS COMPANION.
His Efforts Rendered Futile by the Struggles of His Companion. They Go Down to Death Together.
MISS NITA EWIN AND ALBERT BUCHANAN.
BLUE RIVER CLAIMS TWO MORE VICTIMS.
While boating on the Blue river in Sheffield yesterday afternoon, Alfred G. Buchanan and Miss Nita Ewin were drowned. The canoe in which they were rowing caught on a hidden snag and turned turtle. Both Mr. Buchanan and Miss Ewin lived in Independence. Each was about 20 years of age. Miss Ewin was the daughter of Mrs. Bertie Ewin, a widow, of 412 North Liberty street, while young Buchanan was the son of J. F. Buchanan, an abstracter and loan agent in Independence.
The young couple secured a canoe at the Blue River shortly after noon yesterday, saying that they would return in a short time. They immediately paddled off toward the mouth of the Blue. The accident occurred just above the Belt line bridge.
Witnesses say the boat struck a hidden snag or the limbs of a big tree that overhung the river. Both the occupants of the boat were thrown out by the shock and the boat itself capsized. The two young people struggled in the water for a short time and then went down. Mr. Buchanan was an expert swimmer but, according to those who witnessed the accident from a distance, he was hindered in his efforts to save himself and the young woman by the struggles of the latter.
Two Missouri Pacific firemen stationed with their engines near the scene of the accident saw the young people drown. They left their engines and immediately began to dive or the bodies. Their efforts were fruitless.
The police department was then notified and Lieutenant M. J. Kennedy of the Sheffield station led a rescue party consisting of Marion Bollinger, owner of the boat, and a fisherman. Both bodies were drawn from the water by hooks nearly an hour and a half later.
Mr. Bollinger found the body of the young man first and the fisherman found the body of the young woman. Lieutenant Kennedy had telephoned the father of the young man and he was present when the bodies were removed. Dr. A. C. Mulvaney and Dr. Connelly Anderson, who had been called by Lieutenant Kennedy, tried to resuscitate the two but failed. It was 6 o'clock before the bodies were sent to Independence in an ambulance.
Miss Ewin was the only daughter of Mrs. Bertie Ewin. Seven members of the family have died in the last five years. Alfred is the second son of J. F. Buchanan.Labels: Belt line, Blue river, boats, death, doctors, drowning, Independence, police, railroad, sheffield June 14, 1908 CAUGHT A "PEEPING TOM."
Broke Away From Police, but Was Caught After Exciting Chase.
The family of E. C. Miller, livintg at 221 East Fourteenth street, was annoyed for several days by a "peeping Tom," and Mr. Miller complained to the police. A. B. Cummins and John Rooth, plain clothes men, were detailed on the case. Last nigth they caught a man peering into a rear window of the house and arrested him. They started down Fourteenth street with the prisoner between them, but at the alley between McGee and Grand avenue the man broke away from the officers, knocking down a passing pedestrian and throwing Officer Rooth, who tried to hold him by the coat, to the ground. Officer Cummings immediately drew his revolver and shot at the man, but missed. He then took up the chase, but was losing ground when, after they had run a block, the man stumbled on a heap of old iron and fell. Even then he showed fight, and Cummins was compelled to hit h im with the butt end of his gun before he submitted.
When taken to the Walnut street police station the prisoner gave the name of Thomas Randolph, and said he was a paper carrier. His wounds were dressed by Dr. Carl V. Bates and he was locked up . A charge of disturbing the peace was placed against him.Labels: doctors, Fourteenth street, Grand avenue, McGee street, police, Walnut street police station June 12, 1907 NEGRO WHO ROBBED ACTOR KOLKER CAUGHT.
J. H. ANDREWS FLED TO PARIS WITH MONEY AND JEWELS.
Stole Bag Containing $1,000 in Money and $2,500 Worth of Jewels in Sexton Hotel Cafe Last April.
After a successful flight that entailed many narrow escapes from pursuing officers, and on an itinerary through St. Louis, Chicago, New York and Liverpool, J. H. Andrews, negro, the Sexton hotel waiter who robbed Henry and Mrs. Kolker, actors, of $3,500 in money and jewels while they were taking lunch in the cafe the night of April 22, was captured in Paris yesterday. Andrews was a postcard fiend, it is said, and the fact that he constantly sent them to a negro woman in this city was the cause of his undoing.
Local police authorities give Patrolman Daniel Keenan credit for the capture of Andrews. A few hours after the negro's flight from the city, Keenan somehow discovered the woman friend and obtained from her a promise to help him discover his whereabouts.
Taking a tip from her, he went to the Union depot, where she said Andrews had taken a train for St. Louis. There Keenan discovered the negro had purchased a ticket for St. Louis , but that it had never been taken up on the train. The patrolman then believed, he says, that he was working on a blind lead and, returning, told the woman about it.
"Oh, that's all right," she assured Keenan. "He is one of those postcard fiends and if we wait awhile we will hear from him that way," and the policeman decided to wait, as there was nothing else to do.
The following day the negress called police headquarters and wanted Keenan.
"First card," she said. "I think he is going on through St. Louis, for he did not give his address."
The next card received by the woman came from Chicago, the next from Buffalo and then one from New York. There was a long interval before the one from Liverpool arrived. Even that one did not give an address, and the name signed was merely "Andrews," in a protracted scrawl.
The post card from Paris arrived Wednesday. It bore on the back a few words of greeting and the street address of the rooming house where Andrews was stopping, followed by a line asking for a letter from his woman friend. This was turned over to Patrolman Keenan, who cabled at once to the police headquarters at Paris asking Andrew's arrest on a grand larceny charge.
A cablegram telling of the negro's arrest by Parisian police came addressed to Keenan at police headquarters yesterday morning, and word has been returned to hold Andrews for extradition.
Henry Kolker was playing an engagement with the Barker Stock Company at the Shubert theater the week of April 22. It was after the play on the night of that date that he and Mrs. Kolker, accompanied by a woman friend, went into the cafe of the Sexton hotel, where they were stopping for supper.
Mrs. Kolker carried a large purse-handbag, which contained the money, 10 $100 bills and jewels. They sat at a small table, upon which there was not room for the handbag. Mrs. Kolker placed the bag on the floor beside her, and the three remained in the cafe until all the other patrons had gone. It was near closing time when they finished their supper, and in the hurry of departure Mrs. Kolker left the bag behind.
It was an hour later that she discovered her loss, which was at once reported to the hotel people and the police.
Detectives at work on the case next morning found that J. H. Andrews, a negro waiter, had suddenly left the hotel. In his rooms they found Mrs. Kolker's empty bag and letters which led them to believe the negro had gone to St. Louis.
Mr. Kolker said he carried a large sum of money because he was preparing to leave for Australia, where he had a theatrical engagement. He was to have sailed the latter part of may, but the loss of his savings made it necessary to cancel the engagement. He offered a $500 reward for the arrest of the thief and the recovery of the jewels.Labels: crime, hotels, police, race, St Louis, theater, Union depot June 8, 1908 TOBACCO WAS SAWDUST.
Police Make Discovery After Guard- ing Supply for a Year.
"This tobacco was found at Missouri avenue and Walnut street night of August 9, 1907, by Fred Myers, 816 Bank street. BAILEY, Desk.
The foregoing was written on a tag which has now for nearly a year been tied to a dozen sacks of smoking tobacco in the possession of Captain Frank F. Snow, property clerk at police headquarters. That is, everybody thought the sacks contained smoking tobacco.
A man at the station had no smoking tobacco. He wanted a pipe full so badly that he tried to borrow one from all hands about the place. All were just out.
"There is to be an 'old hoss' sole of uncalled for and confiscated property pretty soon," an officer suggested. "See Captain Snow and he may fix you out with tobacco."
"Sure," said the good-natured captain. "Here is a lot that I have had for nearly a year. It was found on the street and has never been called for. Take a sack."
The citizen was grateful, and filled his pipe Those who were watching him noted the peculiar color of the tobacco. It was almost pure white. But the citizen did not notice it. He was talking as he stuffed the"weed" into the pipe. Then a burning match was applied to the well-filled pipe. As the citizen "tasted" his tongue and looked curiously at his pipe the fumes of burning wood filled the little room where he sat. Then he reopened his gift sack of tobacco.
"Sawdust, by heck," he exclaimed as all laughed at what they thought of the good joke Captain Snow had played on his friend. The man hurried in to tell the captain that he "bit" all right and that it was a "peach of a joke."
Captain Snow became interested. "Sawdust?" he said. "You are leaking language through your Merry Widow. I'll just show you that you are off."
When the captain examined the sack and was convinced that it was pure, unadulterated sawdust he brought out the other eleven sacks. One by one they were found to contain nothing but sawdust.
"Well, I'll be dinged; say, what do you think of that? Here I have been guarding that alleged tobacco for nearly a year waiting for an owner to put in appearance."
Some eagle-eyed individual then discovered that not a sack had a government stamp on it. Further inspection and this was found plainly printed on the back of each sack: "This package contains sawdust. To be used in window display."Labels: Missouri avenue, police, police headquarters, tobacco, Walnut Street June 8, 1908 MANUAL PUPILS ARRESTED.
Removed Junior Class Flag, Substi- tuted Their Own, Greased Pole.
Full of that brand of enthusiasm called "class spirit," Loy Schrader, 1216 Admiral boulevard, and Paul Dodd, 3512 Kenwood avenue, and two other boys, all members of the senior class, Manual Training high school, at midnight last night took down the junior class flag that had been placed on the flagpole yesterday, and leaving their own, greased the pole as they climbed down.
The senior and junior classes put their flags on the Manual pole yesterday afternoon. These boys wanted only the senior flag on the pole. The two unknowns guarded the pole at the bottom while Dodd and Schrader, barefooted, climbed the pole.
The night watchman at Manual discovered the boys and turned in a riot call at Number 6 police station. When Policemen Frank Hoover and Charles Snend arrived the two boys at the foot of the pole had disappeared and the others had just come down and were on the run.
The policemen chased the boys. Finding that they were getting away, Hoover drew his revolver and fired at the barefooted fugitives. Dodd was caught by Hoover at Fifteenth street and Virginia avenue, and Schrader surrendered to Snead two blocks further on. The boys gave bond and will be charged with disturbing the peace. Dodd is prominent in his class, being a leader in athletics, debate and literary work.Labels: Admiral boulevard, Fifteenth street, No 6 police station, police, schools, Virginia avenue June 7, 1908 POLICE RAIDS FOLLOW JONES'S MIDNIGHT TRIP
THIRTY WOMEN ARRESTED AND RELEASED ON BOND.
Cafes That Made a Specialty of Serv- ing Drinks to Women and Their Escorts Visited by Plain Clothes Men.
The recent midnight visit of Police Commissioner Elliot H. Jones to the wine rooms in the vicinity of Eighth and Central streets resulted in wholesale raids last night, in which the police gathered in thirty women, took them to police headquarters, wrote their names on the "arrest" book, and then turned them loose on bond. Four wine rooms were raided in less than an hour after 10:30 o'clock, when the first swoop was made by policemen in plain clothes. The thirty women were secured at three of these places, commonly called cares, while at the fourth place, the Bull Dog care, at Eighth and Wyandotte streets, the raids had been tipped off, and a number of women and their escorts had disappeared.
Captain Walter Whitsett led the raid at Levy's cafe at 123 West Eighth street. It was just 11 o'clock when he and Patrolmen J. F. Murphy and J. F. Brice and D. C. Stone walked into the care and announced that the place was "pinched." The women were ordered out into a waiting patrol wagon. A second trip was made before twenty of them were safely transported to police headquarters.
Women only were arrested in these raids In some instances the escorts were allowed to go to police headquarters in the patrol wagon bu they went only to give bond for the women. Of the twenty women arrested at Levy's cafe, escorts gave bond for six of them, while Levy gave bond for the other fourteen.
IN A HOTEL CAFE.
The first raid was made at 10:30 o'clock at the Hotel Moore cafe at 206 West Ninth street. Patrolmen C. E. McVey, J. F. Brice and J. F. Murphy were the arresting officers. Three women fell into the clutches of the law in this cafe. They were sitting at the tables drinking with their escorts when the men in plain clothes walked in and arrested them. Simultaneously a raid was made on the Aldine cafe at the southwest corner of Eighth and Central streets. Patrolmen Ben Sanderson, John Julian and D. C. Stone conducted this raid. When they entered the place they found seven women and their escorts and as in the other cafes, they were drinking. The escorts of the women who were arrested in these places went to police headquarters and put up a bond for them.
Immediately after these raids the sortie was made on Levy's place. This is a favorite restaurant-wine room for the men and women who frequent such places, and there is always a crowd there. Especially is this true on Saturday night. Last night was no exception.
BLOCKED THE CARS.
The operations of the raiding squad were soon made known in the district. By the time that the squad had reached Levy's place and the patrol wagon had been backed up to the main entrance, a large crowd had gathered. East bound street car traffic was tied up while the women were being loaded into the wagon. Passengers on the cars had an excellent opportunity to see the raid and they availed themselves of that opportunity.
The raid on Levy's place was conducted with so much publicity that the news ran over the district like wildfire, and ten minutes afterward every one of these places was deserted by women. The programme had included a raid on the Bull Dog cafe over Harry Lunn's saloon at the southwest corner of Eighth and Wyandotte streets. This cafe has been growing in favor with the class of people who frequent such places, but the tip had gone out and when the raiding squad arrived they found the place practically deserted.
JONES LOCATED THEM.
All of those places raided last night were visited by Mr. Jones Wednesday night. Clad in motor car togs, he drove around over the district in his motor car, stopping at every place that gave evidence of being frequented by women. His was not a perfunctory examination of these rooms. Invariably he stepped inside and surveyed the scene. He also made not of the fact that invariably the rooms were connected with the bar room by an open doorway, a direct violation of an order of the police board.
Thursday night came and there was no cessation in the patronage. The word has gone out that the visit of the commissioner was simply a bluff or something to that effect, and Friday night sufficient confidence had been restored to enable the proprietors of such places to practically insure protection to their patrons. If there had ever been a scare there was no evidence of it last night until the raiding squad swooped down upon the unsuspecting proprietors and patrons. Contrary to precedent, the escorts of the women who frequented these places, were not arrested. The police gave no reason for this action. All the women were subsequently released on bond.Labels: alcohol, Captain Whitsett, Central street, Commissioner Jones, Eighth street, Ninth street, police, restaurants June 1, 1908 ASKS POLICE TO CASH CHECK.
Former Prisoner Takes Nerve in His Hand to No Avail.
On the strength of old acquaintance, a man from Douglass county, Kas., thought that he might get a check for $10 cashed at the central police station yesterday afternoon. He walked up to Holly Jarboe, desk sergeant, and pleaded that he was stranded in Kansas City with no funds other than the $10 check.
"I am sorry," said Jarboe, "but your face does not look very familiar to me. I would like to oblige you, but I am almost afraid to risk it."
"Why, don't you remember me?" he asked in amazement. "I was arrested and met you about three months ago. Don't you recall it now? I was in for safe keeping."
Jarboe did not remember.Labels: banking, Central station, police May 30, 1908 BLACK HAND IN POLICE FORCE.
MOVES MEN LIKE PIECES IN A GAME OF CHESS.
SHADOW OF MICKEY O'HEARN.
COMPELS TERROR AND SILENCE WHEREVER IT FALLS.
"I Get My Orders From the Boss Down Town," Boasts an Insub- ordinate Sergeant -- What Happened to James.
"You'll only be here a few days."
"To hell with the captain. I get my orders from the boss down town."
Could it be that his avowed friendship for Alderman Mickey O'Hearn, and the fact that Mickey was for him when he made sergeant, inspired these remarks from Sergeant Charles Beattie? They were made some time ago in No 3 police station on the Southwest boulevard to Sergeant R. L. James, who, at that time, was in command of the station nights. There was more truth than poetry in the remarks, for James was moved at the next monthly meeting. It is said five persons heard the remarks of Sergeant Beattie.
It is a well known fact to all who understand police duty that the sergeant in charge of a station has full charge of the men in the entire district. On the night that the remarks were made it is reported that Beattie, who was serving as outside sergeant, changed a patrolman whom Sergeant James had ordered to walk the Southwest boulevard until the saloons closed. It was Saturday night and things were doing on the boulevard.
When the patrolman was told to go another beat he went to the station after his lunch, so report says. There this dialogue is said to have taken place:
"It's only 11 o'clock, officer. I thought I told you to stay on the boulevard until the saloons were closed," said James.
"Sergeant Beattie has ordered me back on my beat," was the reply.
ORDERS FROM THE BOSS.
Just at that juncture Beattie entered and an explanation was asked for. He said that he had ordered the officer back and intended that he should go there, too. He was asked if he didn't know that the sergeant in charge of the station was his superior officer and t5hat he is said to have replied: "Oh you'll only be here a few days."
James, according to the witnesses, must have felt the influence of the unseen power which has for nearly a year been guiding the affairs of the police, still he fought for his authority.
"I don't want to quarrel with my men, and won't," he is reported as saying, "but, Beattie, if you will be here tomorrow at 9 o'clock we will put this whole matter up to the captain and see who is right."
"To hell with the captain. I get my orders from the boss down town," is the reported remark of Beattie. Then the officer was ordered by Beattie to go hence and he went.
A full report of this affair was made to Captain John Branham, who has charge at No. 3 police station. The captain made his report and the correspondence was sent to Chief of Police Daniel Ahern. There the matter has apparently rested, for Beattie has never called "on the carpet" to explain his remark, and James "got his" at the first of the month. It is also said that the matter of James's removal was taken up with the commissioners later and that they knew nothing of it. Yet the board unanimously adopted a resolution in July last year, saying that only the commissioners should have to do with the shifting of men.
WHAT UNSEEN FORCE?
Who moved Sergeant James? What for? He is rated as one of the best officers on the force and there is not a black mark against him. What force was brought to bear? How did Beattie know that James would be moved? Beattie is said to be a close friend of "Mickey."
A reporter attempted to interview Sergeant James last night in regard to the affair. Here is all he got: "Yes, I was once at No. 3. I was moved from there and made relief sergeant. If there was any trouble down there, a full report was made on it, and that is all I have got to say unless called on by my superior officers or the board."
Before Beattie was made a sergeant, he walked a beat on West Twelfth street, by the Century hotel and theater. There he came daily in contact with Joseph Donegan, manager, a close friend of O'Hearn. He also saw O'Hearn many times a week for the Century was a hang out of his when not at his saloon. Many reports came to headquarters of a poker game in that neighborhood, but it was reported "impossible to get at it."
THEY'RE AFRAID TO TALK.
Good men on the police force who got "in bad" by doing their full duty are now living in deadly fear that their names will be published.
"What do you care?" one was asked yesterday. "You did your duty and got the worst of it, didn't you?"
"Yes," he replied mournfully, "and I know just why I got it and who gave it to me. But I have a family to support and I need my job. If you run my name I'm afraid the man who had me moved will have me fired."
All through the whole department that unseen power is felt. All seem to know what and who it is, but they fear to say so, unless called on to do so by the board of police commissioners.
A new man said yesterday that O'Hearn moved to the Century hotel in the Second ward just to run for Alderman there. The January Home telephone book gives his residence as 3427 Euclid avenue.
The police board seems to be resting fairly content while the force is being manipulated to suit a saloonkeeper-politician and his friends. Or is the board "wise" to what is going on -- and willing to stand for it?Labels: Alderman O'Hearn, black hand, Euclid avenue, hotels, No 3 police station, police, politics, saloon, Southwest boulevard May 29, 1908 DUG UP HIS NITROGLYCERIN.
Safeblower Hart Led Police to Spot Where It Was Buried.
A nitroglycerin hunt is an unusual feature to a detective's duty, but it was part of the day's programme yesterday morning when W. G. Hart, a safeblower of no small record, led the police to the runway of the Hannibal bridge where he had buried over a pint of the explosive.
Hart was captured Tuesday night by Sergeant Patrick Clark, Desk Sergeant, Holly Jarboe and Officer Joe Enright after having blown a safe in the Metzner Stove Supply and Repair House, 304 West Sixth street. At the time of the capture, Hart attempted to hurl a bottle of the explosive at the police officers, but was kept from doing so by one of the occupants of the house.
Hart had made his nitroglycerin at the foot of the Hannibal bridge and then buried it in the roadside. It was feared that a passing wagon might cause an explosion and so it was taken up yesterday. Hart emptied the bottle upon the ground.Labels: crime, detectives, Hannibal bridge, police, Sixth street May 29, 1908
RECORDS PROVE MEN WERE MOVED.
AFTER BEING THREATENED BY MEN WITH A "PULL."
ONE ARRESTED WRONG WOMAN.
SHE HAD BEEN FINED 106 TIMES, BUT WAS EXEMPT.
"Ain't You Next?" Said O'Hearn's Friend; "You're to Let Her Alone." -- More of the Pow- er of Mickey O'Hearn.
After the order of the board of police commissioners Wednesday a reporter for The Journal had no trouble in seeing the books at No. 4 police station yesterday. And a view of these books proved the charges that every man since the first of the year, who has been active in arresting women "night hawks" has been taken out of plain clothes and removed from the district. One man was left in the district but he was taken from that special duty and put back into uniform.
The records showed that officers had been taken from that duty even before January 1 -- in fact, any man who has been too active since the reorganized police department took charge of affairs after Governor Joseph W. Folk's "rigid investigation" has been shifted. This is not only true of No. 4 district by even in No. 1 district, headquarters. This does not pertain alone to the arresting of dissolute women but to interference with certain saloons which were selling liquor on Sunday. That charge is made in regard to No. 1 district more than any other. Of course, some saloons have been caught; but they are not the influential ones; those run by "our political friends."
While the records at No. 4 station practically prove all the assertions made in regard to that district it is said that no blame can be laid at the door of Captain Thomas P. Flahive. It is not he who has had the men taken out of citizens clothes and transferred Those who know say he has been handicapped by having only a few men to do the work in his district and by an unseen power which has been able to have men removed when they did their full duty.
ARRESTED MANY WOMEN.
The records show that Daniel Doran, who worked there for years, arrested thirty-five women just before January 1. He was threatened by well dressed vagrants and told that he would be moved. And by the grace of the unseen power he was moved January 1, last, going in uniform to No. 9 -- the "sage brush" district.
The commanding officers and sergeants under whom Edward Prewett worked in No. 4 precinct speak well of him. He was there nearly eight years, and it was never said that Prewett did not do his full duty. In fat, it has been said that "Prewett would bring in his grandmother if ordered to do so."
In December, Prewett was detailed alone to bring in women of the streets. In eighteen days he brought in thirty-five of them. But from all sides, even from the women and especially the dude vagrants, he heard, "You won't last beyond January 1." One night Prewett arrested a woman named Kate Kingston. Last year this woman was fined $500 by Police Judge Harry G. Kyle, and at that time the records showed that she had been fined 106 times in police court.
"YOU AIN'T NEXT, ARE YOU?"
As he started away with the woman, "Ted" Noland appeared on the scene. "Turn that woman loose," he said; "you ain't next are you? She's to be let alone." Prewett was not "next," for he was also arrested Noland, and that was his undoing. Noland threatened the officer and told him he would personally see to it that he was moved. And Prewett was moved January 1, going in uniform to No. 6. Noland was fined $50 in police court the day following his arrest.
Noland is well known to the police, and in January, 1907, was fined $500 on a charge of vagrancy. That same Kate Kingston, over whom he threatened the officer, testified then that he and a man named Deerwester had beaten her at Thirteenth and Main streets. Deerwester got a similar fine. Their cases were appealed and the men were soon out out on bond.
Noland is a friend of Alderman "Mickey" O'Hearn, and, until recently, could be seen almost any day about his saloon at 1205 Walnut street; also about the saloon of Dan Leary at Fourteenth and Walnut streets. The records show that Leary has gone the bonds of scores of street women. At one time Judge Kyle objected to the n umber of personal bonds that Leary was signing and required that they be made in cash.
JUST SEE MICKEY.
The influence of Alderman "Mickey" O'Hearn may be better understood when it is known how he is reverenced by many members of the police department. When the Folk "investigation" was begun in May last year the commissions of probably half the department were held up. This conversation was overheard one day between two of the officers out of commissions.
"I'll tell you these are ticklish times," one said. "I have all my friends to work and am assured that I am all right."
"I'm up a tree," the other replied. "I don't know what to do. I have always tried to do my duty and can't imagine why I am held up."
"Why don't you see 'Mickey'?" his friend said with astonishment. "I thought you were wise. You know 'Mickey,' don't you You do; then go and see him and the whole things squared. That's what I did."
From that day to this the word has gone out through the whole department, "See 'Mickey' if you are in bad. He'll fix it."Labels: crime, Governor Folk, Judge Kyle, Main street, No 4 police station, No 6 police station, No 9 police station, police, police headquarters, politics, saloon, The Journal, Thirteenth street, vagrancy, Walnut Street May 28, 1908 ORDERS POLICE TO SHOW BOOKS.
BOARD DECIDES RECORDS ARE OPEN TO PUBLIC .
ALD. O'HEARN'S ACTIVITY.
ACCUSED OF CAUSING REMOVAL OF VIGILANT OFFICER.
Remarkable Case of Lisiecki Broth- er's Saloon, Where a Politician Is Said to Have Called Off Besieging Police.
After twenty-four hours deliberation the board of police commissioner came to the conclusion yesterday that records of arrests at the different stations in the city should be declared public, so long as the information desired was of past transactions. May Thomas T. Crittenden, Jr. declared that information of past transactions should be given to any citizen asking it, and the other members of the board concurred, after some discussion.
The board was told that a reporter for The Journal had asked on Tuesday to see the records and had been refused by the captain of No. 4 station and Chief of Police Daniel Ahern.
"What do you want to see the books for?" Mayor Crittenden asked.
"It has been charged that every man since the first of the year who has been active in arresting women who infest the streets in that district has been taken out of plain clothes, and all but the two who are now detailed for that duty, put into uniform and removed from the precinct," the mayor was told. "It is said that the records at the station will show this state of affairs. It is also charged that the removal of the men came after threats from well dressed vagrants and a certain saloonkeeper-politician in that district."
No comment was made upon this statement. Chief Daniel Ahern, who was present, was simply ordered to let the books be examined "in the presence of the officer in charge of the station," and that was all. No hint at an investigation by this board was made.
SIX HAVE BEEN MOVED.
The records show that since January 1 eight men have been detailed in plain clothes in No. 4 district. Their principal duty is to keep the streets clean of undesirable women at night. Six of those men have been removed already, and the two now there have been told that they are to go. One of the men who is said to have threatened policemen who did their duty is Alderman Michael J. O'Hearn, known in a political way as "Mickey" O'Hearn.
The records will show that Frank N. Hoover was removed from No. 4 precinct on March 1. It is well known that this district harbors criminals of all classes and a horde of women who support well dressed vagrants in idleness. The records show that during Hoover's short stay in plain clothes his "cases" included the capture of land fraud sharks, a murderer, one woman who attempted murder, shoplifters working Jones Bros.' department store, clothing thieves, typewriter thieves, "hop" fiends, opium jointists, vagrants -- and a long list of "lavender ladies" who called to men from their windows, and others who walked the streets by night. Scores of these lawbreakers were fined from $5 to $150 in police court on Patrolman Hoover's testimony.
It is alleged that one night when Hoover had arrested a well known vagrant, who for years has lived off the wages of sinful women, he was accosted by O'Hearn, who demanded to know why Hoover was aresting his "friends." One who heard the conversaion said that Hoover told the saloonkeeper that he knew nothing about his "friends"; in fact, that he was doing police duty. O'Hearn, according to report, then told Hoover with a snap of the finger: "We'll see about you later." And he was "seen to" March 1, when he was put into uniform and transferred to a beat in No. 6 district.Labels: Jones Dry Goods, Kansas City council, Mayor Crittenden, narcotics, No 4 police station, No 6 police station, police, Police Chief Ahern, saloon, The Journal May 27, 1908 POLICE REFUSE TO SHOW BOOKS.
CONTAIN NAMES OF OFFICERS WHO WERE TRANSFERRED.
THEY ARE PUBLIC PROPERTY.
BUT CONTAIN PROOF OF PERNICIOUS INFLUENCE.
Matter of Changing Active Officers Is to Come Before Board Today. Farce Follows Chief Dan- iel Ahern's Order.
Not until yesterday was it made known that the records of arrests at police stations in Kansas City, ordinarily believed to be open to public view, are secret, perhaps sacred, reports, wont to be seen by any one not connected with the department until so ordered by the board of police commissioners, or, perhaps, some higher tribunal -- mayhap the mysterious influence behind the present police force.
While the charge has been made that officers who did their full duty in bringing in objectionable women of the streets, in whom well dressed vagrants were interested, had recently been taken out of plain clothes, put back into uniform and transferred to remote districts, it was additionally charged that the records of No. 4 police station for several months would show that every officer who had been active in that work had been removed to another district.
Believing that the records at a police station were as public as those of police court or any other court, a reporter for The Journal called at No. 4 (Walnut street) station yesterday and made this request of Captain Thomas P. Flahive:
"I want to see the record of arrests since January. I want to get the names of the officers working in plain clothes since that time. I want to see how many women each man arrested and find out if those same officers are still in this district, or if they have been removed."
"While our books may be regarded as public records," said Captain Flahive, "I must refuse you access to them unless you bring me an order from Chief Ahern of the board."
"The books are in Captain Flahive's district," said Chief Daniel Ahern later, "if he wants to show them to you he can. He won't, you say? Then I will not let you see them without an order from the board."
GALLAGHER SAYS "NO."
"Not by any means," was the reply of Commissioner A. E. Gallagher. "The matter will be brought to the attention of the board tomorrow."
Commissioner Elliot H. Jones, last night said, when asked whether the records of arrests were public property, "I don't know; I've never thought about it."
"It is my personal opinion, off hand, that such records are open to the public," came from Mayor Crittenden. "However, I am new in the business here and would not like to give a positive opinion. Ask the board tomorrow."
City Counselor E. C. Meservey was called up at his home last night after all of these refusals by public officers to screen police acts and asked whether he regarded the records of a police station as public records. He said promptly: "I see no reason why they should not be just as public as the records of the police court, especially those of past transactions. There is only one reason in my mind why they should be refused and that is where the police saw that the giving of the record would interfere with their duty in arresting law breakers." When told the record that was wanted he said, "that certainly is of past transactions and I think the records should have been produced."
THEY WERE NOT REMOVED.
The records under the Hayes administration will show that for one year previous to his removal by the board, July 31, 1907, only a few men were detailed in plain clothes in No. 4 district to bring in objectionable women and vagrants supported by them, and they were not removed for doing so. They remained at that duty a long time.
On the best information that can be gained without seeing the books, the records since July 31 last year will show that no fewer than from eight to ten different men have been assigned to duty in that district. From memory it can be truthfully said that since January 1 these officers have been detailed there: Edward Prewett, Daniel Doran, Frank M. Hoover, Thomas L. McDonough, Lucius Downey, J. C. Dyson, John Rooth and A. B. Cummings. All of them were active in doint their duty.
Prewett was put back in uniform and sent to No. 6.
Doran got into "harness" and was sent to No. 9, "the woods."
Hoover is now wearing blue at No. 6.
McDonough was taken from that duty, put into uniform but left in the district.
Downey, who had been in plain clothes for nearly three years, was put into a suit of blue he had nearly outgrown and sent to a tough beat in the North end.
Dyson in in blue and brass and is taking a chance at being sunstruck in the tall grass of No. 9.
Rooth and Cummings are still there, but the rumor is that they are slated to go June 1.
THREATENED BY VAGRANTS.
It is known that Downey and Dyson were threatened by thugs, vagrants and a saloonkeeper-politician and told they would be moved May 1. And on that date they were removed. Rooth and Cummings were so often threatened by the same men that they have appealed to the chief for protection. They were told by vagrants they would be moved June 1. Will they?Labels: Commissioner Gallagher, Commissioner Jones, No 4 police station, No 6 police station, No 9 police station, North end, police, police board, Police Chief Ahern, Police Chief Bowden, Police Chief Hayes, The Journal May 21, 1908 DOG ENUMERATORS GET BUSY.
"The Little Blue Jay" Will Go Around After June 1.
" 'The Little Blue Jay' is being put in readiness for its periodical trip about the city to gather in dogs on which the required license has not been paid," observed Captain James Kennedy, dog enumerator, yesterday. "Licenses are due on June 1. The rates are $1.50 for male and $3 for female dogs."
Yesterday Captain Kennedy appointed fourteen deputies to assist in the enumeration of the dog census. Every ward in the city will be visited, and under the ordinance, people must give the exact number of dogs they are harboring and pay license on them. The Humane Society is co-operating with Captain Kennedy in the enforcement of the law.Labels: animals, Humane Society, police May 20, 1908 2-YEAR-OLD BOY RAN AWAY.
Restored to His Mother After an Anxious Search.
For two long hours yesterday there was a distracted mother in Kansas City. That was Mrs. R. J. Nie of 432 Bales avenue, whose 2-year-old boy, Raphael, had disappeared. She missed the little tot shortly after noon and searched the neighborhood, but could get no trace of her offspring. In the meantime Patrolman O'Connor had found the baby at Independence and Bales avenues, ambling along as if he had business on his hands. Raphael made no objection when the officer took him in tow and seemed delighted at the long car ride to police headquarters.
When placed in charge of Mrs. John Moran, the little fellow began a tour of inspection of the quarters. When he landed inside the cell in the ante room Mrs. Moran shut the door on him, thinking to scare him. Raphael liked the cell as a "play house" and indicated that the door be left locked.
After Mrs. Nie had scoured the neighborhood she thought of the police and called up to see if they had her boy. They certainly had, she was told, and he was having a nice visit. Mrs. Nie boarded the first car for the city and soon Raphael, still in a good humor, was delivered to her.Labels: Bales avenue, children, Independence avenue, jail, missing, police, police headquarters, police matron May 18, 1908 LASOLA CUT HIS RIVAL'S THROAT
SLIPPED UP ON DE ROSA, DIS- GUISED BY A BEARD.
BELONGS TO THE BLACK HAND
De Rosa Shot at His Assailant, Police Shot at Him, and Everybody Missed -- De Rosa Only Scratched.
Shots, cries, hurrying feet; a cut throat, poor marksmanship, a woman; black whiskers, Black Hand and a bunch of policemen that couldn't hit Clay county if it stood on edge, were factors in a riotous drama near police headquarters at 11:30 o'clock last night.
It started when Alessandro De Rosa, who is a bartender at 302 Main street, went to his place of employment to roll a few lemons and knock a bung or two for the brief, but brisk, hour of trade between midnight and 1 a. m. Alessandro had inserted his key in the front door lock and was bending over it, grunting a bit because it turned with difficulty, when a heavily whiskered man darted from the shadow of the next doorway, slashed De Rosa's throat twice with a knife and ran.
De Rosa, who is tough under the chin, thanks to shaving for many years past in North End barber shops, wasn't much more than scratched. He jerked a revolver from his pocket and fired at the flying whiskers. Once, twice, thrice, he blazed away, but the person with the beard and dull knife ran up on Main street toward Fourth. De Rosa followed, shouting for the police and snapping his revolver, which had gone to sleep, at every leap.
The police were awake in Central station, Fourth and Main streets, at that hour. They heard the noise and turned out, several of them, just as the whiskered man wheeled into West Fourth street and galloped toward Wyandotte.
The police added their imperious commands to the tenor wail of Alessandro de Rosa, but whiskers bobbed along with hardy disregard. Shots sounded again, and the fugitive increased his gait, while Alessandro, who was behind the policemen, and ripe in experience, took shelter back of a fat telephone pole.
The fugitive passed into the penumbra of a wholesale house, became obscured in the eclipse of black shadow, and the police pelted on. When they came to the point where the man they chased had disappeared, they halted. Another man, but whiskerless, was walking toward them, calm, unagitated. They nabbed him, and led him into the light.
Alessandro de Rosa had come up by then, and when he saw the captive he exulted.
"It is Joe Lasola," said he, "but he wore whiskers w hen he cut my throat."
On the way to the station a policeman found the whiskers, lying where Lasola had cast them in his flight. They were made of black dyed wool, clumsy, dense, with a tin attachment to hook them on behind the ears.
De Rosa said that he had quarreled with Lasola over a woman. That was the whole trouble. Lasola, being known to him, knew he could not approach withing damaging distance in his own proper face, so he had made the whiskers and waited.
The police brought the woman from the address given by De Rosa. She said her name was Anita Zuvino and that she knew Joe Lasola to be a member of the Black Hand. She had lived with him formerly, she said, and offered as evidence a newly-healed knife wound on the back of her hand. Lasola received money each month from headquarters of the Black Hand organization, she declared.
Lasola repudiated everything, but the whiskers. He grinned when they were held up before him.
De Rosa's wounds are only slight. Lasola passed through the rain of fire without a mark. He was held by the police and will be turned over to the state authorities today.Labels: black hand, Central station, Fourth street, Main street, North end, police, police headquarters, violence, Wyandotte street May 15, 1908 HE SAYS POLICE BEAT HIM WITHOUT CAUSE.
Another Charge of Brutality Against Central Station Officers -- Case May Be Investigated.
Geoge Horter, a laborer living at 408 Main street, was fined $500 in police court yesterday after Charles Winters, another laborer, had identified him as being one of two men who "strong armed" him at Third and Grand avenue about midnight and took $14 away from him.
Horter said he knew F. H. Ream of the Helping Hand who would testify to his good character. He also said that he could prove an alibi. Mr. Ream, who was in court, got the case continued until today when he expects to produce evidence that will clear Horter. Horter says he was knocked down by the police when arrested and was again slugged at the sergent's desk. Sensational testimony is expected to develop in the case. Horter had but $1.37 when arrested.
"I will prove that Horter was with W. F. Chappell, George Schaeffer and John Ward from 6 p. m. until seven minutes of 1 o'clock," said Mr. Ream. "Walter Corner, the day clerk at 408 Main, was with all of them from 11 p. m. until the latter time. The man who was robbed, while he positively identified Horter in court, I will prove was drunk when he had Horter arrested and and was unable to identify anybody. I will also prove that he said he was robbed by two negroes, not white men. He told the police that he lost $11, and in court said it was $14.
"I have known Horter since February 22. He is a quiet, inoffensive boy and has worked for several responsible families here, all of whom made good reports about him. Horter tells me that he was slugged twice by the police -- for what I don't know. He said he was knocked down by a patrolman when arrested. He knows that policeman's name. He also says he was knocked nearly unconscious at the sergeant's desk. He does not know the officer's name, but will point him out if he is in court. If the officer is not I intend to find out who slugged this boy and for what. That will not be an end to the matter, either."Labels: Central station, Helping Hand, laborer, police, violence May 14, 1908 A JOKE AND A HERRING BONE.
Policeman McCarthy Laughed at Former and Choked on Latter.
Michael McCarthy, one of the biggest policemen on the force, made a resolution last night. It ran thus: "Never, no, never so long as I may be permitted to live, will I eat herring, dried, fried, boiled, baked or stewed."
The policeman was invited out to dinner last evening. His friends had herring. McCarthy said he didn't remember how it was cooked. It was "just herring." At the table the host sprung a joke and McCarthy laughed. In doing so he swallowed a long bone from the herring. It stuck tightly in his throat and McCarthy had to rush himself to the emergency hospital. Dr. J. P. Neal got the bone and McCarthy said he would have it mounted to wear as a scarf pin.Labels: doctors, emergency hospital, food, police May 13, 1908 WILLIE PICKED HIS TEETH.
Boy From Gravette, Ark., Used a Fierce Weapon and Was Arrested.
Willie Davidson is a product of Gravette, Ark. Last Monday night he was found in the women's waiting rooom of the Grand Central depot, Second and Wyandotte streets. He held in his right hand a large Bowie knife, the sharp end of which was stuck between his teeth. It frightenend the women and Patrolman Samuel Nichols took him in tow and landed him at headquarters.
When searched Willie -- they call him "Willie" at home, he said, because he was not yet of age -- yielded and automatic pistol, loaded, and an extra box of shells.
"I came up here to get some shells for my gun -- couldn't get 'em at home," Willie told Judge Kyle yesterday. "The Bowie knife? Oh, I bought that just because it was pretty. I wasn't doin' nothin' with it but pickin' my teeth. Jest pickin' my teeth, that's all, and not harmin' nothin' or nobody. 'Tain't no harm to pick your teeth, is it?"
"Not with a toothpick, no," replied the court. "But we bar the Bowie knife for that purpose here. I know where you come from. The town is full of rocks. Now you take your automatic and your 'toothpick' and catch the first train for home. If you flash that weapon in Gravette I'll bet the town boys chase you to the tall grass with it and that 'toothpick.' "
"Willie" gathered up his belongings and left for the first train.Labels: Grand Central depot, Judge Kyle, police, police court, Second street, visitors, Wyandotte street May 11, 1908 TWO OF AHERN'S LAMBS.
Took Sunday Drink in Peter Leary's Saloon, Then Arrested Him.
"What d'ye want?" shouted Peter Leary through the door of his saloon to Police Sergeant John Ravenscamp, who was thumping with his stick on the outside early Sunday morning.
"Sure, and I'm askin' that you let those policemen out. You've locked two good fellows inside.:
"G'wan and sleep," replied Peter, "There's no bulls in here."
"There are two of Ahern's choicest lambs," said John and he leaned against the front door.
Now John Ravenscamp is large and, when the door creaked, Leary waved him back and turned the bolt. As the sergeant entered, Plain Clothes Officers D. R. Lee and Pat O'Connor, who say they had been drinking at the bar with five citizens, stepped out and showed their stars to Leary.
Leary and John Shannon, the bartender, were booked at headquarters for selling liquor on Sunday and a full report was made out to be given to the police commissioners at their next meeting.Labels: alcohol, immigrants, police, police headquarters, saloon May 8, 1907
PARK POLICEMAN IS FINED.
Slapped a Boy and Then Drew Re- volver on Him. David A. Bateman, a park policeman, was fined $10 in police court yesterday on a charge of disturbing the peace of Ray Welsh, a 15-year-old boy living at 1530 Montgall avenue. He paid the fine and gave notice of appeal.
Welsh said he was passing a pool hall at Fifteenth and Bellefontaine when Bateman came out and made him take a chain off a dog which Welsh was leading. Welsh then went down the street to where there was a blacksmith shop.
"He called me out," said the boy, "then he slapped me, hit me over the head with his club and drew his gun."
A man who did not know Welsh corroborated his statements as to the assault. Bateman said he had a bad cold and took some quinine and three drinks of whiskey, "which seemed to go to my head." Sergeant T. S. Eubanks, who arrested Bateman, said the latter had had trouble in a pool hall and also a store next door, and that his station had been notified to take him away. When he got there the trouble with the boy was on.Labels: alcohol, Bellefontaine, billiards, domestic violence, Fifteenth street, Montgall avenue, police, police court May 3, 1908 SAYS POLICEMAN HIT HIM.
Ernest Hiatt Had Cuts on the Back of His Head.
Ernest Hiatt, 19 years old, of 1215 Jefferson street was playing ball in the street near Fourteenth and Jefferson streets yesterday afternoon, when a park policeman ordered him to stop. The boy was sent to the Walnut street station later with two cuts on the back of his head. He said that the policeman had hit him with his club as he was about to recover the ball when the game was ordered stopped. Alderman James Pendergast was a witness, and has interested himself in the affair.Labels: Fourteenth street, James Pendergast, Jefferson street, police, sports, Walnut street police station May 1, 1908 SHE WANTED TO KISS THEM.
An Apparently Demented Girl An- noyed Penny Theater Patrons.
A 12-year-old girl, unable to say anything but "da-da" and believed to be feeble-minded, was taken out of the Electric penny theater on East Twelfth street yesterday afternoon by Patrolman Thomas Keys of the crossing squad, after she had annoyed several visitors in the theater by climbing up on their backs and trying to kiss their cheeks and ears. She is being held at the detention home until she can be identified or someone calls to claim her. She has blue eyes with red lids, yellow hair an wears a checked gingham dress and black shoes. Her stockings are ragged and she has no hat.Labels: amusement, children, detention home, mental health, police, theater, Twelfth street April 30, 1908 WANT FORTY MORE POLICEMEN.
Commissioners Petition Board for Money to Maintain Them.
The police commissioners petitioned the council last night to appropriate $400,339.84 to the police department for the fiscal year for maintenance of the department. Forty additional patrolmen are asked. The request was referred to the finance committee. The expense of maintaining the present force is $371,539.84 a year, and the salaries of the proposed extra forty police are estimated at $28,800 additional for the first year of service.Labels: Kansas City council, police, police board April 22, 1908 NEGRO POLICEMAN NOT GUILTY.
County Attorney Taggart Dismisses Case of Press Younger.
County Attorney Joseph Taggart in the north city court yesterday noon dismissed the case of Press Younger, a negro policeman, who was accused of shooting three ex-street car men at Fifth street and Oakland avenue in Kansas City, Kas. M. E. Martinson, one of the men shot, said on the witness stand that he knew Younger well and that it was not he who did the shooting. Following this the accused officer proved an alibi.
The day before the arrest of Younger by the county authorities, the police arrested Reuben Harpole, another negro, on the same charge. Later, two little negro girls who saw the affair and are said to have been the cause of the shooting, positively identified Harpole as the one guilty of the shooting. His preliminary trial has been set for April 29.
It is held by the police that Joshua Wells, Charles Johns and M. E. Martinson had been drinking on the night of April 10 and met the two negro girls, to whom they made some insulting advances. Negro bystanders joined in the row and blows followed. Both parties drew revolvers. Martinson received a slight wound on the right leg, but Wells and Johns were shot through the breast and are still in critical condition at Bethany hospital.Labels: County Attorney Taggart, courtroom, hospitals, Kansas City Kas, police, violence April 14, 1908 SHE DASHED PAST THE JAILER.
Woman Escaped from Holdover and Outran a Man.
As an ordinary thing a woman cannot outrun a man, especially when both are anywhere near evenly matched. But a woman did outstrip a man last night, and a police officer at that. She did it after escaping from the women's holdover at police headquarters, too.
The woman who was so fleet of foot bears the name of Mrs. Kate Harmon. She is 32 years old, 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 115 pounds. She was not handicapped with a broad-brimmed hat, being bareheaded when she made the race.
Philip Welch, jailer, is something over 50 years old. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. It was up to Welch to catch the fleeing Mrs. Harmon.
A messenger had called to see a woman who was in the holdover. Mrs. Harmon had been placed in for safekeeping. She was very nervous, walked the floor continually, and announced, "I want out of here."
As Welch stood in the doorway, his back toward Mrs. Harmon, she stole quietly up to him. When just even with him in the open door she made a dash for liberty. And she dashed some, too. Any one who doubts that may ask Welch.
"There she goes," screamed the woman whom the messenger had come to see.
By the time Welch turned around Mrs. Harmon had passed out of the areaway in the rear of the station, and was in the little street between the market and city hall. Welch made a dash after her. The course was along Fifth street, Mrs. Harmon leading by nine lengths and gaining at every leap.
In a short while Welch returned, panting and alone. "If any one had told me that a woman hampered with her skirts as she is, could run like that woman did, I'd call him a liar," was all he had to say.Labels: city hall, Fifth street, police, police headquarters, women April 5, 1908 THEY'RE SLOW INVESTIGATORS.
Police Show Charactaristic Speed in the Case of Harry Ryan.
Martin Kelly, the laborer taken from an airtight refrigerator car in the Hannibal yards last Monday afternoon, was yesterday removed from the emergency to the general hospital. He had received a blow on the left side of the head which caused him to suffer from aphasia, or loss of memory. He improved somewhat at first, but yesterday seemed almost unable to talk again. He has no idea how he came in the car or how he was injured.
Harry Ryan, a young man taken from the car at the same time, is still being held by the police "for investigation." The law gives the police the right to hold a prisoner twenty hours for investigation. At 2:30 today Ryan will have been held 120 hours without a charge placed against him.Labels: general hospital, laborer, police, railroad March 31, 1908 TOUGHS BEAT AN OFFICER.
Sheffield Policeman Is Called Into a Restaurant and Disarmed.
Patrolman Charles Seright of the Sheffield station was beaten and robbed of his revolver and club in a restaurant at 7208 East Fifteenth street before daylight Sunday morning.
Arthur and Harvey Leopold, Jr., and Frank Clay, who brought the officer's revolver and club to the police station, said that two other men had come across the officer jollying the divorced wife of the Leopold boys's father in the restaurant and had beaten him for it.
The officers in charge of the Sheffield station and Seright insist that Seright was called into the restaurant and set upon by five men, three of whom brought the revolver and club to the station. The assault, they claim, was for the purpose of settling an old grudge. Harvey Leopold, father of the two young men, at one time ran a saloon of Fifteenth street in Sheffield, and Seright arrested Frank Clay and Arthur Leopold on a vagrancy charge. They were released in police court Saturday morning. Seright was on duty as usual last night.
George Winkler, a dishwasher, was beaten unconscious in the fight and is in the general hospital.Labels: Fifteenth street, general hospital, police, restaurants, sheffield, violence March 25, 1908 LOCKED IN SALOON -- HORRORS!
Terrible Fate, Which Confronted Tom Morgan When Rescued by Police.
One o'clock has so broken up the practice of spending the night in saloons that when Tom Morgan, 616 East Fifth street, had a chance last night to remain a lone guest among the intoxicants of Zimmerman's place, 719 Delaware street, he telephoned for help to get out. He didn't even take a drink before he resorted to the telephone.
At Home telephone headquarters the Western Union clock said 12:30 when a buzzer registered from the Delaware street saloon.
"Number?" purred Central.
"I want out," a husky voice came back.
"Out of where?"
"Out of here."
"Where is here?"
"Oh, I went to sleep in the back room of Zimmerman's saloon here on Delaware street and the bartender locked up without finding me."
Central held the line and called police headquarters. When she had got Patrolman A. O. Darbow on the phone and posted him she put on Morgan.
He was excited. Darbow didn't seem to be in a hurry, and after he had promised release and hung up the receiver Morgan called the station again.
"You didn't tell me how soon you'd come, officer," he said. "I'm lonely and nervous and cold"
"Well, see if you can't find something there to calm yourself with, and a liquid stove, perhaps, and something smooth and cheerful and friendly on the back bar."
"Good suggestion, old man. Hadn't thought of it. The time won't seem so long now, but don't tarry."
"Only waiting for a detective to blow in with a pocketful of skeleton keys and burglar tools and we'll be right up."
Twenty minutes later Darbow and Detectives Godley and Phelan liberated the prisoner.
There was the suggestion of a skate in Morgan's leg actions as he sought his bearings, but he soon was on a bee line for Fifth street.Labels: alcohol, Delaware street, Fifth street, police, saloon, telephone March 16, 1908 SEASON'S FIRST SWIMMER.
Policeman Chides Clyde Cobeck for Plunging Into the Blue.
The first man to swim in the Blue river this spring is Clyde Cobeck, of 1037 Topping avenue. Patrolman Carl Johnson of No. 7 police station called him ashore at Fifteenth street because Cobeck was clad only in a union suit. The swimmer was about ready to come in anyhow, and remarked as he stepped ashore:
"It's the early diver who gets the cramps."
He was not arrested, but allowed to put on his garments and beat it to the nearest fire.Labels: Blue river, Fifteenth street, police, Topping avenue March 14, 1908 CATCH MAN WITH PULLETS.
Wing Tries to Bag Dozen Chickens.
After an exciting chase in which a number of shots were exchanged Charles Wing, who claims he is a resident of Turner, Kas., was arrested last night by Arthur Purvis, son of Solomon Purvis of No. 3 police station, Kansas City, Kas. Wing was discovered in the act of molesting the quietude of the fowls in a hennery at 902 Osage avenue. The cacke of the chickens attracted the attention of young Purvis and, after a running fight, the originator of the disturbance was taken into custody. In a sack, which he carried over his shoulders were a dozen pullets. He will be given an opportunity to explain to Police Judge Sims this morning. Labels: animals, crime, Judge Sims, Kansas City Kas, police March 11, 1908 TOY SQUIRT GUN HIS WEAPON.
But Jones Wouldn't Be Bluffed and Landed With Stiff Uppercut.
Roy Jones was walking slowly along Troost avenue near Fifteenth street around 2 o'clock yesterday morning. He was humming a love tune and paid little attention to a man who came up behind him, until he was jabbed in the ribs with something hard, held in the man's right hand.
"Hold up your hands! Give me your money!" the man commanded.
Jones was in for arguing the question, but the man was insistent. As the argued they passed beneath an electric arc light, and James saw the man had a toy squirt gun pistol as a weapon. With one stiff punch, Jones landed an uppercut on the man's jaw.
Just as the man ran away, Patrolman Michael Meany appeared and took a shot at him At Fifteenth and Holmes streets, almost exhausted, the bluff criminal ran into Patrolman James Mulloy and was arrested.
At the Walnut street station he gave the name of Howard A. Watson, an upholsterer. He told Captain Whitsett late in the day that he was "just kiddin'" an' wouldn't harm a fly." Captain Whitsett didn't like that sort of fun between entire strangers, and Watson was charged with highway robbery. He was arraigned before Justice Shoemaker, pleaded guilty and was bound over to the criminal court for trial.Labels: Captain Whitsett, crime, Fifteenth street, highway robbery, Holmes street, Justice Shoemaker, police, Troost avenue, Walnut street police station February 24, 1908 SEARCH SEWERS FOR JOHN FAYHEY
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