'God Almighty Himself': Two Seattle Cops Suspended for Losing Their Tempers

Commissioners Cheasty, Holmes, Wallingford and Relfe responded to the roll call when the police board was called to order last night by Mayor Sweeney. Chief Jackson's monthly report was read and filed. The new form is now used. It shows not only the number of arrests made, but the disposition of the cases.

Charges were preferred against L. T. Stevens of using disrespectful language to his superior officers. He admitted the offense. He had complained that he was one day's pay short, and although the chief offered to have the books checked, he used profane language and hotly expressed his contempt for the rules. He had been absent without leave, so that even his complaint was not well founded.

Clerk Fleming explained how the controversy arose.

Lieut. Huff deposed that he had mentioned to Stevens that he had reported twice in succession from the same box, but Stevens denied it and declared that he "didn't care for the chief, the commissioners, Mayor Sweeney, Mayor Ronald or God Almighty himself, when he knew he was right." Mayor Sweeney asked if he did not mention the devil. The talk then turned upon Capt. Sims, and Stevens said he was "blanked capable of lying." Stevens said he was positive he sent in his second report from the Pike street box; he knew he was right, and it made him hot to be accused wrongfully. He regretted having lost his temper.

Commissioner Cheasty thought the fault called for a suspension of thirty days; but Commissioner Relfe thought that a little too severe, though it should be understood by the force that such conduct would not be tolerated.

Commissioner Wallingford said another offense of that kind would not be met with a mere suspension, by his vote.

Commissioner Holmes said it was only because Stevens had played a manly part in admitting his offense and in his conduct before the board which induced him to vote to retain him. A police officer must be taught that his duty is one that calls for self-control.

The sentence was suspension for thirty days.

George Cave was then charged with using vile and obscene language in reference to Officer Harding. The complainant stated that Cave had been joking and plaguing him for some months, calling him "crazy" until Harding finally objected, and that Cave then used vile language to him.

Officer Cave declared that his intention had only been to tease Harding, and he admitted applying a story to him which included dirty language.

The board suspended Cave for thirty days.

Commissioner Relfe gave notice that if such another case came before the board he should vote for dismissal of the offender. The other commissioners agreed to make that rule; and that hereafter officers must understand that any ungentlemanly conduct would receive the heaviest punishment.

A complaint was received from Nelson Vinyard that Officer Fawcett had abused him badly, beating him with a pistol and club while the complainant was handcuffed. It will be heard May 1.

The board approved the chief's action in allowing days of credit gained in 1892 to be used in 1893.

Commissioner Relfe proposed that the work of the commission be divided among committees, with authority to act on matters of petty detail, each committee to report to the board. After considerable discussion it was resolved to meet on the 18th inst. and formulate a plan, each member of the board agreeing that it was an excellent suggestion and likely to lead to greater efficiency in the department.

The board will meet again on Tuesday night.