Maryland State Archives

Baltimore City Police
msa_s1894_02-0340

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Maryland State Archives

Baltimore City Police
msa_s1894_02-0340

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80 to them that their continued appearance in these cases is distasteful and disagreeable to the Board, and not approved by it, the matter would be remedied. The Board told Mr. McLane that it did not at all approve the attitude of Captain Pumphrey and Detective Hammersla in placing themselves on the side of the defense in these liquor cases; that their action in this respect is particularly unpleasant to it and that it would not hesitate to tell these officers so, although if they are legally summoned by the Court, the question as to whether they shall or shall not appear as fitnesses would be beyond the Board's jurisdiction. After the retirement of Mr. McLane from the Board room, Captain Pumphrey was called before the Board, and President Upshur on behalf of the Board said to him:- "The Board has received from State's Attorney McLane complaint concerning your attitude in these cases of violation of the liquor law, in which evidence was secured by the Maryland Anti-Saloon League, and whilst he does not pretend to say that he endorses the methods by which the evidence is obtained, and whilst the Board does not endorse the said methods, nevertheless the Board is and should always be on the side of the prosecution against violators of the law. The law imposes upon us the duty of preventing violations of law as far as possible, and in the event of its violation, of bringing the offenders to justice. Now, we feel very much like Mr. McLane does in reference to this matter. Your attitude is causing 3ome to injustly impugn our motives; and in the opinion of many respectable people, we are arraying ourselves on the side of the violators of the law, instead of on the other side. We want to say to you that your appearing as witness for the defense in these liquor cases, is disagreeable to the Board; we therefore desire, if it is possible, that you do not appear in these . cases any more. Of course, we cannot control the action of the Court or the counsel for the accused in such cases, but it is the opinion of the States Attorney, and our opinion, that if you will tell 3uch counsel it is extremely embaressing to the Board for you to appear in the capacity of witness for the defense, he will not put you or the Board to this unpleasant position. We want you to keep out of Court on the side of the defense, if it is possible. What the Board has said to you on this subject to-day applies equally