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the Marshal, was important, and the necessity for its being
granted must be evident. Upon this single point the efficiency
of the new Board depended. Not to have granted the delay
would inevitably have caused great confusion. The Com-
missioners at once saw the dilemma in which they were placed,
and accordingly taking into consideration all the circumstances
of the case, and in the expectation that at the expiration of
the time for deliberation, asked for by the Marshal, he would
see the inutility of opposition, the Commissioners agreed to
wait to hear from him as requested. The result proved the
propriety of the action on the part of the Commissioners.
At the appointed time the Marshal appeared and signified
his willingness to report to the Commissioners the next morn-
ing, and to them only, and to recognize their authority and
none other in the future.
The object so anxiously aimed at was now attained—the
possession of the station houses and all the property apper-
taining to the Police Department was thus put in their pos-
session—the Commissioners prepared to enter efficiently upon
the duties of the office; and the late Board was left powerless,
with the occupancy only of the office in which it had held its
meetings and the books used for recording the proceedings of
its ordinary business.
Shortly after the Marshal had retired, Deputy Marshal
John S. Manly, accompanied by Capt. W. H. Cassel, reported
to the Commissioners, when an order was immediately issued
to have the roll of the entire force, officers and men, called at
six o'clock the next morning—the earliest practicable time—
and he was directed to report to the Commissioners promptly
at nine o'clock, those who might refuse or fail to act under
this order.
At half-past ten the Commissioners adjourned until nine
o'clock the next morning.
BALTIMORE, November 14, 1866.
The Board met at 9 o'clock. Present—James Young,
President, Wm. Thos. Valiant.
Immediately after the meeting of the Commissioners, the
Deputy Marshall reported that in obedience to the order
issued at 10| o'clock last night, the roll at the several station
houses had been called at 6 o'clock this morning, and that
the Captains were in waiting to report the result in person.
They were introduced, and stated that the entire force, both
night and day, except three, had answered.
The Commissioners know they have been censured for not
dismissing all of the officers and men immediately after ob-
taining possession of the office, because they had failed to
report when first ordered on the 3d November. Under the
circumstances the Commissioners could not have done other-
wise than as they did. The law was plain. No man or offi-
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