Philip McAbee

MASKED MEN NOT

TO PARADE HERE

SAYS THE MAYOR.

Dr. Quick Intimates Outside Officers

May Be Called if Needed;

McAbee Not Yet Here.

Men wearing masks will not be allowed to parade on Muncie streets in the future, according to a declaration made Thursday by Mayor J. C. Quick, to Press reporters, he referring to reports that a local organization is to attempt a public parade soon.

"I have no objection," said Mayor Quick, "to any society or organization having its members parade through the streets for any good purpose, so long as they do so openly. No good can be accomplished by any group of men who wish to hide their faces from the light of day and from their fellow citizens."

Indications, however, are that the police department is not to be called upon to stop a masked parade, should one be attempted. "In its present state, the police department cannot be depended upon," said the mayor. "While the majority are faithful to their duty, yet there are some who are members of the organization which I understand is to attempt such a parade."

Would Call Militia.

Is the mayor to call upon a higher authority for aid in keeping order in the city in the event that this masked demonstration is made? This was the inference of a statement by the mayor, Thursday, when he said "How are we to stop such a demonstration? I see no way without asking the Governor for permission to have the militia brought here."

Chief-of-Police Benbow, when questioned about the matter, denied all knowledge of the reports that the parade was to be attempted. However, the chief is known to have had a short talk with members of the board of safety on an important subject closely akin to this one, Thursday morning. When asked the question, "If you were ordered to stop such a parade, what would you do?" The chief merely smiled and refused to answer.

Mayor Quick, according to his own declaration, Thursday, is unalterably opposed to an organization which he said last week was "attempting to have certain members of the police force discharged who were not controlled by the purposes of this same society." A meeting of the board of safety which was called for the purpose of investigating charges against Captain of Police J. H. Moles and night detectives Curran and Reese, was broken up by the mayor, who discharged Philip McAbee, president of the board. E. E. Rosenthal, local confectioner, has since been appointed to fill the vacant chair.

When McAbee Gets Home.

First real intimations of what course the mayor is to pursue in regard to the argument which has arisen as a result of his discharge of Mr. McAbee, were made Thursday. Mr. McAbee has been absent from the city for the last week and the matter has been allowed to lapse temporarily. Much interest has been evidenced in local official circles as to what action in the matter would be taken by the mayor in the future.

When asked, "What course will you follow when Mr. McAbee returns to the city?" the mayor replied, "I shall continue my present method and say little. Mr. McAbee may have a public hearing if he desires one, although he is not actually entitled to this."

Rumors that the mayor was preparing to apologize to Mr. McAbee and to restore to him his former place on the board of safety, the mayor characterized as "absolutely false."