The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-06-13
Our Police Regulations.

We intended on w edneSday to speak OF
the removal Of some Of the Police force
by the City Council, but were unable to
make such extended remarks as we wish
ed to in regard to the circumstance. We
were almost shocked when we learned the
reality of the case, for we had hoped thatin-
stead of decreasing the protective force of
the city, it would be rendered stronger and
more efficient. There certainly is need of it
now, if ever in the history of our city. Sew
enteen men, the former force Of Police, was
not whit too much to protect. and preserve
order in the extended area of our city. We
have all seen this, and now, to further weak
en- it, and turn off from the force the most
reliable and favorite officers of the City,
seems ike an outrage on the public, which
we know that abused and insulted body will
not brook.
Capt. James Gooding, one of the most re-
lab G, brave an faithful officers in the whole
force, is one whom these wise legislators
have removed. We are satisfied that there
were other reasons for removing him than
those ALLEGED. Not citizen of the Second
Ward had ever thought or uttered a word of
complaint or censure against him. Not one
dereliction or evasion Of duty was charged
against him. He enjoyed in an unusual de-
gree the confidence and esteem of every cit
izen of this Ward, and indeed the whole
city. But Capt. Gooding was too popular;
he was too efficient He had been tormid-
able rival for the Craftsmanship of the Police,
and was dangerous to the designs Of his en-
vious colleagues. Capt. Goodng must be got
rid of: 1t was easy to bring charges against
him of neglect, un-oiiicer-like conduct-eva-
sion of duty, or cowardice. There were
others ready to take it up, to join in the
pursuit, and so Capt. Gooding is dismissed.
This charge of neglect, &C., is mere
sham. Every citizen knows better Capt.
Gooding has always been our most faithful
officer. He has been son hand'' in every
riot and disturbance tn t has disgraced our
CITY the whole time he has been connected
with it, and has always borne himself so as
to merit the praise and confidence of all cur
citizens We can ourselves testify to his
vigilance and bravery, for, in the discharge
of the duties of a reporter, we have been
present at nearly every disturbance which
has happened; and have always seen him dis
charge bis duty to the utmost limit, with
fearless, conscientious bearing. We have
met him every day, at all hours, and at night
too, this whole season. No one has been
more constant-more vigiant. If Is hours
service day is not sufficient to please the
worthy Chef, and the City Council, they
may have some excuse for expclling Capt
Cooling. But as citizen, and as guardian
of the interests of our Citizens, We protest
against the removal of those in whom the
citizens have always placed most reliance
on mere pretext, and the reduction of the
whole force!
Has our city suddenly become so moral
orderly and quiet, that this reduction of the
Police force is warranted? We think it is
poor policy. The expression of opinion
among all our citizens Is, that it was unwise
and ought not to have been done. Our city
is filled with lawless characters from abroad
"a number Of gambling houses have been
broken up in Chicago by the Mayor of that
city, and number Of Chicago gamb ers have
left for st. Paul"
The above, going the rounds of the west.
ern press, shows what need there now is Of
strong force of vigilant officers. If men
were employed in the Police Department OIL
our city who viii wink at crime, rece i've
brides from sconndrels to be let alone, ga
''snucks" in their i'll gotten gains, practice
completely with crime, &C., God help our
city;
But this must not be. Let every citizen
protest long and loud against such acts
Let popular indignation be felt and heard
SO Enthusiastically, that every true man who
has been removed from the Police Depart
ment will be reinstated, and those who have
done it feel rebuked for having triaed with
and insulted the public thus. A petition
for Capt. Goodine's reinstatenent cod the
augmentation of the police force is now he
ing circulated. Citizens, sign this. Let as