The New Orleans daily Democrat., 1878-09-26
leans during term Of five years prior to his

leans during = term Of five years prior to his
appointment?
Qhief That Iion't know much about either.
Rep. He shall be recommended by three
citizens OF good standing residing in his i'm
,,!aetllate vicinity. either Of whom must be viii
Ling TO become his security i1l case OF appoint
ment. How about that?
Chief1 That is not adhered to. A great
many men on the forgs residing up town owe
| their appointments to the recommendation Of
persons residing dcWu town. People sign
| these applieations simply to get rid Of the ap-
plieants, who worry them for their sigma
lures. Hall the time they know nothing
about the qualifications Of the man
Rep,-Well, about the signing Of the bonds,
do you know. whether or not persons who
sign the applications are called on to put
their signature to the bond OF the mHh reeom4
mendedP
Chief--I do not think that when the bond ID
prepared, the application or the names in
dorsed on 1t arc thought Of. The solventy OF
the party or parties going security are alone
considered. without any reference to the cir
eutnstanee, that theii names were or were not
on the application.
Rep.-Here is the next-5, He has never
been convicted Of crimeP
Chief.-We have tried to enforce that. and I
think have succeeded.
Rep.-You think you have; well there Is
one man ON the force --. he think has been
convicted.
Chief,-I don't think he has. he has been in
trouble, but / don't think he has ever been
Rep.-We1l / may bs III error. but / know /
have seen him OH more than one occasion In
the Parish Prison, and | was under the inn
preston that he had served one or more
terms there, However: let Hs go on to the
next ons--6. He is OF good health and sound
body and mind. As to that
Chief-As to that, 1t Is another important
specification which has not been adhered to.
Applicants are appointed Without any regard
whatever TO their physical qualifications. AS
| said before, we have o number Of men too
young. they are not developed, and number
too old, age has robbed them OF ther strength.
An officer comes in contact with the worst
classes OF society, and he must be physically
able to cope with any character he may meet.
Rep.-Weil here Is the seventh and last. He
must be Of good moral character and habits
Chief-Well, suppose that the names
attached to the application as indorsers
guarantee that. Let me call your attention
TO another rule. Here 1t is: Rule "a, under
the head of "City Physicians" It reads !:
"They THAT is. Che city physieiansl shall
nent,. daily. from 10 o'clock q. m. until u
o'clock m. or whenever required to examine
and report upon the qualifications Of eandi=
dates for appointm ent as patrolmen.' That
has never been complied with. I suppose
the city physicians would obey it
II required to do So but [ do not
know Of their ever having been called upon to
examine man. ! believe that If q fair salary
was given and promptly paid we could secure
good men. and organize an efficient and trust
worthy force; but as it Is the force Is rapidly
deteriorating. Large numbers Of the best
men have left and others are leaving, when
ever they can find work elsewhere. In last
and this month thirty Or forty designations
Of good men have been handed In, and more
will follow.