Daily Republican. [volume] ([Wilmington, Del.]) 1874-1890, 1882-07-06
THURSDAY, JULY 8, 1882
Fallen Policemen.

1t was feared WhlIe mayor Walos
was selecting his police force, he was
making mistakes which he would Ee
under the necessity of rectifying if he
would preserve the high character he
aimei to give his administration. But
it was not expected that one of his cho-
sen guardians of the peace and OF the
character of his office should so soon
fall from high official favor as did one
of his unlucky stars yesterday morn
ing. 1t may be possible that others nay
fall-indeed it will be remarkable if
out of thirty-eight men placed in such
trying positions only one should fall.
1t is the same old story over again-too
fond of drink. Upbraiding the poor
fallen officer, will do no good now. His
fall was sudden and low, but his pun
ishment is as severe. We would not
even drag his name before the public
as q target to receive the shafts of envy,
jealousy and taunt, for he has family
that feels the disgrace of his actions
more than he. 1t is pity that poor
fallen humanity is 80 weak that 1t can
not bear favor and advancement. This
Is the dark side of the affair, now let us
have the bright side. The public that
expected so much in the way Of reform
in a changed administration would
have had reason to regret the change
had not Mayor Wales acted as he did.
Being deceived in the appointment he
made, he shows sincere desire to carry
ont an inaugurated reform by an i'm
mediate dismissal of the fallen men,
beEs OF his chosen guardians. Scarcely
had he heard of the disgrace before the
name Of the offender was stricken from
the police list. There was no condo
ming of the offence, no compromise made,
no fine imposed, no suspension from
the force until sober and the fine was
paid; it was immediate dismissal in
disgrace, just as it should have been by
any Mayor. who would have around
him intelligent, moral and upright men
to assist him in executing the laws.
We do not believe that any person
doubts the sincerity of Mayor Wales,
and his determination to do what Is
right. If there are any who have such
doubts we would ask them to contrast
his action yesterday in the case of his
fallen officer with that of his predeces-
sor, times over and over with the chief
members of his force for offences equally
as low as those committed by the offend
ing policeman yesterday.
Mayor Wales having taken such a
firm and decided stand, he cannot re
cede from it in the future, and other
members of his force who have in the
past been addicted to the same unfortu.
nate habit, had better take warning. |
Sobriety is commendable to all, but the
only safeguard for policeman is in to-
tai abstinence, and keeping away from
all places where intoxicating liquors
are sold or given away, unless strictly
in the line Of official duty they are
called upon to preserve the peace. AT.
ter the action Of Mayor Wales, the
memb Der of the police force who gets in
toxicated, does so at the risk of being
immediately dismissed in disgrace from
the force. The right stand is taken by
the Mayor and all good citizens will
sn ppOrt Tim in that stand. There are
no fines to collect for drunkenness in
this case. but there is simply vacancy
to fill with a new policeman, that is
all.