The Portland daily press., 1882-03-28
POLICE.
ANNUAL SPRING INSPECTION.
Mayor 1aooy's Address to the Fore,

Yesterday at p. m. the police force, day and
night squads, were assembled in the police sta
ton, for the annual inspection by the Mayor.
The force were attired in full dress and pre-
sented very neat and soldierly appearance.
The Mayor was introduced by Marshal Bridges
after which he spoke to the policemen as fol-
lows:
The CITY charter provides that the Mayor
shall "be active and vigilant in causing the
laws of the state and ordinances and regula-
tions Of the city to be executed and enforced,
of all officers and cause violations or neglect
of duty on their part to be punished" In view
of these provisions have deemed it proper to
take this early opportunity to meet the mem-
bers of the police force andlto express to you my
views ON certain matters bearing upon the dis
charge of your duties as part OF the executive
branch of the city government. Having had
somewhat long acquaintance with the police OF
this city while was attorney for the state Tor
this county, can better appreciate the nature
and importance of your work, and the difncul-
ties which often attead the successful discharge
of your duties You are not only the local
guardians of the public peace and safety, but
by virtue of authority you are also required,
when necessary, to execute the laws OF the
state and the ordinances OF the city. In the
performance of this latter duty it should not be
forgotten that all laws are equally binding, and
that open violation of no law can be tolerated
unless we would have all laws fall into dis
respect. 1t is mifortune that the question OF
the enforcement of any law should ever be
deemed political issue when the election OF an
executive officer is involved, as the obligation
to execute the law is equally binding upon the
incumbent under his oath Of Office whatever
his political opinions may be. The enforce
ment of the laws is no question OF politics, and
have never so considered 1t. In this county
we have had what exists in no other county In
pointed for the impartial and vigorous enforce
ment of the liquor law. They have no other du-
ties, and are paid from the public treasury for
deyoting their whole time to this work. Ii they
neglect that duty, it does not relieve you and
You viii therefore understand that as Mayor
Of the city intend that, SO far as depends up
on me, all laws Of the state shall be impartially
enforced, and that expect you equally to 90
your duty in this respect All proper and
complaints must receive prompt at
tention, and no ground should be given for the
charge that the officers Of the government do
net respect its laws. With the expectancy OF
these laws we have nothing to do We have
no right to sit in Judgment upon their policy.
That is determined by the Legislature, and the
will of the majority must govern.
In the year 1877 the tenure OF office OF the
police of this city was changed from annual ap-
pointment to service during good behavior.
This change was made for the purpose of in |
,reasing the efficiency Of the force, and recog-
nizes the principle that merit, not favor,
should be the basis Of the public service. Your |
fidelity to the public interests is the best test OF
your usefulness as public servants.
In the discharge Of your duties desire al
ways to extend to you all necessary assistance. |
The Mayor then called special attention to
certain of the rules and regulations of the po- |
ice department relating to the duties of the |
police on their beats.