The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1882-06-25
Concerning Policemen.

= Concerning Policemen.
Policemen are apt to consider themselves
superior to ordinary mortals; and they are,
to be sure, clothed with certain authority be-
sides q blue uniform, with brass buttons
down the front and silver shield on the left
breast. They are always before the public
eye. stand In the front row at fire, and are
OF consequence at picnics and primaries.
Yet, according to common report, they are
seldom where they are wanted. This superb
GRITTY and exclusiveness may have caused
some persons to ask, Where do policemen
come from Are they, like poets, born, not
made?
That interesting publication which is cir
culated at the expense Of the taxpayers.
the City Record, gives the answer. Once
month the names OF all applicants for ap-
pointments as policemen are printed In It's
columns. In the latest list we are in
formed that Of the applicants five were
clerks, five laborers, two engineers, and Of
teamsters, ropemakers, stevedores dock
builders, coachmep, shoe stitchers, conduc-
tors, icemen, drivers shoemakers, livery
men. carpenters, matters, fishermen, and
milkmen one each. or applicants who had
previously passed examinations, and we're
appointed patrolmen, two were ex-polce-
men, two porters, and Of butchers, house
movers, spinners, boatmen, upholsterers,
ship carpenters, milk dealers, iron moulders,
carpenters, painters, jailers, drivers, garden
ers, and truckmen one each. Not one is put
down as o political heller
The Commissioners do not, II is supposed
take into account the occupation of an appli-
nj butt ha t,Jn ,f bnp pot, min III
be interested by an analysis of the lists, and
COMPOUNDED before deciding which one Of the
different trades will furnish the best recruit
Considering the butcher, he might say that q
robust young fellow from such an occupa-
ton would incline to be violent, and would
be unmoved by the sight of a dubbed head
The boatman might be good harbor patrol
man. and the ship carpenter might render
valuable aid In cases of collision and in
making the "sea chests" that the police boat
must have when taking politicians on a free
excursion down the bay The milk deal
ers experience might be drawn upon by
assigning him to the sanitary squad to OK
anime skim milk; the carpenter and the
painter might be detailed to one OF the
uptown stations where the principal duty
is to impound goats and keep the officers
quarters in good condition. and the uphol-
stercr might be kept in the Central Po-
lice Office to recushion the easy chairs Of
the luxurious Commissioners. The driver
would be in his element as mounted patrol
man; but how can gardener, with turn Of
mind for the beauties Of nature, be content
with the duty of patrolllng dusty streets
between brick walls, or with swinging club
instead Of hoe?
The case of the ex-policemen Is probably
peculiar. There have been instances of men
who have waited patiently before getting the
ear of n Commissioner or politician, have
been kept in suspense before they were sent
for to be examined, and finally, after getting
the appointment and being detailed to pre-
cinct, have handed in their shields and batons
after the first tour of duty, saying that once
was enough. Whether these ex-policemen are
of this uneasy sort, and have thought better
OF the situation, the list does not indicate. II
they are, we advise them to give the duties O
longer trial before going away ina huff.
What men were before, they certainly are
not after putting on blue uniform. The
transformation Of stevedore or shoemaker
into full-blown policeman is something re-
markabe, and the contrast is undoubtedly
the cause Of the delusion that policeman is a
superior being. 1t has been said that an in
crease OF authority dulls mems sympathes !;
but cannot it also be said that uniform, with
its aspect OF dignity and glory, attracts
enough admiration from the fair sex to coun-
terbaance this purely sentimental loss
Taking all things into consideration, there
is no reason why the butcher, the baker, and
the candlestick maker should not become po-
licemen The pay is fat, and If one of them
remains ON the force until he is old enough to
be retired, he and his family are provided
for out OF the pension fund. Besides, there is
possibility of his being made Superintend-
ent, and going on pleasure trip to Europe
at the public expense. Nevertheless, we hope
that every man dissatisfied with his present
occupation does not aspire to be police
man. There is plenty of work for all; and if
you have an honest trade, you had better
stick to it.