The Evening critic., 1883-03-23
WILLIAM ME, DYE.
A Gallant officer with n Splendid
Record Appointed TO Succeed
Major Brock as Chief OF The Met

~
Record Appointed to Succeed
Major Brock as Chief OF the Met
ropOIitan Police.
From Last Nights Extra Critic.
The expected reorganization of the police
force has caused an anxiety to hang over
Police Headquarters, which eliminated to-
day, rs it became reasonably certain that
new Chief of Police was to be appointed.
Major Brock rendered his resignation
this morning, and this afternoon the Com
missioners held an executive session. at
which the appointment of his successor
was considered
During this session the Commissioners
unanimously agreed upon Colonel William
McE, Dye as the new Major and Supcrin-
tendent of the Police Department, and is
sued the following order:
"Oldered, That william NICE. Dye Is hereby
appointed Major and superintendent Of the
Metropolitan Police Force OF the District OF
Columbia to take effect upon the acceptance of
the resignation of VIM. G. Brock Of his COM
mission as Major"
The resignation of Major Brock was not
considered, and may not be accepted for
some days, SO that his successor may have
ample time to close his present business af-
fairs and qualify for his new office.
Colonel Dye, as he is generally called,
although entitled to higher rank, is well
and favorably known in this city, and is
now filing an $1,S00 clerkship in the
Pension Office. He resides at No. 1872
Seventh street northwest.
He is % man of over six feet in height,
handsome and impressive in appearance,
and possesses an extensive knowledge Of
men and things.
In personal appearance he is not only
tall and well built, but has an open coun-
tenance, well-formed head and regular
features.
Colonel Dye is about 81 years of age, and
native of the State of Pennsylvania.
He entered the Military Academy at
West Point in 1919 and remained there
until July /, 1858.
Colonel Dye began his military service on
frontier duty, and became brevct second
lieutenant Of Infantry and subsequently,
captain of the Eighth Infantry in 1861.
In 1862 he became Colonel of the Twen-
tieth Iowa Volunteers, and in this regiment
became noted for his gallantry.
The Colonel soon rose to the rank of
| Brevet BIigadier General, and has left
name neverto be forgotten in Iowa by his
| courage and ability.
In 1865 he was mustered out Of the SER
| vice as Brevet Brigader General, after
receiving phenominally large number of
military honors.
When General Sherman recommend
cd certain military officers to drill
the Egyptian army he designated
| Colonel Dye as one of the bIavest and most
competenV officers available for the duty.
Colonel Dye proceeded to Egypt and af-
ter a brilliant career returned to Washing
ton about three years ago and has since
been in Government employ.
Commissioner Edmonds, who became
acquainted with Colonel Dye while he was
Colonel of the Twentieth Iowa Volunteers,
speaks of him in the highest terms.
Judge Edmonds says Colonel Dye conf
bines all the qualities necessary
for an efficient Chief of Police,
and combines executive ability, courage,
courtesy and power to discipline and con-
troll force.
Colonel Dye is the fifth person who has
held the office of Chief of Police since the
organization of the Metropolitan Police
| Force.
The first was Mr.. William B. Webb, a
prominent lawyer of this city. He held
the Office but comparatively short time.
He was succeeded by Major A. c, Rich
ards, who held the office longer than any of
his predecessors.
Mr.. Thomas p. Morgan was then ap-
pointed and resigned to accept the office of
the Commissioner of the District.
Mr.. Morgan was succeeded by William G.
Brock, who was one of the earliest mem
bers of the force, and was afterward q clerk
| at Police Headquarters.