The daily Cairo bulletin., 1884-02-02
A DANGEROUS CLASS.
A Term Which Once Applied To Foot.
pads and hoo dlums.
Now Appropriated BY the Metropolitan
POiice-TwO Gifts ems Shot
In One Day.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 1.-The reckless use of
firearms by the Metropolitan police has
become a matter Of serious moment to the
general public, andIstrong msasures.are ev.
erywhsre demanded to protect sthe people
from useless and senseless assault by the
class designated as guardians Of the law. 1"
The shooting Of Mr.. Blood by Policeman
Hickey, la a crowded thoroughfare,
followed as 1t was by the criminal use OF
the revolver at the hands of Policeman
Condor, an hour latter has aroused
public sentiment In this city against . sys.
tenn that has steadily grown because per.
mitted to go unnotioed. These cases are
the general topics Of conversation among all
classes, but especially with those citizens
great danger OF allowing the police depart.
ment to constitute itself Judge, jury and
executioner. The prevalent opinion Is that
Policeman Hickey should be made an ex-
ample OF, and that Policeman Cond on $
case should have a thorough investiga.
tioD.
CHIEF HARRI0AN
always has been opposed to promiscuous
pistol shooting on the part Of policemen,
and as a consequence Officer Hickey hs
been suspended from duty until his case
can be investigated. The Third District
case is also being inquired into. The chief
does not think that Officer Condon should
be blamed for shooting Burns, who bears a
bis attempting to evsde arrest, but Is not
willing to exoulpate him until he ascertains
all the facts 10 the case.
Capt. Fruohie, Of the Central District,
also expressed himself strongly on this sub.
ject. He not only dsnounees the use Of
weapons, but shows that 1t is In direct
violation Of rule 73, which reads:
They shall not use their baton or pistol
except in extremely urgent cases"
The captain added that charges had been
drawn up against Hickey, to be presented
at the next meeting Of the board.
WANT THE POLICE DIsARMED.
Mr.. Joseph Franklin said. IL think the
police ought to be disarmed for six months
to sea how 1t would work. The London
police do no, carry rsvolvcrs, and psrh apps
thief carrying Of deadly weapons by the
police offers premium to roughs and
others to follow their example. "
Mr.. Baruey-"I am 10 favor OF disarm.
ing the police. As at present constituted
ihev are not 6t men 10 be trusted with
weapons
Famous Joe Speoat-"Ths police might
feel themselvss safer by carrying rsvolvers,
but they should only be allowed to use them
10 last extremity. Those using them other.
wise should be discharged as 0 lesson to
otbers.'
Mr.. Gentiles said: II am strongly op.
posed to the carrying Of revolvers by any.
one, police or citizens. The laws In regard
to carrying concealed weapons should be
snforced. never carried revolver In my
life or had one In my store or house, aud
do not believe 1t Is ever necessary"
Mr.. D. Crawfordi 'rhe trouble Is too
many persons carry revolyers. The laws
are too eniently administered. The po.
lice should only use revolVrs in defense
OF their lives,'
"Mr. Nisderinghaus: "More stringent
rules for the use Of revolvers should be On.
forced, and only cool headed men entrust.
ed with the m.'
Mr.. #, W. Humphrey: Gas long as
the police carry revolvers accidsnss may be
expected. Men get excited and make mis-.
takes. don't see how they can be pre-.
vented"