The Washington critic., 1886-06-28
WASHINGTON, JUNE es, 1885.
MAJOR DYES RETIREMENT.

In the due rotation of political
events and as was to be expected, in
view OF other changes that have taken
place in the District Government, 1t
has been decided that Colonel VIM.
McB. Dye, Major and Superintendent
Of Police, must go" His resigna-
tion 10 take effect July 1, has been re.
questcd by the Commissioners on gen.
eral grounds. 1t would be in better
form to state the explicit reasons on
which the removal Is based.
The Department was never in a bet
ter condition than 1t is at present and
the reforms that have been inaugurated
during the past three years have
plainly told upon the organization and
discipline of the force, resulting, in
like proportion of course, in greater
security to life and property. 1t would
therefore seem but proper that a com.
petent and faithful officer should not
be summarily dismissed without at
least some tribute to the excellence of
his record; or, upon the other hand, IL
the Commissioners have cause of com
plant IN any respect, that they should
80 inform the retiring chief If the re-
moval is made merely for personal
reasons, we conceive IL but fair aud
frank that this should be also stated.
Several persons are mentioned for
the succession, some of them In the
line Of promotion. others without ex-
perience in public affairs; but we know
of no more suitable opportunity than
the present to impress upon the Com
missioners the importance of great care
and discretion in filling this place. The
peculiar character and responsibility of
the position have never, perhaps, been
properly appreciated. 1t is an Office
which requires for its successful ad.
ministration much more than routine
knowledge Of police duty, or personal
courage, or promptness in ferreting out
criminals and bringing them to justice.
The necessity Of good executive abili-
ties is quite as great, and it is through
the possession of such abilities that
Major Dye has made the Department
what 1t is to-day, even without the aid
that should have been extended to him
by Congress.
But we may go further. The posi-
ton of Chief of Police at the Capital
Of great nation is different from what
it is in other and larger cities, 1t in.
wolves duties and requirements and a
breadth of experience beyond those OF
cities in general. 1t is to Il greater or
less, and necessarily increasing extent,
diplomatic position, from the near
ness which the chief occupies to the
National Government, to the repre-
sentatives Of other governments here
and to the authorities Of other govern
ments abroad. For these reasons it
calls for the highest order of talent
and should receive compensation
suited to its consequence.
The salary now paid to the Chief of
Police Is absurdly small. 1t should be
at least as great as that of Commis.
sioner, and the chief should also have
the additional number of men for
which Major Dye has repeatedly but
vainly asked. These changes, with
enlarged views at the Capitol concern.
ing legislation for the District, will
come in time.
Meanwhile, the Commissioners
should be guided by wise and COM
prehensive judgment. They will have
no difficulty in finding reputable citi-
zens, willing to take the place; the
great difficulty will consist in getting
man of first-class qualifications to
take upon himself the cares, RESPONSE
bilities and vexations Of the office, and
continue the good work which has
been so effectively begun, at a small
salary, with an insufficient force, @
niggardly policy on the part Of Con
gress and various other adverse cir,
cumstances to contend with.