Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-05-01
HUNGRY OFFICERS.
THE POLICE RECEIVE NO SAT.A.
RIES FOR APRIL.
What is the Duty of the Trustees in
the Premises ?-An Indignation
Meeting-Etc.


The twenty-six policemen now on duty
in this city are wondering how long they
are to be required to work for nothing
and board themselves" The city has a
Board of Police Commissioners, to whom
the law gives certain powers, and among
them that of selecting and employing po-
Icemen. In pursuance of that authority
the Board month ago increased the police
force from fifteen to twenty-five men, be-
side the Captain. But now comes the City
Board of Trustees, who refuse to pay the
salaries of the men, on the ground that the
police fund has only money enough to pay
the old number of officers (fifteen), and as
they could not determine who shall con-
stitute the fifteen, no salaries for the month
OF April were allowed at the last meeting
of the Board.
This action-or rather non action-by
the Trustees has been the chief subject of
talk among the officers during the past few
days, and has even engrossed the public
attention TO considerable extent. The
people seem to have been generally pleased
at the increase of the force, for it has had
the effect of decreasing crime in the city in
marked degree, and the general feeling
among citizens is that the men ought to be
paid in some way. The Trustees have. in
times past, managed to tide over emergen-
cles OF this kind, and it is argued they
could do SO again. 1t may be that the
Trustees were and are still opposed to the
increase of the force, but the fact must be
borne in mind that at the time the addi-
tlonal men were elected an emergency
existed. The city was then apparently in
the grasp of a gang of bold and desperate
CRIMINALS. Citizens were being garroteo
and robbed nightly on the streets, and
houses burglarized. The Governor was
waited upon with a strong petition from
leading citizens, asking for his approval of
the Act empowering the Police Commits
sioners to increase the force. Since these
men went on duty the city has had COM
parative immunity from lawlessness of a
Serious character, and it is believed that
large majority of the citizens would de-
clare IN favor of the retention of the pres
ent entire force, if the matter were left to
vote.
Those who favored the increase OF the
ponce force argue that no matter what NAV
be the individual opinions of the members
OF the Board of Trustees in the premises,
they have but one duty to perform at this
nme, and that is to recognize the action of
coordinate branch of the city govern
ment, and give it force by declaring the
entire body of policemen entitled to their
pay. Then, even if they did not have the
money on hcnd with which to pay the sal
aries of the men, the latter could arrange
Tor tune at least, to get their warrants
cashed. But even this would be an IN
necessary hardship on the men if the
money can be legally advanced by the city
from some other fund
1t is possible that some of the moneved
institutions of the city, which are benefited
oy the additional security given to the prop
erty of all citizens, would advance the neces-
sary funds to pay the salaries at low rates
OF interest Tor possibly no interest at all)
until the Trustees can replenish the police
fund. The Courts have decided that the
city must pay the salaries of policemen le-
gelly appointed to serve, and it does not
seem just that the men, many of whom are
poor and have families to support, should
De forced to incur the expense and delay of
again appealing to the Courts for relief.
Neither would it be economy on the part
OF the city, through its legislative branch,
y force them to such an issue.
X ne question is, how can the money be
next years taxes can be levied 1t does
seem as if there should be some method of
solving 1t. The city is growing rapidly
both In area and population-and the pres
ent force is required to give anything like
adequate protection to the lives and prop
erty of citizens.
THE OFFICERS BECOMING ANXIOUS.
The situation has forced the policemen to
action, and yesterday they held meeting
N the Police Courtroom to consider what
action should be taken to secure the pay
ment of their salaries.
Captain karcher called the meeting to
order. in the absence of Chief Lee. He
stated its object to be to consult in relation
10 the difficulty that had arisen regarding
the payment OF the salaries of members OF
the police force l.. w. Farrell was elected
Secretary and Treasurer.
Officer Lowell moved that committee
of five be appointed TO engage an attorney
10 take the matter in hand on behalf of the
policemen.
Officer Farrell moved to amend by hav-
ing the committee first consult with the
City Trustees before taking any steps to-
ward bringing an action TO compel the pay
ment of their salaries.
Officer Lowell accepted the amendment
and it was carried unanimously.
The Chair named as the committee CHIEF
Lee and officers Franks, Rider, Harris and
Harvey.
1t was understood that the committee
would take immediate action looking to-
ward bringing the matter TO an issue.
After some discussion OF the subject anC
the offering of numerous suggestions, the
meeting adjourned to meet at the call o
the Chairman.
The committee held meeting last even
ing, and decided to consult with two prom
ipent attorneys as to the proper course Il
pursue III the matter.
One of the officers of the old force stated
TO reporter of the RECORD UNION las
night that not dollar has been paid any
member of the police force since the first o
the year, four months ago, and that it il
getting to be serious matter with them.