The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1889-12-17

1IlR 1QSDCEIOT SIlOM EIdU OH new uOuSC0s
valued at $1,000, 600. were erected last
year These houses are occupied as fast
as completed by people removing here
from New York and other places. New
streets are being opened and built upon,
and this adds length and Importance to
the patrol posts that are already TOO long.
To show to you the comparatively insig-
nificant strength of our patrol force, |
will quote from the police statistics of
other cities"
COMPARATIVE FIGURES.
The Chief then shows that while the
average of the largest cities in the coun-
try is one policeman to 500 inhabitants, in
Jersey City it is ,125 inhabitants to one
policeman. Continuing he says
1--WE have but one patrolman to eacn
As miles of our streets. OF course the
posts are not laid out SO as to cover equal
distances. They are arranged SO as to
give the best possible protection where
most needed. You can therefore judge
the amount OF territory that is covered by
some of our patrolmen."
Mr.. Kelly said he had no doubt that
the police force should be increased, but
the trouble is there is no money to pay
them. The communication was finally
referred to a committee, consisting of the
Board, the Chief and Inspector, to confer
with the Finance Board over the matter.
BRAVE JOHN BYRNEs.
Another letter was read from the chief
highly complimenting Chanceman John
Byrnes for the creditable arrest he made
on December 2.
President Feeney called Commissioner
Benson to the chair and said that it
afforded him great pleasure to move to
spread the communication on theminutes
for two reasons:-First, because it
showed that there were excellent men
upon the force; and secondly, because
Byrnes was one of Commissioner Kelly's
= .r,..s+- - I, 30.
pointees had been before the Board that
afternoon.
Mr.. Feeney, with his characteristic elo-
quenee, paid high tribute to the bravery
of Chanceman Byrnes and said that as
the men had little else to look forward
to as a reward for their services except
their salaries, and as an incentive to deeds
of valor he would present a gold medal to
be known as the presidents medai, to the
member of the uniformed force making
the most praiseworthy arrest between
January / and May next.
Mr. Feeney, with the mantle of pro-
phesy upon him. predicted that the
men would be prouder to wear such medals
upon their breasts than to be president of
the United States.
Still another communication from the
Chief was read by Colonel Robinson with
the kind assistance of the Chief himself.
This time the Chief wanted new patrol
wagon. He told how the one now in use
is unfit for the service, and what bless
ing a new one would be to the depart
ment. The Committee of the Whole will
consider the matter.
Thomas Garrity and John Cook re-
signed from the force, and Thomas Milot
was given special police power to be eXer-
cised in HarsimuS Cove.
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION.
Mr.. Feeney still kept h.s seat on the
floor and introduced preamble and
resolution which set forth that, whereas,
the Board was desirous of increasing the
efficiency of the department, all candi-
dates for promotion shall be required to
pass an examination before special com
mittee of two
How will that committee be ap-
pointed" asked Benson, scenting a
rodent.
''By the CHAIR remarked Mr.. Feeney,
complacently twirling his thumbs. Mr.
Benson looked troubled. He hardly
knew whether to appoint himself, and he
did not want to be frozen off the commit
tee Finally he decided that the chair
meant the president, and called on MT.
Feeney to announce the committee. Mr.
Feeney was equal to the emergency, and
as complacently as ever rennarked;-"The
chair will appoint Commissioner Kelly
and himselfo
Commissioner Benson looked SO Glum
at this that Mr.. Feeney laughingly said
he had meant to have the committee in
clude the entire Board and the Chief and
Inspector.
"The Clerk will enter it SO on the min
utes," said Mr.. Benson, much relieved.
Rule 161 was rescinded and in its place
it was provided that visiting officers shall
find the men on posts hereafter, without
sounding club or whistle, if possible. Ii
the post is streight away one and the
patrolman cannot be found on it, he shall
be reported as off post, If not a straight
away post the visiting officer shall blow
or rop at such points only where he thinks
he thinks he will be most likely to find
patrolman.
The Board then adjourned to next
Monday.