The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-02-22

by the city of Chicago, is q member of
fire company and is drilled at regular
intervals in the use of Babcoclk extin-
guishers, hose practice and ladder work
Should fire occur in jackson park to-
day four engine companies stationed
within the grounds, three from the city.
two hook and ladders, six hose carts
and 600 Columbian guards could be re-
lied upon 10 answer the first alarm.
The daily routine of a Columb isn
guard is dull enough now, but when
the exposition is opened, and thousands
of visitors, each of whom will ask num-
berless questions. and who must be pro-
tected from accident as well as the
depredaions of pickpockets and sharp
ers who will find their richest harvest
in the throngs inside the buildings,
then will the guards have busy time.
Because of the peculiar requirements of
the occasion directors of the exposition
hesitated long before adopting the pres
ent system of policing Jackson park.
The disadvantage of appointing patrol
mon after the municipal system was at
once recognized, and it was finally
deemed best to make the Columbian
guard semi-military in character, leav-
ing the appointing power IN the hands
of chief, to be selected for his fitness
in handling and organizing military
bodies. At the request of the expo
sition directors President Harrison
ordered Capt. Edmund Rice. Fifth in
fantry, z. s. A, to report to Director
General Davis. and Capt. Rice submit
ted the plan of organization which led
TO the present organization. The Co
lumbar guards was organized by the
exposition company with Capt. Rice
placed in command with the rank OF
colonel The new commander called to
his assistance other military men, some
from the regular army. others from the
state militia. and the first call for troops
was issued last September. There were
hundreds of applicants. of whom less
than SO were accepted. The exactions
Of military qualifications as to height,
weight and physical conditions proved
a bar to many applicants, while others
were rejected for lack of moral and
mental fitness.
Intelligence, good character, steady
habits, and physique that stands the
test required OF reeruits entering Uncle
Sans service, soon drove the crowds Of
loafers and lazy fellows from the field.
They found that political influence
availed them nothing with Col Rice,
who was absolutely untrammeled and
impartial in the selection of men for his
guards With this undesirable class out
Of the way, better class of applicants
came by hundreds; students from col
leges. anxious to earn enough during
the summer months to enable them to
pursue their studies next wear: arnbi-
tous young men from city and country
who desired to avail themselves OF the
advantages they might derive during
their hours off duty; applications even
from clergymen, physicians and law
yers, from Europe as well as America,
their object apparently being educs-
tional advantages, rather than for the
modest salary paid the guards There
was no stipulation as to age, however,
provided the applicant had reached
twenty-one. and an old soldier in good
physical condition was never rejected.
AS : result Col Rice has under his COM
mand 600 men far above the average IN
intelligence, in appearance and in gem
tlemanly bearing Erect. vigorous
and handsomely uniformed. carefully
drilled, imposing, polite, they are as IN
like the ordinary policeman on guard as
can be imagined. At present there are
but six companies. comprising 500 men.
This number viii De Increased 70 25Co.
Inc exposition onens- This Is not 70 be