The evening world., 1894-10-04
URGES MARTIAL RULE.
G. Waldo Smith Wants Police Put
on Military Basis.
Asks Chamber Of Commerce to
Adopt Novel Resolutions.
Proposes to Divorce the Force from
Civil or Political Pulls.

The disclosures OF police corruption
brought out before the Lexow Investi-
eating Committee received the attention
of the Chamber of Commerce at to-day's
special meeting. The subject was preached
by G. Waldo Smith, who is anxious
thpt the entire police system be COM
pletely changed.
Not only does he and other members
of the Chamber of Commerce believe
that politicians should not rule the
force, but he contends that 1t should be
stripped of all civil appearance, and in
stead, should be changed into a military
body, with its members subject to court
martial and the sternest of discipline.
His scheme also embraces many other
novel ideas. which took some of the
members by surprise. Here is the pre-
amble and resolution which he asked
the Chamber to adopt:
Whereas, The city OF New York pays something
more than IS, 900. 900 per annum for police pro-
lection. and
Whereas, The rate OF remuneration paid and the
liberal provision for retirement provided should
force, but also faithful. efficient and conscientious
service; and
given before the legislative Investigating Com
mlttee and also by the trials held before the
have been secured by the criminal classes by the
payment Of money to some members OF the force,
and that citizens have been compelled to nay
money in order to secure lawful privileges. there
fore
Resolved That the Chamber Of Commerce OF the
State OF New York believes that the police force
OF the city OF New York should be divorced from
all civilian and political control, and that It
| should be constituted on some such basis as is the
| army OF the United States, or the militia OF the
state OF New York. with all grades Of officers
| and Commander in Chief all OF whom shall
| for oourt-martials and for appointments
to the force. by strctest CivlI-ser-
vice rules with provisions for promotion
and the previous record of the applicant; with
| provision that all persons who secure unlawful
privileges by the payment Of money who are
compelled to pay money to secure lawful prvi-
shall be competent witnesses against any Officer
who, while receiving liberal remuneration for
the faithful performance OF his duty In guard
| ing the peoples interests and in enforcing the
observance OF the law betrays his trust for money
and he shall be held in strict accountability
before the law.
Mr.. Smith made lengthy speech.
urging the adoption OF the resolution.
He said that in the light OF the Lexow
investigation, no sane man could believe
| that New York could ever see an efficient
police force so long as II was ruled by
politicians or civilians. He also pointed
out that In order to get at half the truth
concerning police corruption It was ne
cessary to promise protection.
The resolutions were referred by the
| Chairman. Alexander Z. Orr to the
Committee on Municipal Administration.
At the meeting the report of the In
Surance Committee on the Llloyds Fire
Insurance system was received.
1t was resolved to ask the Legislature
to put the Lloyds under the same re-
strictlons as other insurance companies.