The Washington times., 1895-06-29
CROSS DREW THE PRIZE
Contest For the Night Inspec-
tOrship Settled at Last.
MAJOR MOORE SELECTED HIM
But the Sergeant Also Passed Highly
CreditabIe Exa mination and Was
Recommended by Other Police Of
ficials-Member of the Force Eleven
Years and Has a Clear Record.

The first promotion in the police de.
partment under the lately esta blshed
merit system, which the Commissioners
/ propose TO enforce, was made yesterday
/ afternoon, when Sergt. Francis E. Cross
was named for the new inspectorship
All the rules laid down in a wei regulated
civil service plan were observed, the record
! OF efficiency was considered, a formal
examination held, and Sergt. Cross drew
/ the prize.
The announ cemeat of the result was
made TO the eXpectant reporters by Major
Moore. He approached the group and said:
"Gentlemen, the Commissioners request
ed me 10 name a man for appointment to
the new inspectorship / did so, and they
have done me the honor 10 unanimously ap-
/ prove of my selection. Here is the letter,
with the Endorsement signed by the three
| Commissioners"
MAJOR MooRE'S LETTER.
The communication was addressed TO
Col. Truesdell and read as follows:
Il have the honor to recommend that
Sergt Francis E. Cross be appointed tC
the position of Inspector created by the
District appropriation act for the fiscal
year ending June 80, 1896, said ap-
The simple word approved" was writ
ten below the majors signature, and each
or the board signed his name thereto.
This decided the question, so long a
theme OF speculation and gossip, and
Sergt. Cross viii on the lst day of July
be mustered into the service as inspector,
viii thereafter rank as a lieutenant. and
draw Sl5 per month more salary than
his brother lieutenants.
His duties viii be of the most arduous
character for they viii require him to be on
duty at night, with the whole District a
field OF operations. The position is so far
from being a sinecure that none OF the
leutenauts desired it, and the promotion
comes from the list OF sergeants.
The appointee became member OF the
force as a private OF the first class. on July
IL, 1884. He was promoted to the second
class July /, 1891. and was promoted to the
rank of sergeant March 3, 1892 He is
about forty years OF age, and was strongly
recommended TO the Commissioners. for
his present preferment, as an intelligent,
determined, courageous officer. He is
said to be a great favorite with the business
men of the First precinct, where he served
for several years.
ALL AGREE On CROSS.
Cross is at present on duty at the White
House. When the hobo excitement was at
its height Sergeants Cross and Myer Were
detailed TO that post, and both have since
remained there
The Commissioners decided TO withhold
the names OF those who gave Sergt. Cross
their recommendation, because, - as
Col. Truesdell remarked, while the let
tiers on file were all read and given some
consideration, the appointment was made
absolutely upon the mans record and
qualifications under civil service rules ~
We made list OF three names," added
the Commissioner, including that of Mr.
Cross. We then invited the major to inde-
pendcntly name man. Afterward We
requested another officer prominent on the
force to select name This was, of course,
after acquiring a thorough knowledge of
all that could be said in favor of either of
the sergeants The choice in the three in
stances fell upon Mr.. Cross.
Gross has an absolutely clear record.
He has never been arraigned upon charge
OF any description, anG-his qualifications
are excellent.
"All the sergeants did Well in the exam
ination held, and We can select as many as
seven who have on file the very best
of recommendations. Had We depended
alone upon letters and other testimonials
a choice would have been much more diff
ficult."