New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-20
MORE POLICEMEN NEEDED.
MR. ROOSEVELT MAKES AN ARGUMENT
IN ALBANY
HE SAYS THAT SOME MEMBERS OF THE FORCE
HAVE NOT HAD A DAY OFF FOR EIGHT
wEEKs--POLICE REORGANIZA-
TON DESIRABLE. TOO.

TON DESIRABLE. TOO.
Albany March 10 (speciaD.-Poice Commissioner
Theodore Roosevelt appeared before the Cities
Committee of the Assembly this afternoon and
argued in behalf Of the passage Of both the Austin
bill. which authorizes the New-York Police Board
to appoint 800 additional policemen. and the Police
Reorganization bill. introduced by Mr.. Laimbeer
and Senator Pavey. Commissioner Roosevelt said
that the bill authorizing the increase OF the force
was backed, not only by the Board OF Police Com
missioners. but by the other city authorities
we'll
He declared that New-York City had 15 per cent
less policemen than it ought to have, In COM
parson with other cities. The police force had
been supposed for the last twenty years TO have
been increased at the rate OF 100 men a year, but
as matter of fact the increase has been only
about seventy year. IF the full quota Of 100
year had been added he said. I'VE would not
be asking for the increase this bill calls for"
What VIII be the increased expense?' was asked
by Mr. Davidson
About 100000 a year" was the answer
Mr.. Hill asked If it necessary to appoint the
800 at orce.
I'VE could not" replied Mr. Roosevelt. appoint
over one hundred a month at the most. as we find
that We have now under our Civil Service rules
appointed about all the men who have shown them
selves mentally capable of passing the examination
We do not ask for 800 and expect you TO cut II down
TO 400. for we ask for only the number that we
actually need. We have received many compliments
on the increased efficiency of our force. but we
have also received many complaints because of its
smallness
I'VE have to give the policemen less holidays than
usual because of the demands made upon their
time by the enforcement Of the excise laws Some
Of the men have not had holiday In eight weeks.
We have 1.4oD polling places and have
two men at each poling-p.ace. At the last election
we had every available man at the polls. and this
left us with a reserve at the headquarters of only
forty men, upon whom would be paced the duty
of putting down riot disturbance. be-
heve that we had farer election, however than
had ever been had in New-york before.
Some complaint has been made that the police
have not been allowed TO vote. 1t Is necessary
that the polls should he guarded. and the fact OF
small force made II necessary TO deprive some
of the men Of chance to vote. Give US the ad-
dtional men ask for and believe that all pa
trolmen will have an opportunity TO vote
The Police Reorganization bill next called
up. and Mr.. Roosevelt said that. although he con-
sidered the passage Of such legislation somewhat
doubtful. the bill deserved favorable consideration
by the Legislature
Under the present rules Of trying policemen" he
continued I'VE are not allowed bring In the pre-
vous record Of ofcer. This bill makes 1t posi-
bic to bring in such evidence. and that provision
alone would be sufficient TO pass the
measure"
Commissioner Roosevelt SAID that he did not be-
Iieve in a discharged officer having recourse 10 the
courts While In some cases 1t might be Justified
taken for ali in all. II would be likely TO interfere
with the satisfactory administration Of the Police
Department.
Speaking of the present law he said that the
mixed system of authority. divided between 'he
Commissioners and the Chief OF Police. prevented
the most effective administration. II man was
bad enough he could be called before the Board.
but If he deserved recognition for merit Tor Ire
saving or any other cause the Board could not re-
ward him.
Centre the authority either In the CHER or IN the
Commissioners. and do away with this preposter-
GUS and clumsy division Of authority" said the
Commissioner But" he added. under the pres
ent law or any you may give us we Will sho" you
a pretty fair administration
Police Commissioner Andrews then spoke Few
words in favor Of the bill providing for telephone
system for the police in the city OF New-fork ana
the hearing closed. c. ,,.,-
Committee In favor OF the police bills. The com.
mittee intimated that the measure Tor additiohai
patrolmen would be reported favorabiy