The morning times., 1896-03-22

There is n movement on foot at the
Capitol TO take advantage of the shaking
up which Senator Chamber has instituted
regarding Senate employees, and SO extend
the reform movement as to include the
Capitol police force.
In fact, considerable headway has al
ready been made in this direction and the
proposition to make the force entirely
non-partisan in character is meeting with
general favor among those in authority.
Sergeant-at-Arms Bright, OF the Senate,
and Russell, of the House, have had q con-
ference on this subject and thoroughly
discussed the benefits to be derived from
taking the police out of politics. When
the proper Tine arrives both gentlemen
will render every possible assistance in
accomplishing the end sought
The Capitol police force are under the
immediate control of a board consisting
of Messrs Bright, Russell, and Architect
Clark. 1t is believed that any recommends
tons they might make in regard to chang
ing the present system OF appointment, 80
as to permit officers TO remain in service
during good behavior wOuld be approved
by both branches OF Congress.
EARLY EFFORT TO BE MADE.
For this reason an especial effort will
be made TO have some action taken in the
immediate future, the intention of those
favoring the change being 10 strike while
the iron is hot, and secure for the police
whatever refOrmatory benefits may be
obtained by the employees as result of
the agitation began by Senator Chandler.
The time for placing the police on
metropolitan basis is now considered eS-
pccially propltous, as the total number
OF Officers are as equally div ded between
the wo political parties as is possible under
the spoils system. The chief reason fer
this is probably found in the fact that the
Senate has been under Democratic dOmi-
.latlon, while the House has become Re
| publican, and Col. Bright, as a member
of the board, has securLd the retention Of
several good men.
Under the practice heretofore prevail
ing the Capitol police have been subject
TO n biennial shakeup, which has mini
mzed its usefulness ard at tue same time
worked injustice. New men have come in
| as lIeutenants over the heads of oder
ard more competent Officers, ard s n
! result the efficiency of the force is Dullifled
with every political change.
T ne chief duty of the Capitol police is
| 10 direct strangers ard give information to
| visitors. Al the present time there are
! officers employed WHO have not become
! sufficiently ConyerSant with the building
| to find heir way out Of it. In the course
| Of two years these men become proficient
and serviceable ard then must give way
! to new men who come in as u matter
| OF party eXpedency.
DISMISSAL FOR CAUSE.
The proposition now is 10 make the
| force partisan, retain the men until
/ dismissed for cause, make ali promotions
| from the ranks and practically establish
/ the force on the same basis as the Metro
| politan police.
There is a strong probability that this
! viii be done, and tie result would be j
! great public benefit in securing better ant
| more reliable service for those who visit
! the Capitol.
1t is a matter OF almost hourly occur
| renee that some visitor TO the Capitol asks
an officer on duty as 10 tie location OF
! a committee room, and when the infOrma
ton cannot lie Obtained, by Ieason Cf ig
| noTance, the interrogation becomes in
| diEnant and expresses surprise that maj
in the position Of an officer is nCt familiar
with the Capitol.
In such instances, however, II is IN NJ
| sense the officers fault, US no man live.
| who can learn every nook ami corner ever
! on one side Of the lig building IN a lew
! weeks. The blame must be charged gains
| the system which Goes not take experience
into consideration, but makes the mel
whose services are the most valuable Ger
tain OF dismissal with every Iolitica
| change, and that, too, Just at the time they
have succeeded in acquiring proficiency ant
valuable wlcdge.
The general public would unanimous!
declare, and large proportion Of mem
| berS concur in the vcrUIct, that the CapIJO
police be at once placed upon a non
partisan basis.