Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-21

a
vice, began to believe that they had made a
mistake in offering the use of their prop
erty to the government. The tngratitude
evidenced by many. am pleased TO state,
was not shared in by law-abiding citizens.
and despite the fact of severe criticism
those detailed have quietly pursued their
way accomplishing excellent results in the
wide field afforded them. In obedience to
public demands the men were uniformed,
and they are known for their gentiemaniy
bearing and disposition to Go what is right
under the many unpleasant features which
accompany their actions. A total OF ,4U2
arrests have been made, of which 1,0i2
were for fast riding.
The Police Signal Systems.
The police signal and telephone service
extends throughout the District Of Colum-
bia. For number of years excellent re-
suits were obtained from this service, but
storms and other destructive agencies with
in the past two years have operated in a
measure to diminish the workings Of the
apparatus and its attachments. There
should be some steps adopted TO keep the
system In permanent operating condition,
as its Importance as factor in police man
agement cannot be overestimated, the
safety of life and property often depending
upon its availability for immediate use.
reference was made to the new game
and fish laws prepared and submitted to
the Commissioners early in the season.
II Is without doubt wrong" says Maj.
IMoore tnat game Illegally procured in the
states should find place Of disposal in the
District of Columbia. just as much so as If
property purloined elsewhere should find a
place for sale in this Jurisdiction. The bills
are important, and deserve the favorable
consideration Of Congress.
Civil Service Rules.
This is the second years application of
civil service rules to appointments on the
force. and the system adopted by the Com
missioners has not only secured capable
material. but has abated the annoyance
formerly experienced through influential
solicitations. Under existing workings an
applicant must pass rigid physical exam
ination to become qualified for an appear
ance before the civil service commission
where an average of 20 must be obtained to
place the candidate on the eligible list for
an appointment on the force. The mental
requirements are not difficult, but are such
as will secure for the force good and COM
petent selections,
During the fiscal year which ended June
30, 1897. there We're examined by the civil
service board 115 applicants, of which num-
Der 7S passed the requirements.
The Harbor Boat.
The retirement Of the harbor boat Joe
Blackburn was referred to, and the superin-
tendent says: Under the command of
Harbor Master John r. Sutton the river
patrol has become an important adjunct
to the general police service. The boat, now
in use, the Nisilant, will not break ice in
the harbor during the severe winter, nor is
it intended to be used for that purpose, but
will be found useful and efficient in the
recovery of drowned bodies, in saving life
on the river. in clearing the channel for
navigation. in preventing Illegal shooting
and fishing, and in SURPRISING gambling
on the flats.
The massage resorts have the benefit of
n orr. NH md he gum rIIlts ia
tails the difficulties of getting the evidence
necessary to convict persons accused OF
alleged immoral practices.
Street Railroads.
The stopping of street cars on one side
OF . .horoughfare or the other, with
View Of avoiding accidents. is matter of
first Importance, says the report. Reguia-
tons that require those going south to
stop at the north side, going north at the
south side, west at the east side and east
at the west side all tend 10 prevent cas-
ualties. Some Of the most lamentable
suits have followed the stepping of pas
sengers from the inside, or left side of
cars, where there is a double track, and
more of these mishaps must ensue unless
precautions are taken on the part of rail-
way companies to prevent them. Proper
guard rails and caution should be maintain
ed on all lines.
Railroad Crossings.
Were the steam railroad crossings kept
under the constant watching of the force
there would not be sufficient men left to
patrol the streets, and 1t is harGly rea-
sonable that the public employees should
be designated to perform work which prop
erly belongs to the railroad corporations,
and so long as grade crossings prevail,
gates, with live, energetic men to watch
them, should be required of the companies
THOSE emDlCVed or
ne compelled to divide their duties but
to give their whole time and attention to
the crossings. Through police efforts the
former delays to the public at crossings
by trains occupying them has been in a
great measure abated. 1t is to be ls,ped
that In the near future there may be such
changes adopted In the moving of trains
through the city as will relieve the police
to some extent of constant railroad pa
troll.
The subject of charities and the part the
police play in relieving the distressed in
the winter season Is adverted to. A total
of 13,2S5 persons obtained aid through the
police channel last winter.
Guards Against Accidents
Every now and then horrible accidents
result and ofttimes death ensues from reck-
less or fast driving. and in several in
stances the police have been unable to ap-
prehend the guilty parties tt such affairs
primary reason for this inability is that
the vehicles driven are of suc!: nature
that full and distinguishable feature by
which they my be recognized after such
accioents does not exist. Would 1t not be
well. then TO require of all persons doing
business within the District of Columbia
TO carry some sign or other indication on
such ven'cle as they may employ whereby
they might be readily distinguishes 4
sign or Il number on II wagon would fur
nish means to u witness which oftentimes
would enable the police TO apprehend a
party through whose recklessness death or
accident ensued to the innocent.
Comparison Instituted.
The superintendent supplies statistics as
10 criminology in the District, ind COM
pares with other cities of equal size. The
result ne says. is largely to the credit of
me local police department, as well as of
the city. WI ~ VI
Was Imprfsoned.
Detective Parham, who has made many
arrests since he became a policeman sew
eral years ago, now understands what it
Is to be prisoner, and he also has n we'll
a C1 tlDr