Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-03-25
DIsREPUTABLE INDIVIDUALS SORRY
THAT POLICE RECORDS REMAIN.
MAY THWART THEIR SCHEME.
PRESSURE BEING BROUGHT To BEAR
,UPON NEW COMMISSIONERS.
Trouble Certain to Occur Between the
Two Factions of the Local De-
mocrncy Over the ReorEun-
ixntion of the Police
Force.

Burning regrets are being indulged in by
some of the gamblers. the managers OF the
gamblcrs and thieves over the TACT that
records survive the corroding influence OF
time. In their efforts to revive all sorts
of depravity in the city and in their en-
deavor to place thieving on a per cent
basis. 1t is first necessary. of course, TO
secure for chief of police man who can
be handled TO a certainty. There must be
no mistake about it. But to get such
man it usually happens that there is a
record standing against him that can De
recalled by decent people.
l. has been suggested that all the news
paper files, covering Investigations. and
covering affidavits of men. who. as officers
on the police force. accepted percentage
frcm pickpockets and thieves. be burned.
Then it is added that something should be
done to wipe out of the memory of the
pee pie of the city all traces of such ex-
posure. In this way they could clear the
deck for tried and true manipulation oil
thieves to be made chief of police or in
spector of detectives.
1t is looked upon as really too bad that
the new police board will be compelled to
take into consideration the corrupt record
OF any man whom thieves, thugs. gamblers
and after dark voting politicians may want
10 Install as CLicl VI poiieS. "Se.e
work along so lovely if this element could
secure the selection of a liberal man. One
who would reinstate the practice of accept
ing money from 4 thief by way of granting
a permit to operate in the city and who
would also want part of a clear holdup or
clear pickpocket haul. The light fingered
element working to liberate the city as weii
as beautify it, are not objecting to the old
plan of paying for privileges. They are not
only willing, but anxious to pay. This be-
ing the case, they cannot see why the new
board cannot give them chief or police,
who while in the ranks. made such terms
as would give them a chance to rob any
man who was SO selfish as to nave money
on his person.
easy Job to appoint this kind Of a man.
The average citizen engaged in business
would not recall. possibly, the record of
the new chief. even If he had been shown
under oath to have accepted money oy way
of protecting thieves, and II would be
some time before the good old days would
eral uprising after the reign of terror had
been reinaugurated, a change could be
made. If 1t became necessary. and In the
meantime much money could be secured.
The gamblers and thieves trying to ar
range for raid on the city were some
covered that possibly the new police board
might not appoint chief of police. who.
in the past had been shown to be a per-
centage thief, and who could be relied upon
to do business in the wide open fashion.
They made general rush over the city.
bring influence to bear on the new board.
1t will certainly be very unfortunate for
them If they fail in securing the appoint-
ment.