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

clear tonight south of New England, and
that fair weather will prevail Friday from
the lower lake region southwark to the
gulf states
The following heavy precipitation Tin
incheS) was reported:
lished, not only by police statistics period
ically promulgated. but by letters of COM
mendation and communications of inquiry
received regarding its business and regu-
lation practices which information Is
sought with a view Of contemplated re-
forms by the correspondents. When the
war of the rebellion ceased there We're
those who secured positions on the force
Under a provision of law established for
their exclusive benefit and protection. ana
up to within a short time that provision,
which made army and navy service hrst
qualification for appointment, prevailed.
Under its operations many gallant, intelli-
gent. honorable soldiers and sailors pro-
cured employment. They fast gained pro-
motion, and by their intelligence OF acton
placed in successful operation what was
destined to become the foremost police IN
stitution in the country. The succeeding
yeas soon so detracted from the physical
condition of those who had served their
country during the war as 10 make them
physically incapable of discharging the ar
duous duties of a police officer, and the
age limit for appointment on the force OPP
Grated to the advantage of the soldier who
had enlisted in the army in time OF peace
The Next Stage.
The army and navy clause having been
abolished by court procedure the next ex-
detrimental stage was entered upon inf1u-
ence being a factor for appointment in
many cases. Civil service adoption finally
placed applicants upon a different plane
for selection The net result is that. after
years Of experiments. which were success
sively inaugur.;ted for the best interests,
force has bean realized somewhat DIVERSE
fled in its composition. While the great
majority have improved, been earnest in
their work and conscientious IN the per
formance of duty, there crops out on the
surface row and then an example OF the
small minority, which brings reproach up
on the many.
Many of the force have long since
passed that age when their mental and
bodily condition was equal to all the de-
mands and calls made upon them as police
men, yet, after years of exposure, there
was no adequate provision Tor their retire
ment. 1t would have been cruel, If not in
human, to throw them out upon the world
without means to obtain bread and shelter.
Every police department of Importance to-
day maintains its worn-out members In a
liberal manner, New York and Brooklyn
being eSpeci ally magnanimous In this re-
spect. Nevertheless the District organiza-
ton has held it's own in the conduct of Its
purposes.
Criticism of Detectives.
There has been, since the day of the
organization of the detective branch of the
service, much criticism against its mem
bers and methods. Time alone has proved
wherein any deficiency originated. 1t has
long since been asserted. and very properly
SO. that it costs money TO buy brains. The
best talent and capacity cannot be had
for Inadequate compensation. To provide
a chief for such work, himself skilled In
tracing criminals. man able to discern
tGar TOR Ofs ri
the character of the work. with ability to
discipline and manage subordinates. at a
salary of $500 a year, partakes OF the
ridiculous. There is always demand for
such ability at far better pay.
The requirements Of the police to act as
bailiffs in court, as watchmen, census
erumerators, distributors of civil notices
and SO forth, are deviations from their
legitimate duties which seriously detracts
from their efficiency. 1t may be repeated.
however. that Notwithstanding these con-
ditions the District of Columbia police
force occupies q most credftable place
among similar institutions.
Police Pension Fund.
There is truth in the assertion that po-
lice efficiency has been in a degree depre
ciated by ol6 members who have outlived
their days of activity. The law recognizes
these same men in providing that upon
certain conditions they may be placed upon
q footirg which will insure them living
during their declining years. without how
ever, furnishing sufficient means to carry
irto effect the statute. The most trifiing
ard insignificant offense may cost an Off
Ger limb perhaps his life, and years Of
outdoor duty Invariably beget sickness and
disease. All this the legislators in various
communities rave recognized, to the ex
tent of establishing and sustaining ample
pension funds.
Two years ago the Commissioners were
authorized to apply funds paid into the
District from Police Court fines to sustain
the roll of disabled policemen and firemen,
with additional dependencies consisting of
the widows and children of deceased Off
GERS. The roll now contains the names Of
Lightweight persons. involving an annual
expenditure Of 81. SO, while the receipts
from all available sources are inadequate
to meet further requirements. Nearly
hundred members Of the force could be af-
forded that ease and support in their ad-
vanced years which the law contemplates
did Congress make proper provision for
carrying out its intent with sufficient ap-
preparations. The action of Congress in
1896 was step in the right direction, but
after two years the department, in an at
tempt to accomplish reforms for which
there he's been much unjustifiable hue and
cry in some quarters. again finds its way
obstructed. The question has been studied
continues to assert itself that Congress
should not confine the Commissioners to
the Police Court fines for the purpose Of
enabling them to pension deserving sub
Jects. but should permit such relief to ne
accessible from the general revenues of the
District mot Of the general government,
as is contained In a paragraph in the esti-
mates preceding this report. With such an
arrangement the police force could be prop
erly strengthened and its management have
no excuse for the retention of men physi-
cally and mentally incapacitated for the
performance Of active duty.
1t Is urged that the proposition offered in
this direction may be sustained by the en-
suing Congress as the nearest solution of
this important question.
Better Omcial Quarters Needed.
From infancy the metropolitan police de-
partment Of the District has had TO con-