New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-23
THE NIGHT STICKS STAY.
BUT POLICEMEN MUST KEEP THEM IN
THEIR BELTS AND STOP TWlRL-
INC, THEM,

There was n long discussion before the Foice
Board yesterday over President Moss proposi''oh
to abolish the night stick. Chief McCuiash wv"
part In the discussion as did Commissioners An
drews and Smith. President Moss IN in'roouc''s
his resolution said:
"rhe unpIearant thing Is the appearance OF
policemen who have habit Of twirling their CLUBS
These clubs look like cart rungs. ana the sien' VI
policemen swinging them on the corner ii'ahes
bad impression. There is great deal OF resent
ment In the mlnds OF citizens against the DISPOSE
ton to exhibit the night stick this way under-
stand that the reason the men carry the s''e"
In their hands is because 1t is not comfor'aoe "
wear II In the belt
general discussion then followed relative 70 .i'o
day stick which Is worn In the oet cohs'a"'i.
Patrolman Moran. Of Commissioner Andre"ss oi'
fee was present in the Board room, ana MS opiil'o
was asked Moran ,old the Commissioners 'na'
the day stick was easy to break. He said that II
could not be used at all for calling assistance as
slight blow would cause II to break IN TWO. ~ WAS
more Of an ornament, and yet II used 70 MT ma"
on the head would prove more injurious thah '"o
long night stick. ,
THE night stick is the only stick 70 90 ouy
with" said Moran Il have been In hard places
and tho thieves and thugs are all afraid OF the
night stick and revolver. l never heard Oh man
being killed by the night stick. but II you MI
man hard with a billy you Will XIII him.
Al this point Chief McCullagh was sent Tor. ana
his opinion asked. Inc NHlei Stoo" Wy AO' 49,
niaht stIck He said Il the most usefuI weapon
that the police could have. Besides us rappihs
qualities IT was the only thing. he said when po-
llcemen could use to protect themselves In crowd
Chief McCullagh illustrated how an offcer win
night stick could prevent attack and waro OH
mob He said further that Police Surgeon fIuhreF
had informed him that there was not case on rec
ard in twenty years where a mans sku'. mad oeeh
fractured by the night STICK !. ao,os.oa c,ub.
President Moss then said that he detested cup s
l,Ipya ole
ciu6bjng Of inoffensivs citizens was ~ ms opi, ~
worse Than taking money. Chef McCuI.asn IA (,
formed the Commissioner that the ruieS Le1Haiie s
nocenen 10 wear their night sticks IN tle.' ,ii
Presidect Moss then said that IL the Sne. 49,
rromiss 10 make policemen keep their h'sn' 81. n ha
in their be IS he would let his resolution ne on q
"a bln The Chief promised that the RUE wouu DC
enforced and Mr. Moss did not press MS reso'u-
Dnrrg the discussion Mr. Moss read an anony-
nous letter when he had received. ana when et!,
dcrtiy was written by patrolmah. oo''e W ''
sentences were as fol!oWs' ..,,,, i.,, lon,
peonle know you are there yet. although you are
such a poor spccman OF a man. Say, VINO are you
9nvhow? And what you? What you dof KNOW W
would fu a big book You are oeaute IKE inc
e,Iy who gave you your job. TWO sood Things,
,nigbt sign my autograph but have presenuineHt
+, would be unhealthy and prefer 10 remain a
notro:man | suppose you are taking tiIne Dy ne
forelock You want TO abolish the nlsnt cruz Ior
,osr Won might become 100 fresh yourself some
night when you an ex-commlssloner anu get
,aste OF IT, You are a hairy old boy-nit'