New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-08-02
DIR. De COSTA PRAISES COLONEL GRANT
HE ATTACKS POLICE METHODS AGAINST DIS
ORDERLY WOMEN.

HE ATTACKS POLICE METHODS AGAINST DIS
ORDERLY WOMEN
At the Church Of St John the Evangelist last
night the rector the Rev. Dr. f. +. De Costa. spoke
on the moral issue that has been precipatcd by
the resignation of Commissioner Grant from the
Police Board. The preacher said that things had
long been leading up this issue. and that Colonel
Grant had performed a useful service by his action
DIR. De Costa said that he had long sought in Vari
ways emphasize the Importance Of the issue
and president of the White Cross Society he had
labored in private and public to persuade prominent
influential men of the grossly immoral nature Of
certain practices. at the time pointing out
legal and clear methods of procedure. He took his
text from Romans. xii, q: BE not overcome OF
evil but overcome evil with good"
After speaking of moral obligations in and the
need OF avoiding the appearance of evil he reached
the point at issue. and said in substance that the
moral questions had been dragged into the mire, and
that more and more moral distinctions being
lost sight Of sharp and cunning practices being put
in the place of pure and dignhed administration.
The moral question had been distinctly avoided by
men who claim to be leaders Some time ago the
crusade started out against the police. and leaders
who avoided any enunciation OF moral principle
took for their motto Anything to beat the police.
The motto of the class of men now might
read Anything TO degrade the police" One resul:
had been the forcing OF the resignation OF Colonel
Grant whose moral nature naturally revolts against
methods best suited men lost to sense of shame
"All honor 10 him for this action" DR.. De Costa
continued. "It forms needed and hcalthful pro-
test 1t is the elimination of feeling that has
been slowly rising in the breasts of thousands of
good men, VINO have been pursued and shocked by
methods more degrading and criminal than the
crimes that have claimed to oppose. The
moral aspect Of the question is one thing, and the
legal another II is high time that alleged re
formers consulted the Penal Code and read in the
light of reason and morality what IL has to say
about melting to crime The Code is very express
and does not allow any one to plead motive or in
tention in connection with their efforts at reform
and the enforcement Of law. To ncite crime, what
every may be the motive. is simply criminal
unfortunately there are good men and women
who hold that the end justiies the means and that
we may multiply the crime of a bad man in order TO
catch, and convict him AGAINST al such proceed
any right to speak or act a lie or incte to an inn
moral act 70 get evidence against one offended. We
not, for one moment. fail 70 AVOID the appearance
of evil; hand may join hand and society be added to
society, yet whatever their strength and respecta
bility they cannot reveal the plain words of God;
have sought to bring this evil TO the attention Of
much credit for the courage and persstency with
which they have fought vice and crime. No one
needful good they do; but there Is great need Of re-
considering methods. and a strong call for the de-
the resignation OF Colonel Grant Al true friends
OF morality must be with him il this action, and
honor him accordingly.
believe me, the opposition to legal methods
every way audable and practical results from the
of decency. recognize moral law for
and another for women while the White Cross holds
one for both. claiming that what Is sin in the
woman is sin in the man. The methods of the
White Cross have the highest judicial sanction, and
If followed would not cause any blush upon the
of policeman's wife. To-day terrible moral rot
underes administrations. and without first purify
ing the moral atmosphere. the leaders are trying 10
lead US TO reform WHAT is needed first OF all is n
reform of certain reformers' who have attempt
"a to avoid the appearance Of evil but have greediy
run to immoral and vicious methods deliberately
violating commandments and seeking TO do evil that
good may come 1t is time to call halt If we ex-
pect in the future decent administration for the
Greater New-York."