The times., 1898-07-17

as a candidate. Probably very few men
cherished even a secret hope that the
honor might fail to them.
Mr.. Sylvester made no formal applica-
ton for the Office. He trusted to the
judgment and discretion of the Commis-
sloners, and his faith was not misplaced
His merit was his only influence. Con-
trary to custom, the office sought the
man.
Before the death of Major Moore. but
when II became apparent that a new chief
of police must be chosen, Mr.. Sylvester
was nominated by acclaim. The officers
and men Of the department said that ii
must De Sylvester. Citizens who followed
local affairs indorsed this sentiment.
Confidence in the success OF Mr.. Syl-
vester was only slightly shaken by un-
comfortable rumors that an outsider
would be chosen to fill the office. little
color was lent this rumor by the fact
that the principle Of home rule has been
frequently violated in the matter OF APP
pointmeuts 10 District offices. The posi-
bility that potent political pressure might
be exerted to import a chief of police in
duced the Commissioners to take prompt
action.
The District Commissioners met in the
board room at 10 a. m. yesterday. Mr..
Ross brought up directly the question of
the appointment Of a successor TO Major
Moore. Mr.. Wigat. president of the
board. nominated Mr.. Sylvester. Mr..
Ross seconded the nomination, and Afr.
Wight, Mr.. Ross and Capt. Beach voted
ave. Mr.. Sylvester was called into the
room and notified of his promotion
Then the following was issued: or
dered: That Richard Sylvester is hereby
appointed major and superintendent of
the Metropolitan Police department., vice
William G. Moore, deceased; appointment
TO take effect this day
The order was signed by Secretary Tin
daa and across the bottom was written;
Official copy furnished Mr.. Sylvester
News OF the appointment spread quick
" through the District building, and the
police department. Mr. Sylvester was
overwhelmed with congratulations. He
said modestly, that he had not sought
the Office. but that he would do his best
to fill 1t creditably. He said further:
''I thank the Commissioners for the con-
fidence Teposed in me and for the great
honor conferred in making me the sue
ces0r of so good. true and honorable
man, and so true and kind a friend as
Col. Moore. For sixteen years, nearly, l
have conducted the clerks office in q
manner acceptable to the people of the
District and my superiors, and I shall try
TO merit by my future course all the
good things that have been said about
me-"
The new major and superintendent of
police is a young man. He Is full of
force and energy.
For over fifteen years he has been
in personal contact with every mem
Der of the department and has served
as chief clerk under three superinten-
dents. He began his service under Ma
ior Dye and continued 1t under Major
Walker and the late Major Moore.
During this time he has familiarized
himself with the needs of the service.
He has introduced new clerical methods
and has instituted several modern inyen-
tions for recording and classifying
crooks"
He knows the history of the department
thoroughly. The ANIMAL reports to the
commissioners have been prepared under
his direction. He has also had charge of
the preparation of the estimates for the
police department, and has succeeded in
securing needed legislation.
Richard Sylvester is a native of
Iowa City, Iowa, where he was
born in August, 1857. During the
war his parents removed to Memphis,
Tenn, and in 1869 to st. Louis, where
young Sylvester had his first business ex-
perience as entry clerk in the wholesale
saddlery house of Meyer, Bannerman &
Co. Upon leaving this establishment he
entered the academic department of
Washington University and at the ter
mination of his connection with the insti-
tuition pursued the study of law for a
year. Subsequently he turned his atten-
ton to reportorial work on the ST. Louis
press, his father then being associated in
the editorial management of the ST. Louis
Times with Mr. Stiison Hutchins.
About the time of the Black Hills dis
coveries, at the instance of friends in
Nebraska, he established the West Point
Progress. which succeeded in becoming
an influential and successful journal
In 1877 he returned to Missouri and took
charge of the Pennington Times. and his
services were commended by the State
press generally. He served in both Con-