New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-25
Eighteenth Street. Nineteenth Street and Sixth Aveu-.
BICTCLE POLICEMEN LECTURED.
FOUND GUILTY OF MUTINl On THE HIGH
SEAS on A STATEN ISLAND FERRYBOAT
AND LET OFF WITH WARNING.

twenty-five policemen Of the bicycle squad were
before Inspector Thompson at Police Headauar-
tiers yesterday accused by the Inspector of being
guilty Of Decentralization. Last Tuesday large
number Of policemen were detailed TO attend the
booths at the primary elections Some OF them had
little sleep. This was particularly true Of the
twenty-five policemen Of the bicycle squad. who
assigned to booths on Staten Island They
were called 30 O'Clock and told what they would
have TO DO. A. $50 o'clock they embarked on the
ferryboat Southfeld for St. George.
As there were no other passengers on the boat.
the twenty-five bicycle policemen took possession OF
me upper deck, and sang songs and became kitten
ish in their relaxation from duty. They were hav-
ing a good time when Daniel L. Ryan. special
policeman employed by the ferry company, went on
deck and in sonorous tones said: Gentlemen, tbs
must stop"
Rats shouted the bicycle policemen in unison.
The two policemen who shouted Rats the loud
est eyed sternly by Ryan. and going up TO
them. ne placed MS hands their shoulders and
said: I'm the OF the State Of Neviork.
place you under arrest"
At this moment a wad 81 paper struck Ryan in
the back Of the neck. lie then backed up against
post and solemnly declared that all were under az
rest Tho policemen objected Ia being arrested by
proclamation. and instructed Ryan that no one was
under arrest unless touched by the hands OF the
arresting officer. Thereupon Ryan went about
touching each one Of the group on the shoulder
Some Of the frOlirsome policemen ran. and Ryan
was obliged 70 race after them In order 20 touch
them. Some OF the policemen protested that the
arrests were irregular. the law declared they
must be- touched on the left shoulder. Just behind
the seam in the coat Because Ryan refused to
comply with this requisiton the whole crowd de-
clared they not under arrest Then the po-
ncemen began 10 sing. ~ Don't Like the Face You
Wear" This Infatuated Ryan. and he made
speech
"Gentlemon don't know who you are" he said
neither do ! care. I am an officer Of the law
Clear" Hear" from the policemen Ii Is my
duty that the peace Is kept You are all
under arrest and that settles it, Here there
cheers for the special officer and cloud OF paper
wads hoated about Ryan'S head
When tho boat reached ST George Ryan lined up
the twenty-five offending polio men. and summon
ing two policemen who were standing the dock
ordered hem 10 arrest the twenty-five bicycle men,
The two policemen smiled. and one Of them said
TO Ryan Don't be a blamed fool, Ryan. They're
only kidding you"
As the policemen refused to arrest the twenty
five bicycle policemen. Ryan. heading the deega-
ton. marched MP with them 10 the precinct station
at Stapleton. where the twenty-five were 20 report
to Sergeant cobb and receive assignments. Ryan
rushed IN ahead Of the policemen and made a COM
paint. nc told his story. Sergeant Cobb looked
disgusted and said: These men policemen IL
you want 10 make a complaint 90 10 chef Devery.
Ryan the next day made a complaint 10 Chief
Deyery. who turned The case over 10 Inspector
Thompson in who's Jurisdiction the bicycle squad
is included The twenty-five policemen and Ryan
We're summoned before the Inspector yesterday.
Don't You smile, sald the inspector, with a
perfectly serious face TO some OF the men who
! were srinnnC. This Is no laughing matter. Gem
tletnen. | nave been reading up maritime law,
and lind that such conduct yours plainly ind-
Gates that YOU wcrc guilty of what constitutes the
/ heinous crime of mutny on the high seas. This
officer Vhe Inspector made a profound obesance 20
! Ryan who bowed in return has had the majesty
Of the law represented I'm his person. outraged.
For this characterization and mutIny YOU could all
have been swung from the yardarm OF the South
field II becomes my duty To severely condemn
YOUR actions Go back To your beats and hang
hon relnn mo. for he wilt of rha
law and thank your stars AMI shields that nothing
but the milk Of human kindness that flows in this
officers breast has prevented you from untimely
end | cannot express in adequate terms
how shocked Relieve me- | feel the turpitude
of YOUR conduct deeply
! Ryan seemed content with the result Of his COM
plant but the twenty-five policemen went out into
the hall which for time rang with their laughter.