The times., 1898-04-24
POLICEMEN WANT TO FIGHT.
Good Material on the Cepitai city
Force.

There ar. MANY members OF the Washington
police force who are aching to serve their coun-
try in a more effective manner in these piping
times than by patrolling their beats about the
city. twirling batons and running in oc-
casonal drunk or vag. The war is on in dead
earnest. and they want TO shoulder rifle or
handle 4 gun swab on one OF Uncle Sans big
vessels
4 large majority of the policemen would not
be novices in the art of They have seen
service in either the regular army the Navy
Up to a few years ago man could not be ap-
pointed on the force unless he could produce
honorable discharge from the United States
military or naval service. As a result the Wash
ingtou police force is made up largely OF trained
soldiers and Sailors, condition which does not
exist in the police department of any other Amri-
can city.
Since that army and navy clause was an
nulled by a decision of the court and appoint
ment on the force opened up the civilians. many
men from the regular regiments and men-of-
war have been appointed. The military and naval
training OF the Washington police was made
manifest by their excellent marching, drilling and
maneuyers at the late comptitive drill, in
which companies of blue coats from the nine
precincts took part. 1t is safe to say that of
the 500 men on the force, at least 800 have seen
service either in the army or navy
In all the precincts there are ex-cavalrymen
who have fought the Indians on the Western
plains ex-artilerymen who manned the big
guns along the coast OF served with light bat
teres; infantrymen and men of the naval service
from master-at-arns (''Johnny Legs to lands
men, Some OF them are what is known born
soldiers These are Lieut.. Kenney OF the Eighth
precinct a cavaryman OF long experience and
soldier in appearance and every movement. Sergt.
John Daley, of the Fourth; Sergts. Lombardy,
Falvcy and Byrnes. of the Sixth; Sergt. Moore. of
the First, and Wall of the Ninth, are all ex-
perienced soldiers sailors. and would be val
liable acquisitions to the army at this time.
A feeling of patriotic enthusiasm pervades the
entire department and were 1t possible for the
men to obtain indefinite leaves OF absence there
would be many to tender their services ana
experience to the War Department
Policeman Carlson, OF the First Precinct whG
is known as 1.-THE Sailor Cop" has had a long
experience in the United States Navy, and it is
reported that he has been rendered the position
of boatswain's mate of the cruisers
He is willing and anxious to 60 and perhaps viii
if he can secure a leave OF absence. There are
many others like Mr.. Carlson.
Major William G. Moore, chief OF police, Is q
soldier, and held the rank OF colonel in the Dis
trict National Guard. His men of the police
force know this, and they are imbucd with the
martial spirit now, when defenders for Old Glory
on land and on sea are being called for hy the
President. The matter OF forming military com
plny is stll being discussed by the policemen OF
the several precincts. should their services be-
come necessary, and without mueh drin they
would be ready to so TO the front.