New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-22
DEGRADING THE POLICE.

There is Just one good thing bout the Mayors
reorganization of the Police Board for the re-
moval of Chief MoCuagh and the appointment
of Devery in his place-it is prompt In that
particular 1t accords with the suggestion Of Nc
Cullagh himself and with The Tribunes advice
printed yesterday In every other respect 1t Is
as fagrantly indecent a performance as was
ever recorded even against Tammany admin
istration McCuagh could not be cajoled or CO.
creed into betraying his trust and abusing his
authority. lie would not promote or tolerate a
restoration of the Infamous system under which
money or influence secured immunity for viola
ton Of the law. Tammany having won the cleo
ton last November was resolved that this
should be 'wide-open" town, both because its
promises 10 that effect helped it into power and
because that sort Of town pleases those who
rule il. McCullagh could not be used for such
a purpose He had made an honorable record
for resclute hostility TO vice and crime, and he
did not surrender his title to self-respect and
public confidence when he was made Chief Of
Police lie had no idea of yielding. as the head
OF the force. to pressure which he had steadily
resisted as q subordlnate--of exercising a nomi-
nal command and being in reality puppet. For
this reason he was not wanted. When the ad-
ministratOu ascertained that he really meant 10
keep MS reputation unstalned 1t determined to
get rid OF lin. President York. who said last
February that McCullagh was the best man for
the place, was the Mayors Obedient servant.
So was Mr.. York's Democratic colleague, Sexton.
But two were not enough One more vote was
necessary. and with the Mayors approval would
be sufficient. For reasons best known to them.
selves and, we trust wholly honorable. neither
of the Republican Commissioners was ready TO
furnish it, They were both dismissed; one Of
them was at once replaced three votes for the
dismissal of McCulla gh and the appointment OF
his successor were obtained, the Mayor ratified
the action. and the detestable Job had been ac-
complshed
We said yesterday that everybody knew who
was waiting to supplant McCulagh. Devery is
the man. II was inevitable that he should be
chosen II the administration succeeded in carry
ing out its purpose. No other man who was ELI
giblc has a title like his to the confidence and
admiration of Tammany Hail. He is the very
embodiment of the Tammany theory of police
management. He has been q conspicuous tar
get of police reform. He has suffered tempo.
rary discontinue which would have been per-
marent except for a technicality which the APP
pelate Division felt compelled to adjudge valid
In the light Of his record nothing appears TO
warrant the supposltion that there will be any
further difficulty about making and keeping
New-York wide open" Because Devery, while
captain Of his precinct, was unable to find evil
dence of facts which were afterward proved in
court he became dear 10 Tammany, and the evil
dence against him before the LexOw Committee
nade him still dearer, while his dismissal by
the Police Board from the place In which the
operations Of the law compelled his reinstate
ment completed his claim to the highest post In
the service. Nobody will feel the least doubt of
what his appointment meauA It means large