New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-14
LIE LOCAL POLICE FORCE.


Observant people cannot have failed TO notice
grievous falling off in police efficiency since
Tammany captured the Department. 1t is con-
ceded all sides that Tammany domination
is complete 1t is true that two members of
the Police Board have voted with the Repub-
lican party in past years, but these members,
since they took office have manifested an ex-
cessvely amiable and complaisant disposition
toward their Democratic colleagues. and when
Mr. Croker and his lieutenants have wanted
anything done in the Department the Repub-
Dcan Commissioners have exhibited q swift
and eager zeal in serving Tammany. Many
OF the abuses which We're conspicuous be-
fore the exposures Of the LexOw Committee
are now obtrusiye in the behavior and disci-
pine Of the patrolmen roundsmen, sergeants.
captains and higher officials. The conviction
has been growing stronger constantly since
the present Police Board came into power that
the first duty Of policeman is to crafty dis
trict leaders, ward heelers and everybody who
wears the Tammany livery. The feeling which
Colonel Roosevelt sought so diligently TO create
and strengthen, that the wearers OF the uni
form are The servants of the people. and should
enforce the laws without fear or favor, has be-
come sadly weakened this year. When Colonel
Roosevelt was al the head of the Department
policemen much more respectful and
courteous 10 law-abiding citizens than they are
now. AT that time in thousands of cases they
sought 10 earn the approval OF the community
by faithfulness and hard work But Tammany
taints everything which it touches, and the
force to-day furnishes a mOurnful example Of
the degradation and confusion which always
prevail when Tammany governs department
II is n matter Of common knowledge that
Chief Devery was promoted in order TO carry
out Tammany schemes, and not with the pur
pose desire that he should improve the De
partment, should raise the standard Of eff
cheney and should protect the rights Of the
people. Had the Tammany candidate for Gov
ernor been successful. II is certain that this
would have been wide-open city in the worst
sense Of the expression, and that the lawbreak-
ers with money 10 use in brides would have
enjoyed the same immunity which they en-
1oyed before the LeXow revelation The Police
Board cannot delude intelligent New Workers
IN regard 90 this matter. Up TO Election Day
last month the city under Tammany rule was
going downh NJ tremendous pace. Gam
bling houses ard vicious resorts OF all kinds
were multiplying from the Battery 10 the IIar-
lem, and many detectives, patrOlmen and others
on the force had fat and greasy look as II
the springs Of revenue which flowed so Freely
some years ago were again pouring forth riches
In abundance But Tammany scented danger
at Albany When the voters elected Gov
ernor who is familiar by personal study ana
the closest personal contact with every detail
OF police administration in every precinct be-
tween the East River and the Hudson, ana
elected Republican majority in the Legs-
lature tine followers Of Richard Croker took
the alarm. 1t was obvious that the Republican
Governor and the Republican Legislature In
1899 would adopt radical measures unless the
Department in the mean time should close at
least a percentage Of the dives and gambling
houses. II is for that reason, and that reason
alone, that captains under orders from head
quarters have been making raids night after
night. and have been inspired with q sudden