The times., 1899-11-05
FLAG COMPETITION ENDS
Each Police Precinct Confident Of
Winning the Trophy.
The Annual Inspection and Drill
CompIeted-Name OF the Successful
Squad TO Be Announced one Hour
Before Tuesdays Parade starts
Eietors VIII Carry the CoIOrs.

There is only one topic OF conversation
in police circles today that excltes general
interest, and that is the probable result
or outcome Of the third annual drill and
Inspection Of the force in competition for
the John B. Wight silk flag. The contest
began Wednesday, and, according TO the
original programme, would have been COM
pleted Monday Certain circumstances,
however caused a change IN the pro
gramme, with the result that an effort was
made 10 conclude the inspection Friday.
On that day another change was an
nounced because Of the inclemency Of the
weather, and those precincts which were
10 have faced the inspecting party on Fri
day were notified Of a pOstpOHsment until
yesterday. 10 dissatisfaction was fclt as
those interested were glad 10 embrace an
opportunity which gave them additional
time 20 prepare for the all important event
Previous 10 yesterday Precincts Nos. J.
z 3, 4. 3 and were inspected. On We1nes-
day the first two named underwent scru-
tiny, and on the following day the latter
four faced the inspecting party. All OF
the precincts made an excellent showing
and, according 10 the opinions OF those
who witnessed the drills they were as
AlNeaA tlIl AN~AatIA4 llAioELAtE EosA Al C.
cincl a noticeable confidence was manifest
and the announcement Of the fact that all
could not win the flag had little or no per
Ceptible effect, so sure was each precinct
that the trophy would be awarded 10 H.
Yesterday brought no change in the cOndi-
Jion Of affairs except that il brought three
other confident precincts TO the front as
claimants for the coveted prize.
These precincts were those which had
q a..
enth. Eighth and Ninth precincts. OK what
are known as the outlying precincts. They
are as confident Of winning the flag as those
who drilled before them, and FL is safe TO
gay that they have q just claim 10 the
honor each expects 10 get, but which can
fall to only one OF nine.
Promptly al J O'Clock yesterday after
noon the inspecting party, consisting Of
Major Sylvester Captain Austin and Lieu
tenant Inspectors Pearson and Cross. Of the
department, and Lieut. Col Burton S.
Ross. Of the Washington Light Infantry.
appeared at no. station and witnessed
the drill Of the command OF Lieutenant
SWiudells. From there they went 10 the
Eighth precinct and saw Lieutenant Ken
ney's men make their effort In defence Of
the prize flag which they aow hold Wien
that drill was concluded the Ninth pre-
cinct was visited and there al O'Clock
Lieutenant Daley, formerly known as the
fighting sergeant put bis men through
a course OF sprouts that won the admira-
tion Of al who witnessed it, The driu
was concluded al about $50 o'clock. and
thus ended the active competition for the
prize silk flag and the honor which ac-
companies a. viz, being known as the
premier precinct OF the Metropolitan Police
force.
Now that the driu has been concluded
speculation is rife as 10 which precinct
came Of victorious As was stated, the
men Of each precinct are confident that the
decision Of the Judges VIII award 10 their
respective precinct the flag they have so
CALAMITY iabOred 10 win. This confidence
VIII live for three days yet and then in
eight Instances fl viii be dashed to the