The evening times., 1899-10-20

far as il is embraced, with the one object
in view of winning the prize trophy and
enjoying the proud distinction of being
known as the commander of the premier
body of policemen.
Working for the Trophy.
The men of the precincts at once realized
what an honor it would mean, not only to
the lieutenant commanding them, but to
themselves. If they could win the prize
flag. and set to work with a will to aid
the lieutenants in their endeavors. An es-
prit du corps was manifested everywhere
with the result that in a short time keen
interest and determination to win had de-
veloped into the most pronounced rivalry
and there was Immediately noticed mark
ed improvement in the department in more
than one particular. The men OF the dif-
ferent precincts paid more attention to
personal appearance than they had ever
been known to do before. They also work
ed hard over the manual and soon had ac-
Quired knowledge of military tactics in
the facings, foot movements, wheelings
etc, which they had not previously cen
sidered an essential to good police service.
Everywhere there was enthusiasm, and
the results of painstaking effort became
evident. AT all precincts there was con-
hdence. Every man in a precinct felt sure
that the prize flag would adorn the sta
tion in which he did duty. So confident
were the men of the different precincts of
obtaining the prize that to an observer
it appeared that nine flags would have to
be furnished if every precinct was to be
gratifed. Finally, the date for the anx-
iously awaited inspection and drill ar
rived, and with 1t came increased enthu-
siasm and more confidence among the
men OF the rival precincts. Each precinct
was inspected and drilled separately, with
a satisfying result, but not until the last
precinct had gone through with the pre-
scribed schedule was any uneasiness felt
by the members of any precinct.
Won by the First Precinct
For few days after the last precinct
had drilled a great tension was evident,
and speculation was rife as to what pre-
cinct had come off victorious. Rumor told
strange and contradictory stories, and
that only added to the speculation.
AT last the day for the official announce
ment of the prize winner came and with it
came disappointment TO eight precincts and
Joy and happiness to the men OF the First
precinct. Their jubilation was untold and
as they marched In the annual parade a
few days later they were proud set CT
policemen. Their pride extended over a
period of one year when they lost the
coveted prize flag. 1t was wrested from
them at the second annual inspection and
drill by the men of the eighth precinct,
under the command of Lieutenant Kenney.
They have held the flag since November 7,
1898 and will attempt TO retain possession
of ii at the coming drill, which Is the third
in competition for the trophy.
Beginning with today, now that the date
ha dri in fNip hac do
known, all of the lieutenants will set to
work to get their respective commands in
to shape for the contest. They have only
ten or twelve days in which to prepare and
as there is a great amount of labor before
them the magnitude of the task can readily
be appreciated Still, as the police have
known that the affair would certainly come
of some time during November they have
had ample opportunity to get in some yeo-
man work in anticipation. All of the
lieutenants were at headquarters in con-
sultation with Major Sylvester Monday
morning, and the matter was presented to
them then. Each was confident that he
would be able to wrest the flag from the
Eighth precinct in the coming contest, and
Lieutenant Kenney expressed himself as
being just as confident that his men would
not be forced to give up the trophy Major
and rivalry and between smiles wishes
everybody good luck and says let the best
man win."
The Inspectors and Judges.
Major Sylvester has not yet definitely
decided on the personnel Of the inspecting
party, whose members will also act as
judges of the drill. The major will, of
course, be one of the party, as will Captain
Austin. A third member of the party will
more than likely be Lieut. Col. Burton R.
Ross, Of the Washington Light Infantry,
while the fourth, who has not yet been
selected, will be an officer of the regular
army. Inspectors Pearson and Cross will
aid Major Sylvester and Captain Austin
in the work of inspecting the various drill
squads of the precincts, while Lieutenant
Colonel Ross and the army officer will pass
on the merits of the drills put up by the
men.
1t is probable that full week will be
in the inspection and drills as
it will be impossible to get to more than
two stations on any day, and some days
only one precinct can be visited. 1t must
be understood that while the inspection
and drilling is going on routine matters
must not be neglected, and Major Sylvester
can only devote a portion of his time to
the coming event. However, the task will
be completed within a week, and then
the flag will be awarded to the successful
precinct, and will be carried by them in
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