New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-11
THE STATE CONSTABULARY SCHEME.


The sudden appearance in the foreground Of
projected legislation OF the scheme Tor STATE
constabulary is a rather curious thing. The
plan was suggested early In the session WIN
ont any special reference TO the condition or
police affairs in this city. and, so far as was
known and believed without any important
backing 1t attracted little or no attention at
Albany or elsewhere. had passed out OF sight
and mind and presumably would not nave
been heard Of again at this session II the stub
born obstacles placed In the path of the metro
politan police bills had not caused Republican
leaders to consider the possibility of accom-
plishng by indirect methods their main pur-
pose with regard to police administration IN the
metropolis Then. without previous public dis
cussion II was made known that the alternative
onstabulary scheme had obtained official sup
port and was likely to be proclaimed party
measure.
Now, MS we have taken occasion 10 say more
than once. II is possible to produce some strong
arguments in favor of a State police depart
ment. and there could be no reasonable Objec-
ton to a deliberate and impartial discussion Of
such an arrangement. The general experience
of European countries might. we suppose, be
fairly regarded as strengthening the presump-
ton OF it's adaptabillty to our circumstances
and institutions, and probably nobody would
deny that in some ways-through the close
limitations Of police officers authority, for
example-justice is often hampered by the sys-
TEN existing here. But we are by no means
prepared to admit that the sudden promotion Of
a State police bill which has never received seri-
Gus attention, and which Is now known TO be
favored only because It might serve the pur-
poses OF men who despair OF passing bill
applying merely 10 this city. Is justified even on
the shallow ground Of political expedency, So
called. There is not the slightest doubt that
our police service is abOmnable. The fact had
been established by common observation long
before the investigation which Is expected to
array the legal proofs was ordered. II II be
conceded that a complete reorganization must
result from the work which Mr.. Moss in behalf
Of the Assembly committee. has so well begun,
and that drastic legislation Is essential to that
end. it does not follow that by means OF a
bill for which there IS no demand Whatsoever
in the interior of the State. and for which con-
ditons existing there afford no warrant. the
Republican party is justified in taking arbi-
trary possession Of the police powers Of Buff
falo, Syracuse, Albany. Rochester and Troy.
The bill advocated by Republican organza-
tion leaders Is understood TO provide for a State
Chief of Police having authority to appoint b.
partisan police boards In cities Of the first and
second class If that is the scheme it either
goes much too far else does not go nearly
far enough. Possibly a State cOnsta bulary
may ultimately prove to be the solution of the
police problem, but it is not at all likely to be
constituted on such a basis, and we are con-
fident that good citizens would generally resent
an attempt at the present time 10 accomplish
local objects and serve personal ambitions by
a legislative process Of the sort which embar-
rassed politicians are now proposing.