The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-11-16
Performance Better Than promise

Performance Better Than Promise.
The people Of Seattle desire to give
Mayor Humes credit for sincerity in his
expressed determination to rid the city of
criminals. ana win praise him heartily
II he proceeds TO do so, making no false
distinction between criminals and crimes;
at the same time they would not be hu-
man II they did not recall certain prom
ises OF this kind in the past, and hesi-
tate 10 regard the matter as accomplish
ed until they have seen some fruits of
the new departure.
II will be recalled that the same pro-
gramme was outlined last spring. when
additions to the police force were asked
for and given, with the hearty concur
renee of all our people. Later on, when
the city election had been held, the Post
the opinion OF substantially the whole
vote by which the administration was
continued in power. that vice should be
made odious and crime sternly repressed.
That this has not happened Is evidence
ed by the Expressions OF the mayor him
self. He says that he shah hold the new
chief Of police responsible for violations
Of law by the criminal classes Wen and
good. II he does that he will have the
hearty support ana approval of the Post
Inteiligencer and the business commn-
nifty But 1t has also to be remembered
that ne was equally able to hold the for
mer chief to the same responsibility. and
that movement to suppress crime was
as feasible months ago an It is today.
It does not really require any extraor-
binary measures to make this city as or
derby az any in the country. 1T can be
done with the police force numbering
what 1t does today. 1t can be done with.
out any unusual acts or policies. 1t re-
quires simply two things; the appoint
meut of q CHIEF OF police who Is thor
oughly competent and thoroughly honest
In the first place: ana IN the second. the
issuance to him OF instructions to clean
out Ill violators Of the law and to put a
stop 10 crime, without regard to any per-
sonal or political considerations. whcr-
ever that Is done In this country. we have
cities that are safe and orderly. Wherever
II h not done. we have periods OF license
alternating with orgies OF crime.
To deny this would be to assert that
the problem of police administration IL
one that deiies modern governments. 1t
does not defy them at all. II does not
even embarrass them. when It is attack
ed In a spirit OF honest determination and
freedom from individual or political In
nuences. We do not say that Il does not
require hard work and eternal vigilance.
for II does; but these are what the public
tenance OF police department. No city
executive who selects the best man he
can md as chief OF police and lays upon
him the command TO see that order Is
preserved and the laws and ordinances
are obeycd. leaving his hands absolutely
free I'm the process. ana asking for alb
soluteiy nothing but results. can be dis.
appointed.
1t n, therefore. completely within the
power Of the mayor. as II has been at
all times since he came into once. to
make the effectiveness OF our police force
az perfect as he wishes. None viii give
him credit more cordially than we II per-
formance IS now 10 follow quickly upon
the promises that he makes. His FIRST
movement is susceptible OF another IN
depreciation And the people are very
much alive to the situation aud interested
In It's outcome as related 20 their own
security ana the reputation and fortunes
of the city Of their home and pride.