New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-03-02
CHIEF DEVERY TAXES A HAND
POLICE MUST NOT RAISE A LEGISLATIVE
FUND-vIGOROUS OPPOSITION TO
FORD AND MAHER SCHEMES.

Opposition to the Ford bill for the reoKaniu,
ton OF the New-York Fire Department was ~
| Ing expressed vigorously yesterday by insur-
ance men, merchants and taxpayers Of the city
who declare that they want the present high
standard Of the Departments efficiency main
tanned. II is evident that legislative meddlins
with the hours OF duty OF hremen Is 10 be
scented bitterly by New-Yorkers- Support for
Senator Ford's bill apparently Is confined to
some of the hremen. who want shorter hours Of
duty without reduction OF pay. and their friends
among the politicians There have been re-
ports that hremen interested IN the bill are
raising a fund TO be used at Albany to buy votes
for the bill.
bill introduced by Assenblyrnan Maher TO
limit the time OF duty OF policemen TO eight
hours day will raise a storm OF indignation
In the city II the Legislature shows a dispos-
ton to pass H. Chief Of Police Devery yester-
day gave notice that policemen engaged in
raising fund to promote such legislation will
be punished II they persist in it. Ffrernen and
policemen OF the city have been known to raiss
large sums to influence legislation in their favor
IN past years.
There seems to be belief among legislative
brokers and lobbyists that legislation at Albany
can be controlled by money this winter, as the
policy hackers raising a corruption fund in
the expectation OF being able TO prevent the
passage Of Assemblyman Fallowss bill to stop
the running Of policy shops in the city. The
policy hackers. IL is we'll known, can raise a
large sum to be used in buying up votes against
bin which threatens TO destroy their business
II is not alone because the Ford bill would
require an increase OF the annual appropriation
for fremens salaries TO about 81 100000 year
that many NEWCOMERS are strongly opposing
the bill The Fire Department officials declare
that the bill would decentralization and
incite characterization IN the force OF NETWORKS
fire fighters Ffremen now sleep in the engine
houses. 10 be ready TO respond quickly 20
alarms The Ford bill would require the doub-
ling OF the force Of firemen TO enable them TO
sleep at their homes and work in ten-hour
shifts. The result would be the appointment OF
host OF inexperienced hremen 70 work with
the well drilled and disciplined men in the De-
partment. Only half of the trained frenen
would be on duty at fires. and the work OF the
raw men would be Of small account. Insurance
men say that such a state Of affairs in the Fire
Department would be dangerous.
Chief of Police Devery yesterday sent to all
commanders of precincts and squads the fol-
lowing order:
meeting OF the Patrolmens Benevolent Association
si9 We're Instructed 10 coee rom M sash
Psyea o. Of 'e eonse es f M SIC s a
nov psndng in the Legislature You VIII no5ity
any member OF the uniformed force of
partment is a violation OF the law and a violation
OF the rules OF this Department. and you will take
such measures as may be necessary to satisfy
yourself as TO whether any member OF your COM
Inand has been directed 10 contribute any money
show the truth of this may be possible and then
to prefer charges against such officer DarrOrnan
Report 10 ME the result OF your action hereunder
Cause a copy of this order be posted on tina
station house blackboard and read the same az
three platoon section rolcalls subsequent to its
receipt WILLIAM s pEVERY
Chief of Police
Chief Devery declined TO state the source Of
his information, but he had consultation with
President York in reference to IT, II each patrol
man in the Department contributed the sum of
$40, a fund Of about 100000 would be raised.
The patrolmen are all interested in an eight
hour BILL which was originally introduced IN the
Legislature last year. but failed 10 find any
support. This year another eight hour bill has
been introduced by AssembIyman Maher
Ten days ago a committee OF the Patrol
mems Benevolent Association called upon Chief
Devery and President York and submitted a
plan Of changing their hours OF patrol. The
system recommended by the committee Writ
ually the eight-hour system. Both President
York and Chief Devery announced to the COM
mittee that they were opposed to the eight hour
plan.
SPECIAL GRAND JURY MAY REPORT TO-DAY