Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-16
BOY BATHERS DISCUSSED
RESPONSE BY MAI. SYLVESTER TO
RECENT COMPLAINT

In communication addressed several
land, DIR. Irving &. Rose complained of the
alleged habit of the police in arresting
small boys who are caught bathing-usual-
ly. the doctor added, at some unfrequented
wharf or lonely pond. DR.. Rose, while
processing friendship for the police force,
expressed the belief that its members might
be better employed in looking after graver
offenders whom. he charged. they allowed
to escape. The doctor referred to men
bathing in Newport harbor in swimming
tights. while the vicinity of Wellington
read, he declared. is frequented by small
boys who are sans clothes, sans tights sans
everything.
Dr. ROSES communication was referred
by the Commissioners to Major Sylvester,
the chief ofspolice. who has assured them
that there Is no disposition on the part of
the police to unnecessarily Interfere with
the boys of the District in the pursuit of
health and recreation. beyond restrictions
"nlch the laws impose. and to which public
spirited citizens daily invite the attention
o. the police authorities. In the vicinity of
the Washington barracks. Chain bridge,
pennsylvania avenue, and other extensively
patron1zed locations and highways. the con-
duct or youths. in the guise Of hers, says
the major, has been such as to merit ener-
getic action on the part of the police and
thls: ne explains. at the expense of nun
ureds or other smaller boys who seek the
waters Of the river and creeks during the
warm season.
Leniency Exercised.
The police. says Maj. Sylvester, have not
interfered with boys wearing trunks or
bathing suits, and he says he has personal
ly seen to the release of small boys who
had been taken to the station on complaint
giving them advice against swimming
where there were persons likely to com
plain and invoke the enforcement of the
law The municipal bathing beach, al
those disposed to battle. does not seem to
serve the purpose. thinks the major, for
which 1t Is intended. Public bath houses
ana swimming pools have become a public
necessity, states the major, and are MAIN
tanned in other municipalities.
u am not personally acquainted" says
Maj. Sylvester, with the complainant
who in one line speaks Of his friendliness
belief that they might be better employed
In looking after offenders whom they al
low to escape and beg leave to suggest
that II he is aware of any offenders whom
they allow to escape, the Information
would be thankfully received at these
headquarters. Those whom the police have
allowed to escape should be captured and
the philosophical citizen should lend his
aid to that end" VI,
Makes No COmparison.
81 am not prepared to speak," concludes
the major "by comparison, of Newport So
ciety as to Its fastidiousness, feeling that
If 1 can in any way contribute to the
wishes and interests Of our own people, in
conformity to, Jaw, I have done all that
should be expected. 1 would suggest that
one who Is interested in the art of SWIM
ming and has high regard for those who
should possess the accomplishment should
aid the authorities in procuring from Con-
gress an appropriation for the establish
ment of bathing facilities. where running
and constantly changing water might be
had for the boys who want the exercise"
Commissioner Ross, who has immediate
supervision of the police department has
recommended that the substance Of Maj.
Sylvester's report be communicated to DR..
Rose, and this recommendation 1t is I'M
derstood, his associates will approve.