The Washington times., 1901-08-14

1
| In explanation of the above schedule,
| Major Sylvester says:
After a period of thirty years, during
which time there was no departure from
the original organization of the Metro
politan Police Force in the District OF
Columbia, and In which time the various
features of the social and business con-
ditions, to say nothing Of the Govern
ment institutions, underwent great
changes, incident to advancement and
progress everywhere and along all lines,
It was deemed expedient to rearrange and
repair the system, 50 as to make IT, in
measure at least, competent to meet the
general development and changes. Dur
ing the last session of Congress wise pro-
vision was made for many of these, yet
there remains much to be done before the
department will be improved TO such ex-
tent as will make it what It should be
at the capital of the United States-the
model for all others.
For years the. Major and Super1ntend-
ent was taxed with many details. not a
few of which partook OF clerical char
acter, until his legitimate work was so
encroached upon as to impair his useful
ness IN many ways as the executive OFF,
Ger of the department Minor matters
of detail absorbed SO much OF his time
as to absolutely prevent him from giving
that attention to more important duties,
so important to the proper working of
large body of men engaged in the pre-
vention and detection of crime.
by law approved February 2s. 1901, a
captain and assistant superintendent
was provided, who has been assigned to
the supervision of the most important
auxiliary connected with the department
the detective bureau-for the proper
and successful conduct of which the
Ma or and Superintendent is held respon-
sible in this jurisdiction. The wisdom
of this assignment cannot be questioned,
when II is understood that the official in
charge thereof is the closest In business
relationship and rank with the Major and
Superintendent. Upon such representative
rests the responsibility of dividing the
work involved in the reduction of crime
and the apprehension of criminals. For
merly an inspector of the force exercised
this authority, and he was usually one
of the lieutenants. A closer communion
and, therefore, a procedure one line
of policy is now effected. The captain and
assistant superintendent possesses that
authority in law which secures for him
in hand. and of the whole force If neces-
sary. In the conduct of the secret serv-
ice he gives it an impetus and Intelligent
action which an officer of lower rank and
authority could not be expected to give
The result is improvement. In the alb
sence OF the Major and Superintendent
through leave or sickness. he becomes
the acting head of the department. and,
having been selected from the ranks, that
Official is enabled to properly superintend
the detective branch as well the force.
He must possess peculiar and many
qualifications, give his time night and day
to the work in hand, be student and a
director. possess firmness and ready ca
pacity for the solution of delicate prob
lens, be honest and fair, respectful and
willing, kind and strong, read human ma
ture in its many phases. know the law
OF his own and other jurisdictions have a
fun knowledge of his men and properly
assign cases committed to his charge and
much more for the INADEQUATE compensa-
ton of 1850 a year. II is unreasonable
TO ask so much for so little, and is not
In keeping with what would be the action
of a well regulated business firm or cor
poration- In submitting these estimates,
/ have recommended that the salary he
made at least 5000. The statesman, the
diplomat, the rich and the poor must
at times coniide in this official for assist
ance, ana one worthy of such confidence
Is surely worthy of a good, living remun-
Grafton.
THE next item of increase relates to
the pay of the captains. These officers
prior to the enactment of the law an
proved February y, 1901, and in the last
appropriation act, were provided for as
lieutenant Inspectors, at 81 500 per annum
There are four of them now and If il
should become necessary some day to
call out the entire police force of the Dis
trict one captain would command $50 pri-
yates, which, to anyone familiar with
organization, appears reckless and ineXpe-
dent. No captain could be expected to
manipulate the proper working of more
than 100. so that If the department is pro-
vided with another official of such rank
1t will nearly adjust the organization
One captain is now employed mount
ed, TO visit all the stationhousts In the
District, TO see that the horses. wagons
hlrness, signal system, supplies OF all
KINDS. buildings, equipments uniforms
and property requirements are maintained
as they should be; to inspect uniforms and
helmets as to make and wear. to preside
at court-martial hearings and to cover
all matters by proper written reports
Two captains exercise daily aud night
~ supervision over two police districts
each containing five precincts They
transmit and return to the several sta
lions in their respective districts all Off
ciai reports ernanating from headquarters
all orders OF the Major and Superinten-
dent, inspect the stations and enforce
economy in the use of materials and gas
reduce forage and laundry hills sea that