The Washington times., 1901-09-08
TO SUPPRESS ANARCHISTS.
Major Sylvester's Letter, to TIE
COuniry's Police Chiefs.

ia y
4 Strong Appeal for the ELIMINATION
of the I.myyIess Socictic--scce.sit
for Harmonious Co-operntion - No
Criticism of the officials nj BufyaIo
Major Richard Sylvester Yesterday for
wardod to each member of the board Of
directors of the International Association
of Chiefs of Police OF the United States
and Canada letter looking to the CON
certed action of all of the police depart
ments of the country in movement to
stamp out anarchy and Anarchist bodies
in the United States. The following is
the letter in full:
The National Association of Chiefs
of Police of the Uuitru states and
Canada at the last annual meeting,
adopted a resolution inviting the heads
OF foreign police departments to par
ticipate in oar annual discussions, and
the distressing calamity which this
country has recently experienced
through the assault by an unknown
assassin. confirms the belief that the
import of the resolution should be i'm
pressed on Foreign officials, with a
view Of having such of their number
present at our next annual meeting
as may be able to attend; this with
the hope that a closer relationship
may be established officially and per-
sonally, and that there may be an in
terchange of opinion as to the best
methods to be pursued to eliminate
from society such organizations and
persons as may be evilly disposed to-
ward Institutions of government and
those charged with their conduct.
This is a most vital question. and II
the laws are inadequate to crush such
organizations and punish such charac-
tCrs, there should be recommendations
from "A -ND'iCp gtDndnNipt which would
forever prevent the like in this coun-
try and aid the authorities abroad.
II trust the members will give this
matter close and careful considera-
tion, and offer such suggestions as
may aid in accomplishing the desired
end. ani that the secretary will be
authorized to adopt such measures as
will bring about n thorough under
standing with our foreign friends and
to secure their presence anC co-opera-
tion.
IN the meanwhile. there should be
active efforts made looking to the
eradication of these evils, and infor-
nation gathered and disseminated
through the National Board of ldenti-
fication with a view of accomplishing
such result"
Major Sylvester was busily engaged in
his office yesterday and for several hours
denied himself to visitors. He asked
eagerly for the latest dispatches
From the published reports regarding
the injuries to President Mckinley / be-
lieve he may recover. / do not doubt that
every precaution was taken to safeguard
the President. but have always believed
that it was unwise to allow the people
to close in upon the President. In all of
the arrangements in this city l have
always endeavored to have the, Executive
placed above the multitude and to have
every person closely scrutinized who ap-
him. What we need here is not
law, but additional men. 1
was surprised and panied this morning to
see that the Anarchists had been per-
mitted to hold meetings last night ratify-
ing the attempt on Mr.. Mckinley's life.
Such meetings should not be allowed.
Anarchist gatherings of any kind will
never be permitted in this city. Such
incite lawlessness.- and, being
should not be countenanced."
Although Major Sylvester has been ex-
tremely careful to refrain from any criti-
cism of the methods employed at the Pam
American Exposition to guard the Presi-
dent from harm. some ofthe other Of
hcers of the Police Department have
freely expressed their feelings on the sub
ject. Not only in police circles, but
among those citizens who are acquainted
with ponce affa1rS, the BELIEF is expressed
that had President Mckinley, been in
Washington and under the protection of
the local department the assassin could
not have accomplished his infamous
design.
1t is not the Buffalo police department.
1t is pointed out, but the police that are
employed by the Exposition Company
that are responsible, If it shall prove
that there has been any dereIic.;Gn of
duty in the protecting of the Executive
1t is contended that in this city il would
have been practically impossible for any
person to approach the President with
his hand wrapped as was Czolgoszs
without being challenged and an investi-
cation made by the detectives.
Several persons yesterday took the
trouble to illustrate the situation by
pistol in one hand and throw
Ing handkerchief over 1t. The result is
bound to be so awkward a bundle as
would at once attract the attention of a
careful detective. In Washington the
novelty of seeing the President has en-
tirely worn off, and those who are de-
tailed to watch for cranks and assassins
devote their entire time to the work in
hand.
las believed that those on duty at
Bo41 10 We're so distracted by the unusual
scenes about them that they relaxed
their vigilance and made it possible for
he crime to be committed. In New York
State, 1t is said. the greatest penalty that
can be imposed upon Czolgosz for his
1astardly attempt upon the life of the
President is ten years in the penitentiary
provided, Of course, that Mr.. Mckinley
-ecOVerS