New-York tribune., 1901-04-20
PROBES sERGEANTs' PROMOTIONS.
STATE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION HOLDS
ITS SECOND HEARING ON
POLICE METHODS

The exanlina ton into the promotions TO captain
cies made by the Police Board December 27,
which begun last week by the State Civil Ser
vice Commission was resumed the New-York
Life Building yesterday. The hearing is a public
one before Commissioners William NJ. Collier Cuth-
bert w. Pound and John r. Hraft The proceed
ngs opened by recalling to the stand William
z. Delemater. first deputy clerk at Police Head
quarters. He brought in schedule of the police
promotions since January l. 1895. Mr. Delemater
said that in the appointment of William S. Devery
to be chief of the department the board had been
divided and the Mayor had cast the deciding
F. G. Ireland, chief examiner of the Municipal
Civil Service Commission. then recalled to the
stand He said that he had noticed that the same
adjective used by the Police Board in answer
ing each of the thirteen questions on the rec
ord blanks to efficiency.
did that lead you take any acton?' inquired
Mr. Ordway. counsel for the Civil Service Reform
Association.
Yes; I wrote to the Police Board asking for the
ratings of the sergeants superior officers" said
Mr. Ireland.
And you didn't get them?'
NO: didn't.
did you consider that these questions could all
be properly answered by Adjective"
The witness replied in the negative. He was
asked he had reported the matter to the Munich
pal Civil Service Commission. and said he had
NO matter how was marked on his mental
examination with excellent for efficiency would
stand ahead of with fair. would he not?' went
Mr. Ordway.
The witness said that would be the result.
"Supposing you had got these intermediate
ports, which personally would you think should
be given greater weight, the reports Of the Police
Board or the reports fromsthe immediate superior
officers?"
Personally, I should give more weight to the
ports of the immediate superior officers
Mr.. ireland was asked e the present system of
appointment was a good by President Collier,
and said that he didn't consider it so.
in the hands Of the appointing officer under guise
OF a civil service examination. does it not?"
Yes. sir it does
Alexander T. Mason, of the Municipal Civil Ser
vice Commission. the next witness. He said
he thought record ought to count in promotion
against mental examination. much three to
one He said further that he would not favor put
superior officer and would consider opinion of
the Police Board likely to be free from favor
itism.
Mr. York president of the old Police Board was
asked about the appointment of Captain Diamond.
who failed in his examination before the Roosevelt
of the captains politics and didn't know them now,
but thought he a Republican.
Sergeant James Nay recalled. Replying
Mr.. York's previous testimony that he had received
80 per for efficiency in the examina tion be-
fore the Roosevelt board he had this to say: II
want reply to that by saying that in that
animation il was 20 per cent out of possible 80.
of whom passed | presume the 30 per cent
out Of 30 was all I deserved then, that time I
had been sergeant for only year.
The hearing then adjourned until 10 o'clock
the morning of May 3, the place to be designated
by the president.