The times., 1901-06-24
TO ADVANCE POLICEMEN SOON.
Examination Reports to Be Hurried
Through This Week.

The Civil Service Commission, at the
urgent request of Major Sylvester, has
made a special order for the immediate
correction of the examination papers Of
the fifty edd applicants who were recent
ly examined for appointment on the pO-
lice force. The results will be made known
IN few days. There are about forty-five
appointments TO be made before July l.
There appears to be a lamentable dearth
OF good material from which to make
the appointments, considering the great
number of men who are seeking the po-
sitions. Hundreds presented themselves
before the Board Of Police Surgeons. but
of that number less than sixty passed
the physical examination and are now
anxiously awaiting the result of the men
tai test.
There were about a dozen men on the
eligible list before the recent examina-
tion. and of that number about six have
been selected for immediate appointment,
it is understood. After an applicant has
passed both the physical and mental ex-
animation and has been placed on the
eligible list, q further wedding out process
is resorted to.
There is probably no police force in the
country where greater care is exercised
IN the selection of men than in
Washington. Not satisfied with the affi-
dayits as to character which are filed with
the application papers and which are
supposedly from friends Of the applicant,
an investigation is made by the police
or their own account.
The name of the prospective appointee
is sent to all Of the police lieutenants in
The city. with the request that they fur
nish Major Sylvester with a memoran-
dun of whatever they know regarding
the party, whether favorable or other
wise. One Of the headquarters detec-
tives IS also assigned TO the task of look
ing up the record OF the applicant. to find
If ne has ever been in trouble or involved
in any questionable escapades. The
chances are that the Superintendent Of
Police viii know all about the affair when
the papers are finally placed before him
70 pass upon the fitness Of the applicant
for appointment
1t is the desire Of Major Sylvester to an
nounce the new appointees at as early
date as possible, 50 as to permit of their
being properly equipped and uniformed
and ready TO go on duty as full-fedgei
policemen on the first day OF July. In ad-
diti0n TO the six that will probably be
announced today IL is believed that about
dozen others have been about decided
On, and only their final reports are being
awaited. II is understood that the slate
FOR promotions has about been made M
and II it meets with the approval Of the
Commissioners il may be announced
either today or tomorrow.
Major Sylvester has guarded very close
~ the secret as To who the fortunate Of
ncers are, but knowing that he has
always been guided by the fitness of the
men for the positions in which he places
them. II Is not a difficult task for one
acquainted with the personnel of the de-
partment and the records of the indi-
vidual members to get a pretty fair idea
OF those who VIII draw larger salaries
sitter the first day of next month
The most important positions TO be
filled are those Of the two caDtaincies.
Should both Of the men for these posi-
Jions be selected from among the lieuten-
ants, with the additional commander of
the Tenth precinct. there Will be three
vacancies in that rank, which viii be
filled from among the sergeants. There
are three new sergeants also provided
for in the appropriation act.