The San Francisco call., 1901-11-23
Chief WHITMAN
USES GLAD HAND
Receives Many Congrat-
ulations and Flowers
From Friends.
Says He Will Not Make Any
Radical Changes in the
Department.

The glad hand waved in Chief of Po-
lice Wittman's office yesterday from foggy
morn till dewy eve, Those who could
not come for a merry shake sent the
happy udings over wire or through the
mail. 1t was all sunshine and flowers for
the new Chief whose right hand is now
aching with cramps and his voice <hoarse
from saying Thank you
"Of course. I'm glad" said Whitman.
This is no job for a day. I'm here for
Tour years, no matter what they say
about new Commissioners and that sort
Of thing. The best legal opinion has been
given me on the subject If they attempt
to put me out they must prefer charges
and show cause. I'll fight for my rights
every time" And the Chief of municipal
bluecoats and long clubs sat harder in
MS chair and held on to the flower be-
strewn desk with both hands
Will Improve Department.
mo. haven't formed any plans yet"
continued Whitman, "but it is safe to say
that l will make no radical changes.
None are needed. Of course, there will
be some changes, but just what they will
be cannot be announced at this time. You
see, this is my first day and I've been
pretty busy answering telephone mes
sages and returning the friendly grip Of
congratulating friends
Then the Chief tilted back his chair and
swept his eyes around the gallery of ex-
rulers-some dead, others forgotten. THE
ONCE OF Chief of Police is business af-
fair ard must be conducted as SUCH I
am going to try to make this department
worthy OF the city. San Francisco is
growing rapidly and in ten years will be
a very great municipality. Its Police
Department must keep step with this
growth. | shall use all my native strength
to fulfill the duties of the position and
make San Francisco proud of its police
force"
At this juncture the Chief was inter
hand army. Some knew that the pest
man had been appointed and others were
just as full of hopes and good wishes.
The Chief worked his arm in pump fash
ion and smiled on all.
Many Congratulatory kilograms.
The office of the Chief looks like a bow
er. His New York police friends have
been more than congratulatory. From w.
FL. Mclaughlin, Deputy Chief of Police
of New York City, he received a hand
tain of detectives in New York, likewise
remembered him. Walter l.. Thompson,
police inspector in the same city, now on
a visit here; sent big star OF chrysan-
ken from the Mexican Consul. Other
floral gifts were scattered about the office
in SUCH profusiOn that the new Chief
tripped over them every time he arose.
At half past yesterday afternoon Com
pany A lined up and was addressed by
the Chief. He tod the men that merit
would be the keynote of the service; that
they should fear nothing as long as they
were in the strict lines of duty, and that
the rights of citizens and property must
be protected.
the big clock there is much guessing over
elevations. The appointment of Whitman
leaves two vacancies in the capta1ncleS.
The six lieutenants-Birdsall,M Martin, An
n 6arC N Prin
singing songs that might as well be made
into a seXtet, for the words are the same.
ALI appointments can be but temporary,
however, for the CIVIL service rules apply
Chief Whitman was given an ovaJIon
last evening by the members of the
Northern police station.
Shortly after o'clock about 300 mem
bers OF the department assembled at the
Central station to express their gratifica-
ton at the selection of Captain Whitman
as the successor to the late Chief Sulli-
van.
AS the officers fell in line Chief Witt
man, accompanied by Commissioners
Newhall and Howell, entered and were
vociferously cheered.
Lieutenant George Birdsall introduced
the new Chief and in few we'll chosen
words paid a high compliment to his
ability as an officer.
whitman then addressed the men amid
great enthusiasm.
IF / were the brightest orator. he be-
gan, 81 could not express my delight in
accorded me. We have all met under try
ing circumstances when we were called
out only a short time ago to protect life
and property. That we did our duty no
body can truthfully deny The Police
Commissioners saw fit to make me Chief,
and l intend to prove to them that they
made no mistake when they promoted
me to the responsible position. l want
you all to obey orders and you will find
in me a friend. My Office is open to you
at all times, and when you want advice
don't hesitate to ask me. l am proud
of the department and intend to do all in
my power to make it second to none in
the world.
AT the conclusion of his remarks the
new Chief was loudly cheered by his men.
AS he stepped from the improvised ros-
trum he was presented with a magnifi-
cent floral piece, bearing the inscription
Success to Our Chief. Co. A"
Lieutenant George Birdsall made the
presentation speech and was followed by
Lieutenant John Martin, who in a few
words paid a fitting tribute to the new
head of the department.
Commissioners Newhall and Howell also
addressed the men and were loudly
cheered.
To-day Chief Whitman will address the
officers of the Southern station.
M !. @
ruIN[eE EYrI IIeI0g Convention