The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-16

steamer Plymouth Rock and thus reach
ed his home.
Governor James Y. Smith commissioned
him as second lieutenant of Battery A
on Nov s. 1863. but owing 10 his wound
he was unable to report for duty until
Christmas, when he was transferred from
Battery A 10 Battery II. which was sta
toned on the defences of Washington.
MUSTERED OUT.
In November, 1864, Lieutenant Child was
mustered out of service on account OF
disability with the rank OF first lieu
tenant During the next ls months he
was employed in the auartermaster's de-
partment at Washington.
. Returning TO this city he was employed
for two years by Greenleaf & Co, West
minister street firm, and May. 1865, he
was appointed on the policeforce.
APPOINTED PATRoLMAN.
June 4. 1874, Mayor Doyle appointed him
as doorman at the Central station and
Aug. 10. 1877. he promoted him TO be SER
geant, with detail at the Fourth station
Aug. s, 1879. he was made captain Of the
Fifth station and on Jan. 5, 1881. he was
elected chief of police.
He filled that office acceptably TO the
citizens and was In close touch with the
members of the force, who regretted his
retirement.
In 1896 there was a political upheaval
the Goo Goo party was organized, and
combining with the Democrats, II elected
city council which disposed OF Chief
Child choosing Captain Reuben r. Ba-
ker to fill the office of chief of police.
MADE DEPUTY SHERIFF.
subsequently Mr. Child was made a
deputy sheriff, serving in that capacity
until last January, when. not having the
'eans for securing reappontment, he was
dropped
Thereafter he failed 10 secure employ
ment. old age was coming on, his despon-
dency increased until he sought relief
from earthly cares In the grave.
ORIGIN OF PENSION SYSTEM.
Considering the deplorsble ending of
this busy life, IL is singular that uncon-
sciously he had contemplated the mis-
fortune which might befall him when he
dealt with the affairs of others who were
fast approaching the time when they
might be in want.
In January. 1856. Chief Child called the
attention of the city council To the fact
that several members of the force who
had been I'm full strength OF manhood
when they were appointed. had. through
advanced age became incapacitated for
duty.
II do not think" he said. that II is
the wish of the city government that
they be cast aside and left TO penury, and
want. / have canvassed the subject
thoughtfully and present the following
recommended tions for your considerations
SOUND RECOMMENDATIONS
First. That an ordinance be passed
for the purpose OF placing veteran police
officers, who have served continuously
or at least twenty years on the retired
list at an allowance OF sufficient sum
for their comfortable support.
Second. That the fines hereafter Inn
POSED upon members OF this department
or deriliction OF duty be reserved by the
ity TO form the nucleus OF a fund To- be
created for the beneht Of old and infrm
Jfficerg.
"A small monthly tax upon the mem
)ers OF this department might be added.
Dther sources OF income would suggest
themselves from time TO time. as they
iay be required -.
THE patrOlman Us supposed 70 DC the
ert watchman in the hours Of duty ana
instantly mindful wherein lies the
reatest danger To life and property-and
the hour OF need be found there-the
ght man I'm the right place.
For the police officer on such occa-
ons To be tardy by reason OF his inhrm-
y OF age, or to prove inefficient by rea-
son Of decrepitude. may hnd an excuse