The Washington times., 1902-05-08
Submits Practical Sugges-
tons for the Preven-
ton of Crime.
INVITES GENERAL COOPERATION
He Advocates Elimination of
Politics, Office Tenure, and
Police Pensions.
rlDTuCDAMnc nE niCnInI IAIr
FURTHERANCE OF DISCIPLINE
The Majors Advice to Chiefs, in Order
to Secure Best Results From Their
Men-Brains Needed as Well as Brawn.

LOUISVILLE, May I'm his annual ad-
lice Chiefs, in session here, Major Richard
Sylvester, of Washington, president of the
organization, spoke in part as follows:
brother Members of the National Asso-
citation of Chiefs of Police:
Tbs may well be regarded one oi
the mcst reassuring commandments OF
Sny convention held during the existence
of the national association. 1t is all the
moro SO when you give thought to the
fact that, for the first time in the history
of police affairs, you have congregated
under one roof joint meeting of skilled
directors of public safety from the prin-
cipal municipalities Of the United States
and far-away foreign jurisdictions. j de-
si-e to emphasize that declaration, in or
Ger that the Importance of the occasion
MAJ not be underestimated.
Extends Welcome to All.
"As your president, ] extend hearty
welcome to those who are with us, and
the source Of much qualification to us all /;
and l urge that they join in our delibera-
tions and participate in our proceedings
without undue Formally. forgetting for
the time that they belong to anyone else
than to US and to any other country than
Kentucky, in the United States of Amer
icn.
Kentucky is a celebrated common
wealth; she holds prominent position
In the history of our land; is a blue grass
garden renowned for the production of
distinguished men, beautiful women. fine
horses, and, occasionally, an active poll
fician; the home OF celebrated pioneers
and mighty hunters, all making a comb
nation Of character which can best be
described by the widely-known phrase.
true Kentucky hospitality
Enthusiastic Cooperation.
There now prevails more enthusi-
astic cooperation between those charged
with the protection of life and pfoperty
than ever before. A personal acquaint-
anceship has been brought about by these
meetings. and sentiment has been Gre
ated which makes US feel akin profession
ally. In the business transactions which
have followed there has been manifested
an expeditions and reliable disposition of
affairs which, through the intelligent
eradication of those evils which beset So
ciety, has redounded to its welfare. This
being true, efforts along those lines should
be encouraged by those who SO oft are
wont TO decry them. No great reform can
be accomplished IN a day: new ideas and
principles cannot be inculcated at a
single sitting. The public. In its efforts
TO progress. extend trade acquire wealth.
attain glory and effect great changes does
not, as a general thing. hesitate to admit
that upon well-conducted police institu-
tions depend good order and that freedom
from annoyance which make success in
those lines of endeavor possible.
Eliminate Politics.
I'VE who have had experience advocate
the elimination of politics from policing;
the selection and continuance of honest
and conservative men in the public serv-
ice; tenure OF Office for chiefs and
superinfendents SO long as the laws and
regulations are carefully enforced; a
perstcn for the widows and children OF
cause, and for those who become disabled
therein. This we contend for because we
know it will be better for all interests.
Municipal control should realize it and
shap. legislation to that end No matter
how s1sil the force, the best results will
follow naking IL permanent under proper
restr' tInns. The tendency is in that di-
rection. and those intrusted with the
Il l..
for their States and cities than to pro-
i1ose lines.
Good municipal government is the all
absorbing question and as ] have stated,
the foundation for IL rests on competent
police organization, to continue undis-
turbed as long as IT remains such. This
doctrine should be asserted. and educa-
tion Up TO those principles will surely fol-
low. The official who appreciates that
merit has It's reward should be made TO
feel that his calling is an honorable one,
and that he can be advanced and con-
tinued in such by honest endeavor, and
we should design TO promote the merit
system.
Bureau of Criminal Identification.
Pursuant TO action had at our meeting
in New York, bill was drafted and in
trcduced in Congress having for its OBJ
feet the establishment OF National Bu-
reau OF Criminal Identification in con-
nection with the Department OF Justice.
The measure was referred to the Judici-
airy Committee OF the House. and the
chairman. Representative Hay, of New
York, recommended that Representative
Jenkins of Wisconsin make a unanimous
and favorable report TO the House. The
measure is now on the calendar, and ITS !
passage by that body may be expected
niost any day. II is predicted that the
judiciary Committee Of the Senate, OF
winch Senator Hoar is chairman. Will
then take up the matter, and announce a |
favorable conclusion.
Those who are familiar with the pro- |
posed law do not hesitate to pronounce II |
a desirable one. a companion measure TO |
that which provides against anarchy. t
When IL is considered that criminal in |
formation of all kinds can be concentrat- |
ed and disseminated 10 police author |
ities generally without delay under Its |
operations and that the records and |
names OF those who are inimical to good |
can readily be secured, some |
may be had OF Its -alue TO |
the authorities and the country at large.
The bill contemplates no personal bene-
fits. but is drawn in the interest OF the |
public, which should earnestly second Our
endcavors.
Schools of instruction.
Another matter OF Importance In :his
advanced age is TO have the rank and file
nj the police force In thorough accord
.t,h ,ha nolicv of the head of the de- /