Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

from an ununiformed squad OF ancient
watchmen in 1852 TO the present line BODY
of men with modern uniforms and equip
tnent has been complete Public men who
have Travelled extensively abroad pronounce
it to be the finest body of indoor policemen
in the world.
mated with a representative from Virginia
He carried the idea into effect by introduce
ing a bill which called for the orsaniza-
ton, and it passed by both Houses
At that time the Capitol and its grounds
were guarded by PRINCIPAL Waterman.
four assistant principals. gatekeeper
and two park watchmen.
These were c. W G Dunnington of Vir-
gina principal Waterman, at 1.4oo per an
mum; John L. Writ of the District of Co
lumbia Isaac II. Wales and James d.
Waller both of Maryland. and John w.
Jones Of Ohio. assistants; James Wilson of
Maryland, gatekeeper, and James S. MAGE
of Maryland and r. Fl. Thompson OF Vir-
ginia, park watchmen.
In addition to these were Conrad Kauf-
man and Conrad KRAFT, known as tine Two
Conrads." both natives of Germany VINO
were the official lamplighters of the Capltol
building and grounds. Some idea or thelr
work may be formed when it is stated that
45, 900 jets were required in those days TO
illuminate the bui ding alone, and that was
before the present Senate and House wings
had been erected. The flowers, trees and
grass in the old Canitol parks, east and
west. were looked after b. two quaint Irish
men, j. Maher and John Ousley, VINO were
classified as gardeners.
The Old Auxiliary Guard.
Those were the days of the old auxiliary
guard, the city police force. with uniforms
and caps of gray, and brass buttons on
which were the letters "A. G. the mem
bers of which carried in lieu of clubs
wooden sticks surmounted by iron spear
heads. the weapon resembling ancient
javein. The members Of the AUXILIARY
guard, as well the Capitol watchmen
were provided with wh.rligig rattles III
stead of whistles. These rattles whei
twrled made most unearthly noise.
There were fifteen members of the aux
iliary guard with John FL. Goddard as cap
tain. and it is recorded that they were re
auently called into the Capitol parks to
uuell disturba noes caused by political aS-
ia tors and others who sought the secluded
shady places of the grounds TO settle their
differences with knockdown arguments.
The Capitol watchmen were armed with
heavy hickory canes.
These were some Of the conditions exist
ing when the first regular capital police
force was formed, about the time of the
birth of The Evening Star, in the year
1852. c. w. c. Huntington. the Virginian,
who was principal Waterman. beca me the
first captain of the CAPITOL force. The four
privates comprising his command were
John L Writ. native WaShingtouian:
James Nokes, a gigantic Virginlan: Isaac
" Griffith of Ohio and Aquilia r. Arnold.
another Virginian.
The three Capitol Park watchmen. who
formed force independent of the inside
police. were ]. Henderson Of Ireland, who
was stationed at the main east gate: j.
B. Hendrick of Virginia. and J. F. Chat
tertcn of New Jersey.
Neither the watchmen nor the Capitol po-
licemen wore uniforms, but they were re-
ouired by the rules Ito be neat and tidy
and present a gentlemanly appearance at
all times: to be stern with violators Il the
laws, but courteous to officials citizens and
strangers.
The congress House"
A, that period. too. the Capitol was
known as "'the Congress House." and the
grounds east and west of the building were
considerably higher than they are now. and
were surrounded by high iron fence with
great central gates. which were closed and
locked at sunset.
During the civil war period the Capitol
police force had a varying experience, the
building being occupied in the early six
ties by troops who mounted guard In the
corridors The Dugie calls. from sprightly
sreveiIle'' to the sad notes Of taps" were
sounded by the army trumpeters and echoed
through the Railways and hooks of the
big structure. The Capitol police force was
not materially increased during that trying
period, the authorities depending largely
on military guards when occasion de-
From From lsss % as7s the records Of the cap-