Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-03

given for recommendation for appointment
to those who have served IN the army and
navy Of the Nnited States, and first con-.
sideration is also given the veteran for less
arduous details In the force. The United
States civil service commission examined
1873 applicants for the police force during
the year. of which 30 passed, securing an
average of at least 30 per cent
Commenting on the suburban resorts, the
superintendent says:
''The extension of various electric rail-
ways into the surrounding country resulted
In the establishment OF a number OF pleas
ure resorts, which were extensively patron
lied through the summer; many OF the
places We're erected and improved at con-
spared TO add to the attractions. Ihe pres
ervation of peace and protection OF lie IN
the vicinity of these resorts required ener-
getIc and continuous attention on the part
of the force, whose efforts were fairly COM
pensated in the number of arrests made anu
results obtained but good order will not
be assured in the vicinity of these resorts
until there Is thorough cooperation ON the
part Of the authorities in the adjoining
states although it must be admitted that
the officials of Montgomery and Prince
Georges counties in Maryland have taken
special action in that direction, showing
that they are disposed to materially ASSIST
i'll unfolding the law to the extent OF the
means at their command.
Target Practice.
The inauguration of target practice with
the revolver proved Interesting and tnstruc-
tive schooling. Recent aDpointees were
taught the principles involved in the proper
handling of that weapon, defective arms
were discovered by the inspection officers.
and Improvement was noted IN the shooting.
After several tests at firing the SergeantS,
privates of class two and of class one were
distinctly marked up in the scores, and
those scoring about 20 out of possible 80
were required to shoot of, Sergeant Samuel
Murphy and Privates j. c. Bum and d. E.
Langley being awarded gold medals Tor
proficiency
International Police Association.
Your superintendent by your order, at
tended the annual convention Of police
chiefs, which occurred in Louisville, Ky,
in May last, and where, owing to the desire
of foreign representatives, the association
was made international, and he had the
honor of being unanimously elected presi-
dent of the organization. 1t is unnecessary
to refer to the advantages which accrue to
the District by reason OF this dlStlnctlon.
Major Sylvester submits In detail a plan
for giving the policemen eight-hour tr1cks
of duty, dividing the commands at the sew
eral stations into four platoons. The major
dwells at some length on the subject or
motor vehicles, saying:
The motor vehicle is extensively used In
the District for business and pleasure pur-
poses The well paved streets and i'm
proved roads furnish inviting ways over
which to speed.
Effort to Stop Recklessness.
Tests of the tachometer have been
made and when found unreliable they were
discarded The department is not disposed
u do injustice in these cases, but has en-
deavored to cooperate with the Automo-
bile Club in keeping down reckless and
extravagant running on the part Of those
who may be so inclined.
The manipulators of motor machines are
disposed to conform to the reg
ulations. but there are others who seem
determined to challenge trouble or who are
utterly Indifferent. RecklrsSness on the
part of a few creates a public sentiment
against the many. Chaffeurs have great
faith in their dexterity and skill. but the
is unfamiliar with his prowess
and uncertain as to his Intentions.
In Washington, where the paved thor
Oughfares are so extensively patroniZed by
the difficulties attending edIca-
ton to the presence of motor vehicles is all
the more difficult 1t has always been con-
tended by this department that business
wagons and fast-running vehicles snoul1
each be specifically designated for ready
Identification, and members Of the police
bicycle force should be equipped with the
most recent improved tachometers.
The report closes with references to the
many commendatory letters received by
Major Sylvester during the year.