Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-25
TEST OF EFFICIENCY
SERGEANT BODIES EXPERIENCE
WITH PATRoLMEN.
Went Among Them Disguised and
Lands in Station House-Similar
Incident Recalled.

Bicycle Sergeant c. L. Bode came to
police headquarters this morning in hur-
~ to reach the office of tine superintendent
to relate to his superior officer the story
of his experience last night He had play
ed hobo" last night and had gone through
the streets to see how long he could escape
arrest after the officers in the precinct
had been informed that he was about the
streets. Dressing in some old cast-on
garments and hiding his rudy complexion
with a mixture that was calculated to
conceal his identity. he started out with
an old black bag thrown carelessly over
his shoulders. His movements were to be
confined to the northwest section and the
police there were advised of his presence.
A complete description of the man was
given, and the men in uniform were told
to make effort to get him.
1t is said that the fake tramp had some
amusing experiences, but what they were
he would only co, ide to the officials who
were about headquarters today. Major
Sylvester had sent him out to make the
experiment, and as the major was not in
the city today the formal report of the
sergeant was not submitted. Bode found 1t
a comparatively easy matter to elude the
uniformed men, just as any other person
would who go out on a similar mission.
1t was his duty to keep out of sight of
those who would be likely to arrest him.
and this he succeeded in doing until he met
Policeman Batson of the third precinct at
18th and P streets. Then came the time
for explanations. The policeman wanted
to know of the sergeant what he was doing
about the streets at so early an hour. Bode
did piece of begging that was calculated
to soften the heart of anybody.
Goes to Station House.
The order that had been read at the
station was not to be forgotten so soon,
however, and Bode found himself pris-
oner. He was marched to the police sta
ton on K street and charged with being
a suspicious person. Even when he faced
the desk sergeant and others who knew
him well he was not recognized, and ne
soon found himself behind the bars. 1t
was not long, however, before a sergeant
in the precinct saw him in the cell and
recognized him. Then the game was up
and the sergeant was released.
1t is said that Major Sylvester directed
the sergeant to make the experiment for
the purpose of ascertaining how well the
northwest section is being policed 1t is
regarded as possible that he was to go
to court and be given trial in the event
Of his being able to conceal his identity
long enough, and the suggestion was made
to Star reporter that 1t might have been
intended for him to go to the workhouse
to report to the committee that is engaged
in investigating that institution.
Former Experiment.
If such was intended the scheme, it is
conceded did not prove to be anything
like successful as that at the time Gen.
George H. Harries made a similar expert
ment several years ago, when he was con-
nected with The Evening Star He was
perhaps as well known to the police as is
Sergeant Bode. and he succeeded in con-
closest friends. Not only did he manage
to get through the police station, but he
appeared in court stood trial and received
a sentence to the farm. 1t was not until
he was seen in the workhouse by a pris-
oner that his identity was made known,
but he had more than accomplished the
object of his mission, and it was too late
to upset his plans
Sergeant Bode will make a report of
his experiences to Major Sylvester to-
morrow. ,.