The St. Louis Republic., 1903-07-20

Reform is impossible through agitation which
cioaks prejudice. misrepresentation mendaeity low
partisarship which attacks improved conditions 10
defend and promote worse which is inspired by self
iSh moti7es in the direction of gain in c.anpower.
The police force OF ST. Louis has been subject TO
sauts of this kind such extent that there has
been no credit for real and evident hetteunent.
Compared with the police departments of other
large cities the ST. Louis department is neither the
best nor the worst. II is gcod the average.
Its officers and men competent those of
other departments. Relatively, the cost of police
protection is larger than in other leading cities.
During the past few years the department has ad
ranced in every way, and it is at this time better
than ii has ever been. The Board of Commissioners
has considerable justification for satisfaction the
general Improvement.
But the people of St Louis. while allowing
mendation for beneficial changes, not content to
have police force that is only equal 10 the average
They wish to have the best force the best manage
ment. the best system. the best discipline highest
efficiency: department superior in all respects and
absolutely free from external alliances and influences
Until the board raises the department this standard
the citizens will not be wholly pleased They Will
find cause for criticism.
Among the officers and patr0lmen men
who tit for the service. There are others
who. though measurably competent. are not fully
Quilineu IQere are others VINO owe Their Offices or
positions to the influence of politicians. There are
others who though fully competent. restrained
from excellent work account of their affiliations.
All in ALL the force is good of the men are
willing even DESTROYS to do their BEST yet it includes
some weak men, incompetent men and some
politicians.
Next month the department will be reorganized.
The hoard will have opportunity get rid of those
officers and men who cannot either account OF
lack Of ability because of affiliations perform their
duties under all circumstances and without regard 10
persons or orders. Perhaps the board is fault for
what evils exist Or, perhaps the fault lies with a
few Of the officers. Who is TO blame is not of par
ticular concern, long as the conditions are bet
tered as the people expect
In large body of men, like the police force there
will always be contentious and jealousies; will
always be percentage of officers and men below
the standard: occasionally discipline will become lax
and the efficiency will be temporarily reduced How
ever. if the Commissioners and directing officers will
follow the right principle such conditions when they
prevail, cannot last long. Adherence to correct
policy will result in certain. gradual betterment.
The board must set aside all considerations except
merit when reortanzing the force month. No
officer man should be retained because of his in
luence. whatever it might be: no man should be ap
pointed promoted through influence or in return
for favors rendered favOrs promised. or because
he would be submissive. If applicant for appoint
ment or promotion should try bring influence into
play. that act should suffice nullify his application
At work the force should be governed by discipline
and the law. treating all citizens and wrongdoers with
corresponding fairness and justice In appointing
patromen and officers the board should do so strictly
and solely with regard to merit. The people of ST.
Louis lock to the board TO take this position. Should
ii fail they will conclude that the blame for what
ever evil exists with the hoard and the directing
officers, and not with the members of the force