The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-02-14
TO EXAMINE
THE POLICE.
Report That a Civil Service
Novels on Foot.
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ACTING sERGEANTs MEET.
Are Called to tho Office Of the Chief
and Then Dismissed, Seemingly
Being Greatly Mystfled by
the Act.
ACTING SERGEANTS MEET

4 j. + Il B. / ID Z r. I y
Ton acting police sergennts, every one
In tho city, for that matter, appeared
simultaneously at the office OF Chief
Of Police Howard yesterday afternoon at
o'clock, having been summoned by tho
clerk ut tho Instance Of Commissioners
Manning. Why they were summoned Is
q mytery, for almost Immediately after
his appearance on the scene the COM
missioner Informed them they were not
wanted and could return to their work,
this step being taken after consulting
Win Mr. Landerlsin and Mr. Bosher, who
also happened to be on the spot
The officers are apparently greatly puz-
zled at the affair. while the commission
ers do not care to discuss 1t. They DID
admit that brief subcommittee meets
ing was held to investigate q matter or
no public interest. but the nature OF
this unnteresting affair was not given
out for publication.
FOR CIVIL SERVICE.
But regardless OF the apparent mys-
terry surrounding. the affair and the re-
ticence Of the commissioner 1t is rumored
among the members of the department
that the Board Is contemplating the In
reduction CT quite an important CUSTOM
which borders largely on civil SER
Vice basis for tho force.
IT has been learned that at a recent
meeting Of commissioners on motion OF
Mr.. Manning. resolution authorizing
the appointment OF q special committee
t. put the acting sergeants through
vigorous examination, was adopted
Named on this committee, 1t Is under
stood, were Messrs. Manning. Bosher and
Innderkin. the Same gentlemen who held
tn. conference yesterday afternoon. AS
a result the Inference Is that this con-
ference was for the purpose OF discussing
the most advisable course to pursue In
toe general examination.
A NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
It appears that Mr.. Manning was I'M
der the impression that the examination
was 10 have taken place yesterday af-
telnoon, as a consequence of which he
lad the acting sergeants summoned to
appear. Rut he reckoned without his
h' st, for the other two members Of the
special committee entertained entirely
diffe, ent Views They could not under
stand how 1t happened that the men
were on hand.
After dismissing the acting sergeants
the three gentlemen, together with Mr..
George Pollock, clerk to the Board, con-
tered for probably fifteen or twenty
minutes, as stated. It is understood that
the toLlc under discussion was q list
OF questions to be asked the officers
VIXEN the examination Is finally pulled
eff This will be one day next week In
al likelihood.
MATTER OF PROMOTION.
It Is he idea Of the Board to ascertain
by the fairest means possible just which
Of the acting sergeants is best fit for
promotion to higher position In the
event one occurs. The man who turns
in the best examination paper-the ques-
lions will have to be answered In writ
ing and Under the eye of the committee
vii, be placed first on the list OF promo
tables. and sc on down.
TIE questions will be thorough. dealing
with such criminal law as a policeman
SHOULD know, the rights Of an officer Of
the law under this or that situation.
Handwii Ting Will cut quite a figure in
tic summing UP. for the Board Is anx-
ious that the books Of the different sta
tons shall be legible.
ACTING SERGEANrS.
Present at headquarters yesterday af-
ternoon were the following acting SER
crints, who will be affected by the de-
termination OF the Board:
Officers Werner and Brown. First Dis
trist; Officers Wiltshire, Farley. Z. J.
Bradley and Wyatt, Second District; Of
Ulcers Tyler, Amos. Mcmahon and Mari
oa Third District.
In the event the new system works
as 1t is expected to with the acting SER
gcants. the general force OF privates will
probably he put through a similar test
while all applicants for positions in the
mental rs WILL as physical examination