The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-24
GOOD POLICE FORCE.

Between the policy of the morning organ of the
local Republican machine and the policy of good gov
ernment there is wide and notorious difference,
pecially in regard to police affairs. That organ de-
nounces the police force and declares that efficient
protection of life and property is Impossible of at
tanment unless the Police Department is made an
accessory of the Republican machine. In direct
trast this ridiculous charge and this eccentric pre-
tension the news columns of all local papers show in
the daily records of police work that the department
is rendering efficient service and exercises more than
usual control over the army of criminals.
The Republic believes that politics should have no
connection whatever with the business of the Police
Department in the interest of either Republican or
Democratic machine for the benefit of politicians
of either party Furthermore. there are indications
that nnetenths of the members of the force com
petent and willing do their duty and that they do
perform their duty. Investigation would show,
moreover that there large number-not less
than % per cent-of Republicans on the force. SO 1t
is not partisan machine altogether.
An undisciplined incompetent force could not gain
the results that the department has realized lately
Hundreds of criminals have been attracted to this
city through racing, travel to the Southwest and the
city's augmented prominence yet the commissions
Of wrong have been surprisingly small crimes have
been comparatively few, criminals have been kept
under surveillance and subsection and those who be-
came bold have been checked by the vigilance and
courage of the police The good work of the depart
ment is common knowledge and Is of itself adequate
refutation of allegations originating from partisan
malice and cunning.
Recently The Republic stated that some members
of the force owed their positions and influence to
political prestige. and that is true But the number
who have only such qualification is few. The cti-
would like to those men dismissed from the
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police affairs altogether removed from external agen-
cies. Appointments, promotions, dismissals and
transfers should be made entirely basis of merit
As a whole the department is good as the best
Of any other city in the United States In many re-
specs it is far superior to competitors 1t Ia well
organized. 1t has as able managing officers and us
able suhordinates. 1t has discipline. The men are
dutiful. Politics and other influences are more
effective here than in any other city, in fact, unbiased
observation will show that they are less potent than
in any city equal in size. The numerical strength of
the force is not too great anything 1t Is not great
enough Salaries are by means exorbltant and the
expenses of the department not too large Police
protection costs money and ST. Louis pays relatively
less for better service.
What The Republic looks for is what the people
desre-the elimination of the politics which is in the
department. Fortunately there is not much The
fact that the department has been steadily improved
during the last few years and brought to high
standard of merit carries the conviction that there
discipline and merit When the criticisms of the
political organ summed up, they present the one
plea for political domination. The organ of the Re
publican machine makes only one demand: that is
| that the Republican machine be allowed to dictate
police appointments. This the people of ST. Louis
positively condemn.
The police force as it exists to-day is good or
ganzaon, which obtains good results and gives good
protection citizens and property 1t could he made
better, could any large institution and The Re
public is confident that it will be made better.