Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-26
ALF-AND-HALf PLAN
w. G.. Henderson Talks on
Street Extension.
DELEGATE IN CONGRESS
MAJ. SYLVESTER REVIEWS NEEDS
OF POLICE FORCE.
President Of Association Discusses the
Act Of 1873 as Applied
to District.
DELEGATE IN CONGRESS

Mai Richard Sylvester. chief OF police
was the honored guest last evening at the
regular monthly meeting of the North cap
itol and lexington Citizens Association IN
ST. Martins Hall. North Capitol and I
streets. He made an address bearing d.
rectly upon the police department, where
by he made 1t apparent that he Is inter-
ested deeply in the welfare of its mem-
bers and thoroughly appreciates their as
sistance In placing the service upon
higher plane, in keeping with the develop
ment Of the District Of Columbia.
In the course of his remarks upon the
needs Of the department. Maj. Sylvester
touched upon several matters affecting the
membership Of the force in general ana
in behalf OF which the policemen's associa-
ton Is exerting it's efforts. 1t was clear
that the association is in hearty accord
with the views entertained by Maj. Syi-
vester, as his remarks were Loudly ap-
plauded and the plans he outlined for the
future of the force and its members were
Endorsed.
The chief opened his address by making
brief reference to the changes in the de-
partment in the last decade. He noted
that his continuous service in the depart
ment extends over a period of more than
twenty-one years-the best years of his
life. 1t has been the aim of the depart
ment. he said. to enforce the laws enacted
b T..
pride that Maj. Sylvester referred to the
status of the local department in COMPARE
son with the departments Of the other
cities of the country, his statement being
that 1t occupies third place In the list of
police departments.
Need Of Larger Force.
Major Sylvester dwelt at some length
upon the imperative necessity Of larger
force The present personnel Is depleted to
a certain extent by special details and
sickness. There should, he thought, be
sufficient number of men employed to pro-
vide for such details and for sickness with
out detracting from the efficiency of the
department and without lessening the po-
lice protection in certain sections. Owing
to the inadequacy of the force, Major
Sylvester said, the national capital cannot
pay due respect to the foreign legations,
high officials and men of station. In the
capitals of number of other countries, he
said, the police departments, as mark of
respect, detail special guards for the for
eign embassies and homes of personages
high in governmental affairs. In Wash
ington, Major Sylvester said it is impos-
sible to extend such eourtesies.
Reference was also made by the speaker
to the pay of the privateS of the local
force In view of the expenses to which
they are subjected incident to their service.
he thought their pay inadequate, and said
it should be increased.
to the system of trials by magistrates in
station houses. Such system might be
established in Washington, he said, by as
signing one magistrate to three precincts.
Under the present system of police trials
there are many instances when the pre-
cincts are neglected by reason of the at
tendance at court of large number Of the
policemen from those stations.
Pennsylvania avenue and street. Major
Sylvester said, are inadequately patrolled.
In this connection he referred to the speed
Of automobiles and other vehicles which
endanger human life. In closing, Major
Sylvester declared Washington should be
the best policed city In the world vote
of thanks was rendered him.
The business proper of the session was not
taken up until the conclusion of the re-
marks of Maj. Sylvester. A number Of
matters were discussed at length. but few
were acted upon. A large majority of the
matters were referred to committees for
further consideration.
The association adopted a resolution, Of
fered by President ..Iiam G. Henderson,
to the effect that the association gives It's
unqualified commentator to the action of
the Senate committee on the District Of
Columbia in urging and insisting that IN
street extensions the United States should
bear its proportionate share Of the cost OF
such extensions. in accordance with the or
ganic act of 1879 Mr.. Henderson made an
address upon the resolution. In which he
advocated the presence upon the floor or
Congress of delegate from the District OF
Columbia, in order that the members as
whole might be enlightened, when neces-
sary, as to matters affecting the District.
Mr.. Henderson's Address.
In the course of his address he said:
Under the act of 1878 1t is provided that
of the expenses for the government of the
District one-half shall be paid out of the
federal treasury and the other half out Of
49, ra,,ar,as Of the District For ten years