The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-06-06
SYLVESTER SPEAKS
TO POLICE CHIEFS
Address to the international
Association.
ASSEMBLED IN ST. LOUIS
Reviews History of Body and Discusses
at Length Modern Methods of
Detecting Criminals.
ASSEMBLED IN ST. LOUIS

ST. LOUIS. No. June s.-The Inter
national Police Association met here to-
day. with chiefs of police I'm attendance
from the leading cities of this country
and Canada. The chief feature of the
afternoon session was the address Of
Major Richard Sylvester. president Of
the association: and Superintendent Of
Police OF Washington. d. c. Major
Sylvester said in part:
THE International Police Association
is not assembled In this beautiful gar
den. which includes the Ivory city,
a suburb and part of the great central
metropolis of the Mississippi Valley.
through any selfish influence or any
selfish motive. Its coming here was
prompted by patriotic sentiments. enun-
c:ated a year ago, coincident with its
presence in the land where the con-
summation OF the Louisiana Purchase
was effected, and which Is directly re-
lated and connected with this wherein
IL meets today. We are in the same
valley, its productive hillsides are wash
ed by the waters Of the same Father of
Rivers. the people therein akin through
ancestral blood and common interests.
1T was on the centennial anniver-
sary of the requirement of the Louis
lama Territory by the United States that
this association convened in the city OF
New Orleans. The promoters Of the
St. Louis Exposition had extended an
invitation to the world whereby citizen
and soldier. manufacturer and agricul-
turist. philosopher and statesman, in
dividuals and organizations were asked
TO participate in one grand event COM
snemorative of the foresight of Thomas
Jefferson.
Exhibit of Methods.
This association was among the first
10 make favorable response thereto, and
not only did it then and there promise
to give its attendance upon such an
occasion. but. following the suggestions
OF your presiding officer IT has provided
an international exhibit of police meth
DDS, men, implements, and materials,
affordng the civilized world scienti-
fic study within the scope Of the divis-
ion Of economics. without appropriation
Of public encouragement. this association
has furnished a feature In the educa-
tOnal building which will go out as a
part of the historical attachments there
10, and while we have placed a charac-
terlStlc contribution in the grand ag-
gregatiOn of wonders there to be seen,
and expect to indulge IN deliberations
which viii prove of profit 10 mankind.
il SuDulu not De Forgotten lndI the &C
cOmmOdation and opportunity Tor such
enlightenment and instruction have been
extended by the progressive citizens of
a substantial municipality in one of the
grandesI commemorative of our power
ful Union Missouri may have had her
bandits and -'boodlcrs." but II should
he remembered that within her gates
reside thousands Of God-fearing people,
who mine her mountains, till her sell.
build and operate her railroads, CEN
tralize and carry on her trade. foster
her factories, uphold her laws. and live
in peace and harmony. That spirit OF
hospitality always true of her popula-
ton makes US welcome guests within
her border and l feel confident that
when We shall have accomplished our
labors we will return to our homes filled
with the fondest recollectiOns Of an
eventful and prosperous convention.
Second Anniversary.
THE International Police Association
celebrates on this occasion the second
anniversary OF it's expansion to such,
and we assert beyond question that the
institution has long since passed the ex-
perimental stage. and is now exercising
magnificent influences for the proven
ton. suppression. and detection of
crime; the Improvement of police forces,
the elevation of the police officer. and
the establishment Of reciprocal rela-
tions I'm the transaction and completion
OF police business at home and abroad"
Major Sylvester then reviewed the
history Of the organization, and spoke
OF its potent influence upon the progress
OF police methods all over the world. He
declared that as conditions in the world
OF crime have undergone "A change. so
police tactics have gone forward to meet
all requirements. He spoke Of the as
sistance given by the press. the advan-
tages derived from the telegraph and
telephone. Photographic processes, and
measurements. and showed how the po-
liceman and detective Of today while
having a thousand agencies at his COM
must be wise. alert, and active IN the
pursuit OF crime. In speaking Of the OBJ
jects Of the association. Major Syl-
Vester said
1--WE meet as we do now and compare
notes and exchange ideas. and in this
period there exists a systematic equip
ment OF men. a general simi. aritv OF
uniforms. rules Of discipline almost iden-
teal. tours Of duty. mainly alike. and
complete transitions prevail Policemen
of municipalities widely apart have in
dulged in friendly competitions. and a
cable 20 Europe from a police chief Of
this country meets with favorable and
undelayed response. and action. II re-
Quired.
Bureau of Identification.
with a view Of securing thorough CO.
operation In the apprehension Of crimi-
nails. there is conducted within the gov
eminent Of your association an Inter