Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-08

stations and privates or clerks were gem
orally left In charge. a most unfortunate
condition In a community where so many
important and delicate questions are con-
tinually arising. To meet this disagreeable
and unbus!nesslike state of affairs leuten-
ants are provided for who would act in
the place of captains during their absence
and assume the temporary responsibilities
of governing the precincts This would
place a capable and legally authorized OIL
Ger in charge OF the important interests
throughout the twenty-four hours.
New Buildings Needed.
While several of the station houses have
modern cell corridors and cages, Others have
not. The first, second third. fourth. sixth,
eighth and ninth precincts should be pro-
vided with the latest improved cells and
cell rooms in the interest of decency and
humanity
with the exception of the first. third
and fourth precinct stations the police
houses In the District are good. For many
years that at the first precinct has been
the object of criticism and condemnation.
Not only has 1t been reported against by
the surgeons of the police and fire depart
ments, but II has been reported by the
health authorities to be unfit for occupancy
from a health standpoint. The interior of
the building is dark and dingy and the cell
corridors and cells are badly adapted for the
humane custody OF prisoners. This situa-
ton should not prevail in Washington.
THE cell corridors and cells mt the fourth
precinct should be overhauled and new and
moderu cages placed therein Sewer con-
.nections should be had with the basement
there in order to admit of a lower cell In
which to place the unruly and boisterous
prisoners who have by their conduct made
life burdensome to residents in the vicinity
of the station. and the District is now
threatened with proceedings in court the
outgrowth OF this condition. The third pre-
cinct building Is not bad as the former
two, but 1t Is far from being an up-to-date
building for the purposes for which 1t Is
used
I'm this connection 1t might be appropri-
ate to invite attention to the general good
work of the special street railway officers,
who stationed at intersecting street
railway lines. and whose services are paid
for by the railroad companies These men
have been efficient generally could be
expected; have saved citizens from injury
and death. prevented destruction of prop
erty and assisted women. children and the
infirm.
Police Pensions.
THE pension relief fund law has been
amended several times since its passage. in
1885. until at this time it is sustained by
deducting 81 from the monthly pay of each
policeman and fireman. fines imposed upon
policemen and firemen. rewards and the
sale Of unclaimed property. fines collected
in the Police Court and revenue from dog
licenses to meet any deficiency.
I'm view of demands upon this fund for
care Of debilitated and injured members of
the two departments for sustaining of their
widows and children under sixteen years of
age. the outlay has reached such proper
lions to prompt amendments to the law
to guard against any deficiency and to Sc
cure to all concerned. including the District.
the best obtainable results. An amendment
should be passed by Congress authorizing
the placing of any unexpended balance of
District of Columbia fines and dog licenses
at the end of each fiscal year to the credit
OF the policemen's and ffremens relief fund.
to be in charge of the treasurer of the Unit
ed States for the purpose of meeting any
deficiency that may arise in affording relief
to any member of the force and fire de-
partment, their widows or children under
sixteen years of age
In order that the retired members of the
force may render some return to the Dis
trict in time of emergencies such as the
Inauguration period. riots or great fires. 1t
is further suggested that amendment be
secured whereby their services may be had
on such occasions, subject to the order of
the Commissioners; provided, their physical
condition. as certified by the board Of po-
lice surgeons, be such to justify any
members employment special officer,
which Shall be without expense to the Dis
trict of Columbia
Concealed Weapons.
Much has been written and said concern
ing the subject of carrying concealed weap-
ons, not only in this but in other juris-
d.ctions. Some years ago Congress passed
an act which it was expected would have
a deterrent influence on this practice. but
neither the purchasing nor carrying of con-
cealed weapons has been reduced, II we
may judge by police reports The remedy
will be found In imposing Jail sentences
upon those found guilty of such offenses
No sympathy should go out to the individ-
ual who is proven guilty of such an Of
Tense; all good citizens should applaud the
infictfon of a heavy penalty. The sale can
not be stopped, but 1t be reduced to
legitimate dealers and record secured
IF the law was so amended as to require
in the first place, that all revolvers and
other dangerous weapons sold in the Dis
trict of Columbia shall have the mann of
the maker and serial number of the same
engraved or marked thereon it would be a
first step in the right direction. All dealers
in possession of such goods not marked as
suggested should be fined each day so long
as such article remained in their posses
sion. In making sales of weapons of, this
kind dealers should be required to give
bond and make returns of the names of
purchasers now required, the name and
residence Of purchaser to be verified, to-
gether with a description of the purchaser
and the name and number of the weapon.
Magistrates Warrants.
when the magistrate system was
changed by law the authority to issue war
rants was not conferred upon the justices
OF the peace, 1t being limited to the police
court and that institution, closing after
the days usual business hours, not infre-
quently must the obtaining of a warrant
be deferred until the following day-and
the second day, If Sunday intervenes. If
the law was SO amended as TO permit mag
istrates to grant warrants, was formerly
the case, 1t would be convenience TO the
public
Accompanying the report of Major Syl-
yester is a draft of the bill for the re-
classification of the police force The re-
port also contains a number of letters and
circulars commencing the work of the de-
partment from citizens and organizations.
A LOST EMIGRANT.