Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-22


and secretary and produced in the form of
u badge or button. He spoke at some length
Of the difficulty in obtaining accurate po-
nee statistics as TO criminals, police force
Strength in cities and towns etc.
Misleading Information.
Ife then said:
While examining some of the text books
used in the public schools on page twenty
two of Our Government" discovered a par
agraph entitled Fire and Police Depart
ments.' in which the impression is given
that while the fire department in most cit
les is efficient. the police department is us
uaily corrupt. and the health department in
efhcient The paragraph, in my opinion. is
unjust and misleading and request was
made of the publishers to have the book
corrected or rewritten. 1t was surely pre-
pared by one either prejudiced or unin-
formed. and was calculated to destroy with
the children of the land that feeling of
| fidence in the police which we are contin-
ually endeavoring to stimulate.
The tendency for the past several years
on the part of the departments throughout
the United States has been directed to
uniform police attire, and there is every
good reason why consideration should be
given this subject, with view to adopt
ing uniforms of a similar design and
adornment, with due regard for latitude
and seasons. If a committee on designs
and apparel gave the subject dilisent in
quiry and Investigation. the best grades
vi Iflattfldl, perfect WDfkfIldUSlllp ana low
est prices might be had.
1t'should ever be borne in mind that the
| character and price of uniforms is a vital
| question with the average policeman in that
| his pay is usually small and that the cost
| of the uniforms must be paid from his
| compensation. Investigation along these
| lines might be of much benefit in that
| competen committee would be able to give
| reliable report on all questions and prevent
| impositionS. The larger departments in
this wise would be enabled, no doubt to OBJ
| tain some advantages and the smaller ones
| to pattern If they pleased: at least be fully
| informed in matters of this kind.
In conclusion. | am reminded of the
promise conveyed to the police generally
| through the display at the St Louis ex-
| hibition. The vast public which took adj
| vantage of that occasion to become edu-
| Gated as to what the world Is doing did
| not fail to take an interest in police affairs.
Much knowledge was afforded the public
| that acquainted it with the progressive
| spirit of the police and prompted the au-
| thorites throughout the world to give more
| thought to the methods and means employed
| by modern systems.
Representatives from foreign lands gave
! the efforts Of the Americans to establish
| cooperation and acquaintance much at
! tention and the establishment of closer re-
| latfons has been remarked upon. 1t was
| especially gratifying to observe with what
| fervor the representatives in this country
| and from abroad entered in the spirit of
| the movement The distinguished states
| man who is spokesman for the German
empire and others complimented the efforts
| in no uncertain terms. When men of
prominence in the worlds affairs indorse
| and encourage such action we can feel that
we have been largely compensated for I'M
dertaking to bring about friendly relation
ship with the heads of the police abroad
"ln closing the year have to remind you
that the international Association enjoys
the respect of the people and it is well that
govern on. affairs and conduct our
deliberations as to bring upon us ad-
| iaip An off oh col
his is an honorable profession and at all
times maintain for it a creditable reputa-
ton. We are not out for a celebration, but
to endeavor in our own way to improve
ourselves individually and collectively for
the benefit of the service in our respective
fields.
Il sincerely hope that the papers and dis
cussions which follow may prove of inter
est. that out of the interchange of views
each and every one of you may learn some
thing which will enable you to make some
improvement in your department on your
return home.
Do not forget that regard and respect one
for the other is first principal. tnkind
criticism is made by the narrow minded
official We should be unanimous in what
ever do and after our deliberations and
entertainment are at an end feel that we
are better men and better prepared to do
for those whose Interests we chosen to
subserve and care for, with the hope that
as the public becomes better informed as 10
our intentions and practices it will accord
us fuller measure of appreciation.
Il thank you for your undivided support
and continued encouragement.
Other Reports Made.
At the conclusion of the reading of Major
Sylvester's report Chief John c. Whitaker
of Dayton, Ohio, moved that committee
be appointed to present the valuable sue
gestions in the address to the convention
for action, and the committee will be named
later.
Secretary treasurer Harvey o. Carr who
is the police chief of Grand Rapids, Mich,
then submitted his annual report. 1t show
ed that there was a balance on hand in 1904
of S69397. Received dues during the
year. 81 600; paid out as expenses of the
secretary-treaSurer's office, 81 1924. Bal
ance on hand at this date, 1924 80.
Chief Benjamin Murphy of Jersey City
moved that section of article of the
laws Of the association be amended so as
TO admit to membership; chiefs of detectives
of any county state. Referred to laws
committee.
President Sylvester announced after roll
call that TIE members could present the
names of mayors of cities and police
commissioners for honorary membership in
the association.
Mr.. Pope. who had charge of the police
exhibits at the St. Louis exposition, ad-
dressed the chiefs He said grand prizes
had been awarded to the International AS
ISOLATION of Chiefs of Police, to the Ma
tional Association of Identification and to
the police department OF TOKYO. Japan, ana
that a commemorative medal had been
awarded to President Sylvester for being
instrumental in effecting the GO operation of
the police systems of the world, and bring
ing about a more complete system of cri M
inal identification.
At noon a recess was taken until o'clock
this afternoon.
Notes of the Convention.
The chiefs and their ladies will be escorted
to the Library of Congress this evening
leaving the Shoreham at 100 o'clock and re-
turning at $3.50.
The bicycle corps of the District police de-
partment gave a practice drill this morning
on the plaza in front of the Arlington Hotel.
This was preliminary to a review and drill
to be held at the same place Wednesday
morning at 9 o clock before the visiting po-
lice chiefs The maneuVerS Will be in charge
OF Sergts Bode, Clements Headley and VIII
son. and will include, besides "a flying
wedge to precede Il parade on the streets,
an exciting chase by bicycle policeman
after an automobile, the driver of which is
"scorchng' at the rate of more than TWEEN
t. miles an hour
Major Richard Sylvester has q nameSake