Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-03-16
Pnlice commissioner.

The Board Of Police Commissioner
was in session about an hour and q
quarter last night The proceedings
were mostly of routine nature. Mayor
Paff presided and all the commissioners
we're present.
After the secretary had read the pro-
ceeding. of the last meeting, the reports OF
Chief Webster for January and FeDra-
ary we're read. The circumstances 10
connection with the suspension OF OH
GERS Nicholson, Knight and Ferguson
during the past two months were given.
The Mayors action in each case was
affirmed by the commissioners.
Mr.. Graham called attention to the
fact that at meeting held during the
latter part of last year it was agreed by
the members OF the board that in future
when men we're convicted of violation OF
certain rules the penalty (dismlssal)
would follow.
Mayor Paff said Officer Ferguson had
drunk bitters in a certain saloon and he
had proved to .the satisfaction OF the
Mayor that be had been iu1isposed for
several days. He, therefore, did not
merit dismissal.
Mr.. Graham said he had no desire to
be hard upon any officer, but should the
board continue to show leniency alter
going on record as expressing determi-
ton to exact the penalty in certain cases
of violation OF rules, all sorts OF excuses
would be urged in extenuation OF such
offenses on the part of officers.
Mr. Fisher said the members OF the
force should be summoned before the
board when the proper admonition could
he given. The board could then unani.
mCusly resolve to carry out the rules In
letter and spirit. Let the men under
stand that their relations with the board
are of business nature. and the penalty
that will inevitably follow any violation
OF agreement.
Mr.. Graham called attention to the
omission in the present book OF rules oil
u section providing that when an alarm
of fire is sounded the officers on the beats
wherein the engine houses are located
shall repair thther, ring the bells and
close the houses.
Mayor Paff said he had recently
issued an order embOdying this rule,
but would be glad to have the board
incorporate it into the rules.
The rule was adopted.
Mr.. Lawler said the board would he
called upon to elect successors to Officers
James Howson and Samuel TIGER at the
next meeting, as the services of these
men would be dispensed with after
May l.
An interchange of opinion as to age
qualification followed. II was finally
agreed that applicants must be electors
and between the ages of q and 40.
Considerable time was also spent in a
discussion concerning the age at which
an officer should be retired, it being
generally admitted that he has outlived
his day ofuselulness when he reaches go.
A resolution, offered by Mr. Fisher,
providing that aspirants for positions on
the force must send in their applications
in their own handwriting and be be-
tween the ages of2l and 40, was adopted.
An interchange of opinion concerning
alterations and Improvements at the
station house followed. All agreed that
such we're sorely needed, and much re-
gret WAS expressed at the action Of
Council in refusing TO make the neces
sary appropriation.
The Mayor was convinced that ht
could bring the force up to a higher
standard should Council conclude to
make the improvements asked for. Mr..
Paff said the City Engineer had told
him the proposed work would not cos
over $500. His honor referred to tht
fact that two pistols had been stoleI
from the toilet room of the station hous'
recently.
Mr.. Lawler said there should be al
electric apparatus connecting the station
house with the bell in the City Hal
steeple, and he explainedEits utility II
the time of fire.
Mayor Paff said the iiremen of tn
city had received more attention from
Council than thepolicemen. The forme
had many conveniences' in the way Q
bath rooms, &C., which were denie'
policemen. He did not want to be un
derstood as being averse to the 6remel
being provided for. They were faithful
aud trustworthy and the city shout
appreciate their services.
liz L., ri conference.-the adinur ed