The Washington times., 1905-05-23
POLICE CHIEFS
DISCUSS GUNS .
Why Patrolmen Should Be
Good Marksmen.
DISPOSAL OF THE BUREAU
Second Days Session of International
Association Brings Out Some
Interesting Topics.
DISPOSAL OF THE BUREAU

ReVoiyerS, and their uses as applied to
modern police equipment" formed the
principal theme of discussion before this
mornings session of the International
Police Association at the Shoreham Ho-
Tel. The subject was precipitated by q
communication from Major Bell. inspec-
tor Of rifle practice of the District Ma
tional Guard. and chiefs of police from
many cities gave the results of their
years of experience concerning the uses
of firearms in police work.
When today's meeting opened, Presi-
dent Sylvester made several announce
ments. among others an invitation TO
all who desired to attend any of the
performances at local theaters tonight.
Major Bells communication. which
was read Immediately after the an
nouneements, brought before the con-
yention the necessity of an increase in
efficiency of Workmanship among po-
licemen.
In opening the discussion of the sub
ject. Chief Thayer, of Duluth, Mimi,
told about finding the policemen in his
city, when he took charge OF the de-
partment. armed with all kinds of re-
volvers, each man buying his own
weapon and the majority having old
and rusted pistols Since then, he said,
providing for the purchase OF modern
police revolvers, and the improvement
Was 4HCei1CuldDiS.
Opposes Rapid Firers.
Chief McWeeny, of South Bend. Ind.s
expressed himself as against the use
OF rapid-fire heavy caliber weapons.
carrying steel pointed bullets. by po-
1icenen, and made motion that It be
the sense of the convention that such
long distance shooting irons be con-
demned as unfit for police equipment.
sideration.
Why should man be permitted to
carry revolver when he knows nothing
about its use?" asked Col. s. P. Sher-
wood, of Ottawa, Canada. IN the de-
partnent over which l have control,
he continued, every man is required
not only TO master the use u the re-
yoIver. but also of the rife
One OF nv men was ordered TO sHoot
a dog last Wednesday,, said Chiet
Clemens, OF Wheeling, W. Va, and
the revolver seemed to kick. He went
CARTRIDGES back and snapped the cham
Der in place when the weapon was dis
charged. the bullet striking his Wife and
killing her instantly. 1t was only an
instance OF a policeman's unfamiliarity
with the weapon.
Chief KieIy. of St. Louis, tcld of his
general challenge for q match between
a team Of 10 10 100 policemen of his
city and any other city in the country.
THE past year has been the most |
eventful In the history of the National |
Bureau of Identification, said Chief |
Kiely, chairman OF the board of gov
ernors Of the bureau, in reading his
annual report. He said the bureau at
tracted more attention at the ST. Louis |
Fair than any other exhibit III the Eou- |
eational Building.
Chief Kiely reparted that the balance
in the bureau treasury was 81, ,62l q,
and that 320 identifcations had been
made during the year.
Disposal of Bureau.
Referring to the proposition made to- |
turn the bureau over to the District of
Columbia government. CHIEF kiely |
stated that meeting Of the board of |
governors would be held this evening |
TO discuss the matter.
Major Sylvester said that none of the |
rights would be taken from any sub |
scriber who had helped to sustain the |
bureau OF Identification, If the bureau |
should be turned over 10 the District |
He characterized the offer of the Com |
nissionerS to maintain the bureau as |
most generous. ana explained that any |
act of theirs would have the effect OF |
law
Much discussion followed. it being |
finally determined that all subscribing |
members OF the bureau should have q |
voice In disposing OF the pictures and |
OF the criminal identihca- |
ton bureau.
Major Sylvester appointed as a com
mittee to consider suggestions made in |
his annual report: Chief Whitaker. of |
Dayt on. Ohio; William Moore, Of Bing- |
haInton, \. Y. and John Jouree, OF New
La.
Inspector Stewart. chief OF the post
office inspectors division, extended |
hearty greetings of the postoffice fnspec-
tors now IN session Ia this city. He
assured the chiefs Of the cooperation
OF the inspectors whenever IL may be |
needed,
Much applause greeted the suggestion
Of Chief Kohler OF Cleveland. that a
means be devised for the chiefs and
theiF. ladies to become acquainted. The l.
roll was called and each member of the
association, responding to MS name,
walked TO the front OF the hall 10 be