davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
PARTRIDGE on REFORM.
Wants Long Term for Commissioner
and Tzc0, Not Three, PIato0nS.

IN the opinion Of Colonel John N Partridge, who
was Commissioner of Police under Mayor Low, the
head of the Police Department is greatly hand-
capped by short term Of office. AS he says:
THE Police Department is one of the most. If
not the most. important in the city government.
Its jurisdiction extends large territory. 1t
has under it's protection the lives, safety and prop
erty OF some four million persons including
transient visitors These comprise persons of diff
ferent political affiliations, religious sects and
resentatves Of nearly every civilized nation in the
world. with all their peculiar beliefs and habits.
The Police Commissioner has approximately eight
thousand OF all grades to perform the many
duties required by the State laws and city ordi-
nances. In a short term he hardly has time to be
acquainted with the personnel Of the depart
ment, it's organization, its various bureaus. its
traditions and the laws governing. and is ready to
do his best work before his successor takes his
place The force, knowing that The head of the
department is pretty sure to change with each
change Of administration if not oftener, does
give to him that hearty and loyal support and
obedience which / believe II would If the Commits
sioner had a long tenure.
THE ideal Commissioner would be a man beyond
the control OF any political Industrial religious
party or Of any class of citizens. and commanding
the respect and confidence Of all. He should h9ve
mad experience in dealing with large bodies of
should understand human nature. be good
ganizer above all honest IN every sense and OF
mature years, but past the prime OF life
1T is hardly TO be expected that either Of the
ment Of any law which would give us such a Com
nissloner and WITH l2ns tenn 1 for that would
tics! However. the nearer We can approach to this
''The rank Of Chief OF Police. I think. should be
restored and lac should be clothed with fun author
ity over the uniformed force and detectives. and
with power to make assignments and transfers.
subject TO the approval Of he Commissioners. APP
made by the Commissioner. would make the
81 all compulsory upon reaching the
THE Defective Bureau did, in 1902 and I pre-
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
the business details Of his department II. F S.
New-York. March G. 1906.
RISKS HIS LIFE GAYLY.
Farley, the Strike Breaker, Does
Not Seem to KnO1c Fear.

James Farley, the professional strike breaker
who brought men here to take the places OF the
strikers on the elevated and subway lines. was
asked the other day how he came to take up so
hazardous business. He replied:
How did I come into it? can hardly tell
just grew into it, I was keeping little hotel
up in the country in New-York State not far
from where 1 live when 1 became frantic with
pain from aching tooth. The dentist must
have given me too much cocaine or my system
would not stand that sort Of treatment. for I
awoke to find myself pursued through the woods
as a wild man / gave up my hotel and went
to Brooklyn. where l joined some strike break
ers. hardly realizing what / was doing After
the Strike was over went back TO the country
but subsequently, met some of the same men
had become acquainted with i'm that first ex-
perience, and I got 10 thinking about the mat
ter studied conditions, and became con-
WINGED that there was always a call for men to
take the places of strikers i'm some part Of the
country, and that there must be somebody to or
garize and keep track of the men who are
available for that sort of job. Well managed
to accomplish what ] undertook and must saw
that among the hundreds. or rather thousands.
of men | can get together for my business there
are many former union men who long ago re-
allied that their oTganizat tons never really pro
tected them IN keeping their jobs They have
proved 10 be tie best sort of men to have 10
help break strike and I can always depend
upon them Many Of them 90 not have 10 do
this work but they like the excitement. or thew
may nave some other motive for taking 1t up.
Despite his reluctance To speak of his daring
EXPLOITS in which he has risked his life scores
OF umes' many of the thrilling experiences in
farieSs career ere well known not only 10 his
friends and followers, but also to his enemies
many Of whom admire secretly the mans
grit The hrst serious encounter between
Farley and the Amalgamated Association of
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
TRANSFERS WRONG.
Instead, Crooked Captains Should
Be Dismissed from Force.

TO transfer captain Is the wrong way to punish
him. Instead. he should be expelled from the force
with isnominy and a heavy penalty" This state
ment was made by the Rev. DR. H. Pereira Mendes
rabbi of the Hebrew Synagogue Shearith Israel in
Central Park West.
II captains Were punished outright" he said
instead OF shifted from precinct to another
they would be far more likely to do their duty
think 1t is wrong to condemn the whole of the
ponce force. believe there honest and honora
pie men in it who deserve our every confidence
mat there are or have been men of the reverse
character IS absolutely and shamefully true and
the readiness and swIftness with which men as
ofncers of the force have accumulated enough
money to purchase real estate. even though they
entered the force as poor roundsmen is significant
The head of the force should be n man of mill
ary training, of character above repro and free
from compromising association with political par
ties or organizations.
Where the law. and especially the moral law is
not enforced. the captain of that district should not
expelled from the force with ignominy and with
heaVy penalty. Such course will emphasize the
responsibility of police captains. And similar
phaslS should be placed upon the responsibilities of
every officer and roupdsman. The whole question is
largely one of discipline That there is room for
occur much too frequently; 1t is often difficult to
get sight of policeman. Many citizens will not
risk crossing Central Park in the night going
through cross streets.
Il think there would be better police service IL we
had a little more military discipline in the force
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12

Ne removed or whether to the stupidity and in
competence OF the courts which must interpret
such laws or whether to technical mistakes of the
otfsaclals who originally removed those captains or
Of eli or whether II was due to combinatio
~ S an tnese causes. / do not profess to saw
nave only seen the results. trust that the Com
this condition f'F0 - -S-4iNe' 10
vim IN my own experience have found crime and
wee encouraged by the fact that when officers
wera tneir case before the courts those cases
WEE thrown OUT but II has not been possible for
me TO determine always whether the court or the
ohcers or the requirements of the law with regard
70 eVluence were to blame. / only know that there
of s miscarriage of justice to the encouragement
tiIS dWleSS element, the discouragement of the
cation of the police P II
-, In general should think that the relation Of
Lhe police to the city administration ought to be
S S4He~hat mat OF the navy army the United
su1nos s4EeTnnent and yet not exactly. should
out OF what is commonly called politics In gen
sra, the national government contrives to Keep
~ t9 navy alu army out politics not altogether
n ~ Is true. nut to greater extent than It does
Stiler partments OF the service How this is to
De zone with the police, do not know The So
accomplish TT 49, 49, o'-' ~
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
SHOULD BE MASTER.
Commissioner Must Be AbIe to
Punish Wrong and Re7card Right.

According to Andrew d. Parker. who was mem
Der of the bipartisan police board under Mayor
Strong, the disciplinary power of the Police Com
missioner should be absolute AT the present time
the Police Commissioner is practically unable TO
punish the crooked officer and reward the honest"
said Mr.. Parker This help!essness of the chief
executive of the force gives rise to most OF the
evils in the department. The temptations for the
ordinary policeman great in any case. and when
10 this is added the chance of going UNPUBLISHED it
becomes stiu more difficult for the honest officer to
remain honest. When a member Of the force knows
that lie may even be discharged from the force only
to be rcinstated by the the head of he
COMMISSIONER he is not likely To have much respect
for his superior.
When the head of the Police Department has
little disciplinary power the policeman OF integrity
also has little Incentive TO DO his duty. He IS not
rewarded when tie does overcome the allurements
Of graft He has no hope OF support the hands
Or The commissioner ana at last he is likely say:
There's nothing in it
Therefore. would advise that the Commissioner
be made absolute master Of each policeman. Let
him no without political affiliations and Judge every
man according % his real merits; and the public
should uphold his acts when he does enforce the
law with yigUr'
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12

introducing this record that we found 1t possible
TO prosecute the cases successfully
1t should be possible TO retire policemen Of sixty
years Of age. Then all could retire with honor
When they arrive at that stage of their existence
Wlthout the inevitable unpleasanness of the chiefs
being Obliged TO force them out under charges
at present Although under the Civil Service law
IL Is rather difficult to get rid of superannuated
or incompetent employees in general sense, /
not inclined to believe that giving the head of
me department the right to discharge peremptorily
lor cause-as IS the in the government service
would sufficiently protect Civil Service employees,
tor the following reason: 1t is not unusual for the
friends of candidates for promotion whose
grace the head of the eligible list advocate the
adyaneement of their friends and when vacancy
exists the desire ana pressure one in the
interest of aspirants to the position may sometimes
prove irresistible
Prompt suspension from duty for disobedience
OF ORDERS neglect OF duty, any similar violation
OF the rules OF the department furnishes the chief
OF ponce with ready weapon to enforce discipline
!, say this as an officer who is under obga-
tons to politics politicians from his appointment
as patrolu2n In 1873 up to the present date
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
NEEDS NEW BLOOD.
Members of Force Should Serue
Only Fec Years, Says Nr. Briesen.

The police force needs blood and should be
reinforced every year by about five hundred men
who would retire after short service Such is the
suggestion of Arthur V. Briesen, president of the
Legal Aid Society
Il have come to the conclusion" said Mr. Briesen
that 1t might be highly desirable to gradually sup
ply the force with new men, who should be en-
listed for a comparatively brief period say three
or I'VE years and who should then go back into
private life, relieved from jury duty and the like
If we could provide a law that such new blood
should come into the force to the extent of. say
five hundred men each year, would have in the
service presumably the best obtainable material
which, when the term of service had expired would
IN private life conduct themselves the lines they
had been taught and who would also constitute, in
case Of necessity splendid reserve force, to bs
called into service in of emergency.
I'VE remember the time when we had volunteer
fremen their devotion, energy and delight in aban-
doning themselves to that public service. The
chances that would get similar good ma
terial into the police force. Naturally men who
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
REFORM At BOTTOM.
Only hen of High Personal Worth
Should Become Policemen.

Reform 4, the Police Department should begin
at the bottom. The force should be recruited from
men who are not mixed up f.. politics. who are
men Of integrity. and Of high personal standard
SUCH Is the belief of the Rev. DR.. ]. Wesley John
ston pastor of the John Street Methodist Episcopal
Church.
such personal qualifications should be demanded
Ct ery applicant 20 the police force" says Dr.
Johnston, that men Of ability and intelligence will
in police duty opportunity worthy Of the best
service they can render. Any real permanent
reform in the police force be in the men
themselves. A corrupt tree cannot bring forth
good fruit"
Other suggestions by Dr. Johnston are these:
so increase the number Of the force that at
least one policeman can be stationed on each cross
ing where the street traffic is heavy and the
Travel continuous.
so arrange the system % patrol that a police
man can cover his beat in such a time TO be
Practically within call
so recognize fidelity and integrity as 10 arouse
spirit OF honorable rivalry and cause each man
20 feel personally responsible for the section
mitted his care.
50 treat the policeman that he will not feel
tfest cTunkards, but to safeguard the interests OF
NE community over which he IS placed.
FFoVde for such supervision shall secure an
sssslila1 unity OF administration. and prevent
r,,y.ss or changes because of personal feeling
unjust suspicion
Remove the Police Department from civic juris-
Sti0n 50 as 10 prevent the possibility of either
ssion or coliusion in matters that concern the
oii4s and wehbeing CT the city"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12

sumo does now. contain many who are detectives
only IN name, and who possess no qualifications for
sucn WORK and also some 'grafters.' To get rid
OF these. legislation is needed AT the same time
II might be well to make two three grades OF
detectives and give the Commissioner power to
promote Tor merit. or reduce from grade to
the next lower. or to assign to patrol for cause.
ne sooner the three platoon system is abol-
ished and the old patrol system which was in
vogue for several decades Is restored the sooner
viii life and property be better protected. The
three platoon system places the number of
men on patrol at night in the daytime while
1t is well known that vice and crime flourish
especially at night. where darkness shortens the
range OF vision and gives greater opportunities TO
CRIMINALS. The two platoon system puts out at
night from 20 to 30 per cent more Datrolmen than
IN the daytime. and reduces the size OF the posts
10 be covered. Furthermore. the patromen would
nave less temptation to shirl duty If the tour of
duty was reduced from eight hours TO six. CThe
rcduced TO five hours by relieving at D. and
at and a. m) 1t is unreasonable to expect
patrolmen to do efficient service the rules
quire. for eight consecutive hours on cold stormy
winter nights or under a blazing summer
They cannot do It,
one of the most grievous charges made
against members Of the force is that of blacknail
ing beiieYe the opportunities for this practice
De materially diminished by amending the excise law
so as 70 permit the sale Of liquor at certain hours
on sunday. ! would also recognize the fact that
me social evil which has existed for generations.
does now exist. and that efforts stamp il
police and sanitary regulation is l believe practi-
cable and possible. would promote the health of
the community and materially reduce the oppor-
tunlteS Tor leVying blackmail' -
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
WILD BURROs OF CALIFoRNI.

Large droves II wild burros have been discovered
IN the Slate Range locality. These burros haa
their beginning from those which occasiouauv
escaped from prospecting parties or whose ov,,er,
perished in the desert The animals collected ,bo,,.
the Slate Range and through long years have 49,
eumulated until noN there are hundreds OF them,
Ed Baker an old desert teamster visited th,
section and IN the vicinity of Lone Willow one ~
the Few watering places got sight OF several rovss
or these Wild burrOs- In one drove he countad
hfty-ive. in another thirty and in another tvenfv
i've He thinks there were az least two bu,,,,rss
o1rFos IN sight when he entered the Iitt.e valley
me creatures We're quietly browsing or Resting
mere and there. but on sight OF Baker the rearesf
droves were OF up the valley - 'e -
5 as they swept along they were Joined by other
uIONtS until the noise OF their hoofs noniifne~ IN
the tarth as they New along filled the VALLEY vfh
CONTINUOUS roar. which died away tbe s3ro,-es
disappeared over the hills
bahtr $ organizing a party TO undertake tbs
capture or these ourros They live ia an Isolated
section where there Is little water but anlone
the CANYONS or the Slate Range there Is an abun,
dance OF feed.
1t Is proposed to surround the valley where they
generally feed after building a corral at one snj
and gradually chase them into the inciosure much
after the tactics used in rabbit drive Baker be-
heves that there thousand burro. ~
the vieinity.--(Los Angeles Times
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12

only serve for short time will serve for the pur-
pose OF the service, and will not have time TO build
up 2 refined grating" machinery. They will be
easly dlSciPIlned especially If their superior Off
GERS Snould have longer term of than they
themselves. The disciplinary power will be analo-
gous 10 that which observe in the army and
navy and the instructions these get during the
service would be of great value them and to all
others ever after. We would receive In our midst
trained detectives. able TO subdue rowdyism in
their immediate surroundings, and educated to
an upright bearing.
! would also say that at the present time in the
StparI proper military discipline be
lorced mis- is because the in the service
Tor Ire, Whiie their commanding officers are changed
every few years. In the army of every country the
men tne prlVates serve for comp aratvely short
ume; the ottcers for life The reverse happens with
our ponce force What Is the result? The policemen
nave vested interest in their positions and through
the length Of service and under sundry temptations
learn to utilize the situation to their personal adj
vantage.
IF an honest and efficient commander orders
lnem 10 abstain from doing the things they should
not 40; ana requires OF them that they do the
thlngS they should do, they naturally say them
selves: oh, we'll will make an outward show
OF obedience, but will keep strings in working
order: because this Commissioner viii have 10 so
In rev wears and then will be free to resume
our former practices "
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
ADYICE FROM CHTCAGO.
Its Head of Police Says Chief
Should Be out Of Politics.

The police chief should be from the in
fuence Of politicians" Francis ONenl general
superintendent of the police of Chicago Where
the chief Of police cannot hope to retain his posi-
ton after his party is defeated the pollz regard
less of his general efficiency and character no IDEAL
condition Of the Police Department is possible The
chief never hope to realize the results of his
efforts al reform even at the sacrifice OF his own
personal comfort and advantage where frequent
changes in the incumbency the rule and not tho
exception Party expedlency must inevitably be
his guide where continuance in office is not possible
after change of administration
The difficulty Of securing the discharge OF incom-
petent or insubordnate employees greatly handicaps
a police chief 1 viii state that I am afraid the
law affords too much protection TO men who have
been dismissed. have found it possible however
to reduce in rank on charges Of inefHciency eight
detective sergeants after continuous Siege Of two
months coutendng with the attorneys for the de-
renee during the whole progress Of the before
the trial board. his result possible only be-
cause under my instructions, the heuenants IN
chdfSe OF the detective bureau had kept a sys-
tfrnatlc record of all work performed by their
suberdinates, giving graded value for each class
OF work performed. This book OF records was much
IN evidence during the trial. and It was only by
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
KEEP OUT BLACKLEGS.
Corrupt officers Should Not Be Let
Back after Dismissal.

rocked members of the force should not only
a. 'hto"n out bat be kept oht Until this IS posi-
-, according TO the Rev. DR.. John r. Peters
r eIu'r Of ST Michaels Church in West ssth-st the
80 department WIFI remain scandal TO the
ny. As DR.. Peters says:
II seems that # should be possible 10 remove
=. ini'~tent or corrupt captains and officers over
- - over again, when a man has been removed
~ IA all common sense had shown himself IN
a,-l p'eht or corrupt by the fact that vice and
- were prevalent ia MS precinct, that man
ms been restored by the courts The citv has had
Ysg heavy expenses for the legal proceedings.
H. q" ana men like him have been led 10 be-
- - mat they could with IMMUNITY pursue the
- curse o. corruption as before. Whether 1t
e"'As "a BAD laws that such men could not
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12

formed force and detectives. with power to assign
and transfer subject to the approval of the
Commissioner This official would be protected by
-he Civil Service regulations
1t may be urged that we had such system once
and it was abolished because it did not work we'll
IL is true that the system abolished but this
was done not so much because of it's lack of merit
as because of the lack of merit in the incumbent
The Chief of Police ought to be chosen with
much care as one would take in selecting a Com
missioner. He ought to have military training and
executive ability and possess acknowledged integ-
rity. With of this character N control of the
force. the Commissioner, who is likely to be bet
ter acquainted with the conduct of business than
of police force. would be left free 10 attend to
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
A PERMANENT CHIEF OF POLICE
Suggestion to Follow Model of Fire Depart.
ment.
le Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: Would not the efficiency Of the Police De
partn'ent OF the city be increased ard the way be
opened for the elimination of some Of the serious
evils which afilict il by the adoption OF a system
OF control similar that in the Fire Department?
In the latter the executive head OF the force is
the chief He does not change with every change
In administration being protected by the Civil Ser
vice regulations. His unlimited tenure of office
means increased opportunity TO develop the efFi-
cheney of the force and increased ability to com
mand it.
Let there be Police Commissioner as at present
10 make appointments and promotions and 10 dis
miss Under him would be the Chief OF Police
The chief would have full authority over the uni
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
BOUND TO BE FAULTY
The Police Cannot Be Made Better
than the Auerage Citiaen.

+. b. Thurber, president of the Civic Association
OF New-York. favors the establishment of a State
police. Il think the suggestion which ex-Cbiof
Byrnes makes for State constabuIary is most sen
siole'" says Mr. Thurber IT think that such sys-
tenn would take the police out Of politics
Some people think it is possible to make the
police force better than the average citizen but do
not think this is POSSIBLE nor is it possible to make
Mew-YoTk very different from other great cities
we ought to be able to make it good, but YOU
majority wants 1t TO be-
az think that 80 far as the safety Of life and
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12

property is concerned the regulation of traffic and
other main duties Of the police, We have very
efficient police force. 1t would be difficult to
get more honest or efficient head of the force
than Mr.. McAdoo / think the Committee of Nine
that investigating the matter compe-
tent to Judge of the situation after they have fin
shed their Investigation