The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-12-07
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1906.
A GRAVE RESPONSIBILITY.

Mayor-elect Mccarthy informed the News
Democrat yesterday that he has about reached Z
decision on the matter of the appointment of
police commissioner 10 fill the vacancy on the board
that will occur on the expiration of the term oi
Colonel Gross
There is every reason to believe Mr.. Mccarthy
has given this vitality important subject not only
The most careful consideration, but that he has
sought the views of others whose Judgment he re.
CARDS as likely to aid him in making a selection
that will best promote and protect all interests in
voved
IL can be said, furthermore. that whatever NAV
be the mayorelects ultimate decision citizens gen
orally will accept it representing an earnest and
sincere purpose TO to the city and the citi-
zens the best and most efficient police adminstra-
tion possible
Under existing conditions it does not appear
improper to suggest to Mr. Mccarthy that he delay
final decision until he has had time TO consult
with and obtain the opinion of the advisory board
which he is at present engaged in selecting
The idea OF calling to his aid board consti-
tutef of citizens of ability, character and standing
is admirable, and there can be no doubt it will serve
to make Mr.. McCarthys administration particularly
notable for its efficiency and conspicuous for its
promotion of the welfare of the community
No more serious duty is likely to devolve upon
Mr. Mccarthy the city's executive than that OF
choosing police commissioner In the character
OF the administration of the department every cti-
zen has direct and vital interest, and the efficiency
of that administration is dependent wholly upon
the capabity, courage and impartiality of the men
who constitute ma jority of the board
Would it not, then, be the part of wisdom for
the mayor-elect to suspend judgment until his ad-
vsory board has been completed and he has been
able to ascertain its views as to which of the several
suggested candidates will be the more likely TO
bring to the police board the ability fearlessness
and partisanshp that are absolutely essential if
the present standard of efficiency is to be maintained
and if the department is to be kept free from the
mischievous influences of the partisan machine that
seeks to secure domination it by composing
the election OF one of its creatures?
The ws-Democrat is in hearty accord with
Mr.. Mccarthy in his belief that the Democracy is
entitled to representation on the police commission
1t is only rank and ndefcnsible partsanship that
denies to the dominant party such representation ;
but, as Mr.. Mccarthy has himself remarked, it is a
condition, not theory that has to be dealt with
That condition has been created by law
passed at the bidding of an insoent boss for the
puiPoSe VI tHldlSlnS HIS Hl-SOtlcn ana IndllSn
power. and it is to be found in a board OF aldermen
hostile TO the executive but subservient the boss
with which is lodged not only the power to reject
any nomination Mr.. Mccarthy may make but to
elect any one OF his creatures the boss may name
There are many men in the Democratic party
splenddly equipped for positions on the police
commission and whose presence on il would insure
continuance of the present efficient administration
OF police affairs but will any such Democrat receive
the necessary endorsement of the board of alder
menl
That is question that must have presented it |
self to the mayor-elect How he has determined it
in his own mind is, OF course, known to himself
alone, but, judging from experience and example, |
the opinion may be ventured that no such Demo
crat would be confirmed by the board Of aldermen
1t is conceivable there arc some so-called Dem
oerats who, il nominated by the mayor might re-
ceve endorsement at the hands of the aldermen
but that endorsement would be given because they
were satisfactory to the Republican boss and would
obey his commands, not because they were Demo
Gratis and well qualified TO serve on the police COM
mission
Indeed, the only kind OF Democrat likely 10 be
confirmed would be OF the type represented by
Dorney OF the state returning board and Malloy of
the board OF canvassers and registration. and that
sort OF Democrat Mr.. Mccarthy would never nom,
mate, nor would the honest Democracy pardon him
II he committed such an unthinkable act OF folv
The present poce cornn,ission /. mad. 49,. II