New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-10-06
TRAFFIC SQUAD DRILLS.
TL1G TEAIISTERS' GIFT.
Bingham and Met Haze Fngid
Meeting Schmitfbcrgcr Cheered.

THE drill by several troops of the Traffic Squad
ard flag presentation by Isaac Goldberg. presi-
dent Of the New York Team Drivers Association.
q, Union Square yesterday were witnessed
nv many persons. The men, under command of
1ospector Max Schmittberger. went through their
evolutions well and when they stood at attention
st the close of the drill the applause deafen-
ing the reviewing stand were Patrick F. Nc
cowan. president of the Board of Aldermen, who
received the flag behalf of the city; Com
missioner Bingham, Controller Metz and former
Judge Franklin o. Ferris. referee in the case Of
the Government agt the Standard Oil Company OF
New jersey.
shortly before noon Troops and of the Traffic
squad, with equipment shining and horses groomed
assembled in Fourth avenue. the side of
Union Square. and, with Inspector Schmittberger
an his big horse Frank at the head marched into
I7th street in front of the reviewing stand where
the men went through their drills with a precision
hat would have done credit TO a cavalry troop.
While tbe spectators still applauding the men
dashed up to the foot of the stand where they
to salute. winging from their horses. Lieu
tenant Martin Co oett and detail approached the
stand 10 receive The flag behalf of the Traffic
Squad.
Mr.. Goldberg thanked the men for their good
work on behalf of his association in the protec-
ton that had been given them since the introduce
ton Of the squad into the department. and handed
The token. regulation army flag. appropriately in
scribed to Acting Mayor MCGOWAN
Mr.. MCGOWAN. in accepting the coors. said that
an olliral OF city ne was PROUD OF the WOfk
that the SQUAD had done. Mr. MCGOWAN said he
thought The in the Police Department who
risked their lives others should receive
some substantial reward for their services.
and announced his intention TO introduce bill into
the Legislature which would provide for the promo
ton OF who distinguished themselves by acts
Of bravery He said that under the present Civil
Service laws il is impossible for such gain
promotion. and he thought that the Jaws should be
aside Mr.. MCGOWAN then gave the flag 10
1o IN cav TO
Lieutenant COrbett for the men. With the band
playing 'TheRStar Spangled Banner" the troops
eaIoped in rsview ny the stand before MI Nc
Gowan, Mr.. Goldberg and Inspector Schnittberger.
The men then marched into Broadway. after which
they disbanded and went back their posts
There much anticipation in the reviewing
stand when it seen that both Controller Metz
and Commissioner Bingham We're there, in view of
the published reports of the late unpleasantness
between them Those who expected that there
would be another clash were disappointed, for the
two men maintained frigid politeness. Only once
did they enter into conversation, and that was
when the Controller turned to Commissioner Bing-
ham and asked
How many men are there in each troop
Evidently the Commissioner did not hear. for in
a few moments Mr.. Metz again asked:
Il say. how many men are there in each troop"
General Bingham turned and. facing the Con-
troller. said:
''Oh. thirty
Their brief conversation ended there
Every member Of the troops seemed to have his
own friends among the spectators. and as each one
did something worth notice his friends would call
out Good boy, Jack!' or You're all right
Harry Inspector Schmittberger also came in for
much applause. When he disInounted from his
horse TO go to the reviewing stand he left the
animal standing practically alone in the plaza
Frank followed the big inspector with his eyes
but did not a step, although all through the
drill he had been hard to restrain: The crowd
watched him for some moments and as he contin-
ued motionless for his eyes, the applause
from all sides. 1t was generally known that
lieutenant Bernard KelIeher had been transferred
from the traffic squad TO desk duty at the Tender
loin precinct Yesterday he was in charge Of the
police around the grandstand, and a liberal share
Of applause went to him when his friends discov-
cred he was present
BINGHAM ON HAMBURGER MATTER.
Although Controller Metz and Commissioner
Bingham maintained their politeness at the review
Of the traffic squad, they freely discussed the
Hamburger matter when they reached their offices.
The attention of Commissioner Bingham called
to the published statements that Controller Metz
had said that every official OF the city being
watched by detective. and he said:
1T is absolutely untrue far the Police
Commissioner is concerned. 1t Is also absolutely
untrue that any members Of the Police Depart
ment We're directed TO trail Mr.. Metz either here
or in Europe Mr.. Metz is mistaken in saying
that he brought the Police Commissioner and
Hamburger together at the request OF the Com
missioner Mr.. Metz recommended Hamburger to
deputy a who would make good
chief of detectives. It at Mr.. Metz's own re-
quest that I consented to meet Hamburger AS
serious charges had been made against an official
! agreed TO the meeting. 1t would not be proper
for the Police Commissioner TO trail any men,
bers Of the city government unless he had very
good reasons TO think that there violation
OF the law a crime being committed which
would justify him as Commissioner in taking such
action
With reference to the reports attributed to the
Controller that the Police Commissioner attempted
10 have him indicted, General Bingham assured
the reporters that he had made such effort
When Controller Metz was told OF General Bing-
hams statement late yesterday afternoon he said
that If what the Commissioner said was so some
Of the city officials mistaken about some mat
tiers. He also said that If Commissioner Bingham
gave such orders things were going on in the
Police Department that Commissioner Bingham did
not know about and he did not believe that that
so.
The Hamburger case does not bother me- said
Controller Metz. because 1 have no interest IN
Hamburger. Bingham has every reason to know
that ] have always done everything 1 could to
make his administration a success and helped him
IN every way officially and personally. / shall be
glad TO have him explain the things to which
refer, and he knows what 1 mean. If General
Bingham wants any details from me he knows
3 how TO get them, and / am always ready TO meet
any man and say just what mean"
All good citizens should register to- morrow