The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-02-20
SHAKE-UP COMING
 IN POLICE FORCE Administration Plans to Get Rid
 of Drones PARKER IS IN OPPOSITION Commissioner Does Not Believe In Dimissing a Man Simply Because He Has Become Old and
 Inefficient.
PARKER IS IN OPPOSITION

The administration, the continued exist ence of which was made sure Monday night, plans two measures affecting the present police department
 The first is the abolition of the police commission. The second Is the wedding out of the present police force so that only the most worthy physical men are employed, and the upbullding of the de- partment by instilling better discipline, and increasing its number and effective ness.
 The fact that the first step is con- templated was made known yesterday when Mayor Ward stated that he was handicapped as to the carrying out of his plans by the existence of the com misson, and requested that all who fa- vored it's abolition communicate with him. A bill is pending in the legisla- ture at present asking that the com- misison be abolished The mayor states that this matter will be pushed as far as possible, and that he hopes soon to see the police department brought again under the wings of the city govern ment.
 
 local department one of the strongest and best eqlipped in the state. To this end, it is learned that an effort will be begun at once seeking to have all the men whose effectiveness is nil paroled from active duty, and new men with new strength enlisted.
 The Police Commission.
 While no clean cut lines were drawn in the campaign, it was generally ae- cepted as true that Chief Weir was on the administration ticket. It is equally as true that the majority of the newly elected commissioners were friends of Detective Bodeker. Just what effect this will have on the plans of the chief and the administration is, of course, unknown.
 It was whispered about the city hall yesterday that the reelection of Com missioner Parker would block the game. 1t is known that Commissioner Parker has always stood faithfully by the police officers who have grown old in the service. and who in consequence are not as capa- ble as the younger. It is known too, that through the efforts of Commission CT Parker some thirteen officers who were slated for dismissal last May were re- tained
 In reference to this matter, Commits soner Parker was seen yesterday He stated that he was heartily in sympathy with the upbuilding of the force, and that he hoped to see an increase in num- Der, so that the entire city could be ef- ficiently patrolled. He reiterated, how ever, that he was in sympathy with the older men of the force, and would not willingly stand by and see them dismissed without cause.
 Commissioner Parker Explains.
 In course of the conversation, Com missioner Parker explained why the ru- mor existed that he would block the plans of the administration in wedding out the department. He stated that last May he learned that the commission planned to dismiss some dozen of the older officers who, on account of their age were not qualified to actively police a big city. He stated that he sympathized with these men. and was opposed to the plans of dismissal because they had served the city long and well, and were not able to take up any other active profession
 lie stated that Commissioner Brown was behind the movement to weed out the force and supplement the places made vacant with younger men. At the meeting, he insisted that Chief Weir. Captain Johnston, Lieutenant Eagan and Lieutenant Hagood be present. He ques- tioned each of these officers, and none was able to bring charges against a sin. gle one of those slated for dismissal.
 Commissioner Parker stated that after