The Washington times., 1908-06-02
Washington Police Superin-
tendent Addresses Opening
of Chiefs in Detroit.
MUST KNOW PLANS
OF THE IMMIGRANTS
Says Vagrancy Is on Increase and
Must Be Handled as Ma
tional Problem.

DETROIT. Mich, June 2-Advocating
a moro strict immigration law with a
view Of preventing crime and giving
police authorities the right 10 deport
anarchists. Major Richard Sylvester
.suoerintendent Of the Washington po-
lice, and president of the international
Association of Chiefs Of Police, made
the opening address at the annual con-
ventiOn OF the association, which con-
vened here today.
Police chiefs from nearly all cities
in the country are in attendance, and
It is expected that many important
recommendations for a more uniform
and perfect police system will be adopt
ed during the meeting.
Major Sylvester said, in part:
Several years ago this association
rnemoralized Congress TO define anarchy
and restrict family immigration. II
certificates Of good character from the
authorities at places of departure in
foreign lands and a years means of
support were made legal req -trements
for presentation at our doors by each
individual the disadvantages might not
be so great or so many.
with a view of curtailing the en-
trance of such individuals within our
deport members of the alien criminal
kind, the Commissioner General of I'M
migration has solicited the cooperation
of the police chiefs and Of this you all
have heretofore been duly advised.
Must Know Aliens.
in order to accomplish the results
desired. not only is il necessary to
know the individuals who are alien
criminals. but TO be able 70 establish
how long they have resided IN the
United States.
THE maintenance Of a central bureau
as a receptacle for accommodations Of
criminal kind which may be applied
therefrom 10 better enable the suppress
sion. detection, and penalizing Of crhni-
nails. or, TO enable the courts in the dis
Densation OF justice TO be clearly in
formed respecting an individuals career,
is the outgroWth of this association. It's
assets have multiplied several fold ana
a study OF its worth and purpose by tire
Government departments and students
OF criminology has won Endorsement Tor
the proposition, and secured for II sup
port which promises at an early day
that such eQCOurag cement viii be in no
wise limited.
From what has been evidenced prac-
tically and promised reliably, l am
prompted TO the conclusion that within
Will be secured.
Police Pensions.
The association has endeavored to i'm
press upon the people and those having
municipal affairs under conduct. the
justice and Righteousness which at
taChes 10 the according II pensions 10
superanuated members of police forces,
70 the widows and children of those
who died through injury received or dis
ease contracted in the line of duty. It
IS gratifying 10 note that the endeaVUT
has been followed by State and muni-
cipal lawmakers giving favorable re-
Spouse by action TO that end
ITO further police efficiency IN the
United states the year just closed re-
corded the introduction Of police patrol
dogs from EurOpe-AiTedale terriers and
German sheep dogs being recognized as
animals which car readily be trained IN
the following OF human tracks.
The question is asked, IS crime on the
increase or decrease and II should be
propOunded exactly that way Tor crime
viii never cease but viii change express
sion and ffuctuate. In closely populated
communities, without the line OF un-
desirable incoming foreign classes, II Is
observed that misdemeanors ana the
lesser crimes keep step with the in
crease in population while crimes or
greater magnitude-suCh as murder
have not multiplied in number TO exceed
luOSe OF years ago
VagTancy National Problem.
In the course OF a year the police
OF the country must contend with a great
army Of Migrants and while rigid action
ir some Of the smaller cities and towns
has moved them on, Yagrancy is a
rational problem. The difficulty en-
countered is in being able TO distinguish
between the vagrant by intention and
the fellow who is out by accident. and
as a consequence. sentiment and SYM
pathy have prominently controlled,
Woodyards and lodging houses in small
degree TepFess but united public and
police activity alone avail in a COM
munlty, only. however, to move the
tramp 20 other fields Of action. Some
localities have found It eXpedient to inn
pose heavy fines, imprison without
guards, and permit escapes; others sug-
gest cumulative sentences with labor.
Lodging in police stations fer Migrants
is TO be disCOunteuanCed- The railroads
are annoyed by these classes always.
In the period from 1901 10 1905, 1864