The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1908-12-24

of Cleveland, Ohio, the best chief of
police in America, according to Presi-
dent Roosevelt. He has put his ideas
into effect and today is coming nearer
to solving one of the greatest prob
lens of the cities than any other man.
Some call him "dreamer" and
"idealist," but Chief Kohler has done
things. Above everything else he is a
practical man and his ideas are prac-
tical ideas. His common sense policy"
in treating offenders against the law
has proved sucee; IS, and chiefs of po-
lice thruout the country a,e begin
ming to "sit up and take notice." The
"best chief" has more than lived up to
the presidents praise. That crime in
the cities can be reduced to a mini
mum, if not actually checked, by the
simple observance of the Golden Rule,
Chief Kohler thinks he has prove1. n
years trial of this policy in dealing
with crimes and criminals in Cleveland
has convinced him of it and now other
cities are preparing to follow the ex-
ample Of Cleveland in instituting the
Golden Rule policy. 1t is only ques-
tion of time, its advocates say, until it
will be adopted everywhere thruout the
United States.
As its name implies, the Golden Rule
policy Is designed to tIest offenders
against the law as men, even when
tfey are drunk; even when they dis
turb the Pc zee; even when they insult
the dignity of policeman. Under the
workings of this policy intoxicated men
are taken or sent to their homes in
stead of being placed in Jail. Apparent
offenders on any misdemeanor charges
are warned and released by simply
taking their name and address, unless
it is evident on the face of thin gs that
the Offense was committed with malice
and forethought. In short, the police
men are instructed that the people
they have to deal with are human be-
ings, not machine. :; liable to make mis-
takes and failures, but not therefore
lost souls. They are taught to be the
frien Is and parole officers of the Of
tenders against the law. They are in
structel to enforce the law, but with
the least show of authority, without
personal pride and with the greatest
| ooDco of bumo n iuctioo
Under the Golden Rule" policy the
city is saved thousands of dollars in
witness fees, much work for the police
judges, police c'e:ks and court at
tacl es; wear and lear of al police ap-
paratus. Patrolmen and detectives al e
able to devote more time to the pur-
suit of habitual criminals and crimes
of a serious nature
Statistics for the first nil months of
the operation of this policy in Cleve-
land show deere SO of IS per cent. in
the numt er of arrests as compared
with the first nins months of 1907
when the old system was in vogue. LII
, IL e first nile months of 1907, %, 1O2 ar
, rests were made in Cleveland. In tie
, first nine months of 1908 but 8,O88 ar
rests were made. The statistics also
r show that 12 per cent. more actua
| criminals were arrested during the nine
+. months unler the Golden Rule policy
i. than in the first months of 1907.
/ "We now experience 'arre. tless
| days." declares Chief Kohler in sum
i ming up the benefits of his system
"Think of it! On some days there ha
not been single arrest, AMI CLEVELAND
has a population of 525, 600 1t is tn
natural result of our years work il
trying to make bet' or citizens of petit
offenders. 1t is the ideal condition q
which we are aiming, and we are gOin
to get thel e before elcng.".Utica Glott