The Washington herald., 1909-07-26
PEOPLE AND THINGS.


Narragansett Pier has discovered that
its high reputation as a summet resort IS
not consistent with the endurance Of a
corrupt local government. Three men
from Gotham OF established wisdom at
tended a meeting OF the town council
and showed that they carried civic spirit
with ts.am upon their vacations. All three
own property at the resort. and their
leader was William II. WINS, once Re
publican candidate for mayor Of New
York, and a builder Of the new charter Of
that city. Mr.. WINS told the Narragan-
sett cOuncilmen that their rule had de-
creased the value Of property 30 per
cent. Prof Brander Matthews declared
that the reign OF a wide-open town must
cease. The president Of the council was
in a STATE OF CONSERVATION. That body
assented to the appointment OF a con-
stable 20 superintend the enforcement OF
law. None OF the beauties Of Nara
gansett have been impaired during the
period OF temporary misrule. and its con-
tlnued popularity as summer resort
seems now 10 be insured.
A Shaker Settlement Transformed.
Ancient buildings Of the Shaker colony
at Shirley. Mass. are TO be converted
into modern industrial school for boys.
That Is one result OF the dwindIing of
the colony One broad-minded Shakeress
said that since the purpose OF their So
ciety had been 70 take orphaned and
neglected children. bringing them up to
lives Of usefulness. she looked with favor
now that they could not do this work
themselves-upon the transfer OF their
belongings TO the Commonwealth for an
Industrial school The object seemed to
her the same as that Of the Shakers
themselves Adaptation 70 modern needs
will not destroy the quaintness OF the
structures. The hand-wrOught hinges
viii confront placldly fittings for steam
and electricity. Thus viii meet the old
and the new. The school viii be a re-
formatory for errins youths whose Of
fenses have been trivial The farm IS
expected 20 make the institution self
supporting. Trades will also be taught.
DiscOuraRers OF MObs.
The strike disorders near Pittsburg
bring again into public attention the State
Iconstabulary OF Pennsylvania. That body
Is perhaps unique among police forces IN
the United States. II has relieved the
militia from the hard duty OF maintain
ing order and protecting life and prop
erty in conflicts between labor and capt
tai Their methods are those Of deter
mined courage against mobs. The total
force Of GOO mounted men is divided into
four equal troops. Many Of the members
are men who have served in the regular
army. and some Of the officers are former
sergeants IN that service. The force is
specially trained TO deal with rioters.
using firearms only as a last resort They
carry billies instead Of the cavalrynan's
sword. Their demonstrated courage ex-
IeVcises much moral influence. Their rep
utatiCn, firmly established. restrains the
turbulent. Their commander reckons that
each trooper counts for 100 men IA q mob.
They have been put 10 the test repeatedly.
and the fact that they have never failed
10 queu riots IS in itself q deterrent TO
mob violence. The force IS constantly
active. at all times. in patroIling rural
districts that lack protection from rutlians
and highWaymen.