The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1913-05-13
THE NEW YORK POLICE
Remarkable Story of Prevailing In
side Conditions.

Only last night, story was told
re indicating that even a common
patrolmen dare not do his full duty
A fine young chap tried to be a re-
porter on the American, but he had
only a common school education and
felt deficient in attachments. He de-
termined to get on the police force
About Is months ago his name was
reached on the eligible list; he was
physically satisfactory and Was ap.
pointed. In the first station-hbuse to
which he was assigned, his clotL
ing was gone through" one night
by somebody and several dollars re-
moved. When he complained about
it to the lieutenant, he was laughed
at and told he must have lost the
money on the street" He learned
later that it was a common expert.
ence of new men.
He was transferred uptown and
assigned fixed post at night on the
Riverside drive. Ten nights after
he had begun his vigil in that lonely
place, he was startled by cries some
distance away. Being a good sprin-
ter, he reached the scene of high
way robbery. Two footpads had a
third man down and were robbing
him. Jimmy" covered the largest
thug and called; Hold up your
hands!" The chap stood up and
shouted in reply; BE careful, Jim;
don't shoot" The young policeman
recognized a fellow-ofiicer of his
own precinct. He was in citizens
clothes, but not otherwise disguised.
The patrolman was for taking him
in, but the chap assured him If he
did he would be beaten to death in
the station-house. Meanwhile the
thugs companion, mere boy, es-
capped.
The victim of the robbery. an
elderly Jew, began to recover con
seriousness and the robber walked
away nonchalantly. leaving his de-
spoiled prey to the care of the young
officer. The old man was uninjured
and appeared grateful to get off with
his life. He had been robbed of a
gold watch worth 5000 and roll
was excessive. He refused to go to
the station house to make COM
plant. AS a result, the ''hold-up''
was not reported.
Jimmy resigned. When he was
turning in his shield and weapons
the man who had taken part In the
robbery came in from his post,
bowed and said: How are you,
Jim?" About eight months service
upon the force convinced this man
that 1t is no place for reasonably
honest citizen. He has been in
another business since. believe
him to be absolutely truthful.
When | urged him to lay the case
before Mr.. Whitman, the big-framed
fellow actually shivered. Were ]
to do that" he said gravely, my
life wouldn't be worth a nickel. /
would be beaten up some night and
left dead in the street Even If wit.
nesses saw me dubbed to death the
defense would be the old one, Re
sisting arrestl" Oh, no! I'm out of
1t and intend to keep as far away as
| can. The great majority of men
go on the force intending to be hon.
est; but they either get out, as |
had to, or never get any higher
than patromen, "or"-and he shrug-
ged his shoulders-"shut their eyes
to what is going on right under their
eyes. Now and then one meets an
officer who conscientiously believes
he is hireo to protect the lives and
property Of citizens; there are brave
men in plenty but moral courage is
d q ts.1
Physical courage is rewarded. de-
servedly but one really brave man
in each precinct could expose and
destroy the graft Julius. Cham.
bers in the Brooklyn Eagle.