Norwich bulletin., 1914-01-24
Names Terms Under Which He Will Accept Offer
 of Mayor Mitchell of New York
MUST WAIT UNTIL PANAMA CANAL IS OPENED
Will Insist Upon Complete Control of Department With His
 Decisions Not Subject to Court of Review Acceptance is Also Conditional Upon His Being Placed Retired List-Mitchen to Try to Meet All These Conditions.

this city by George ". Perkins. Who at the mayors request had conferred with Colonel Goethals on the subject in Panama, returning here today with the canal builders reply, The mayor did not make an outright statement that he would hold the commissioner ship open for a year, but the intima- tion that he weufsx e. so was strong and he promised that he would make a more definite announcement on this phase of the subject later.
 Col. Goethals' Letter. Colonel Goethals in his letter to Mayor Mitchell, given out tonight, said: T have given much consideration to your kind offer to appoint me po- lice commissioner and have discussed it fully with Mr. Perkins. I can only reiterate what 1 have stated to you that the position strongly appeals to me but there are certain conditions which prevent me from accepting it. sIn the first place it has been my hope and desire to see the canal com pIeted and in satisfactory operation If our expectations are realized, this should be accomplished before the close of the year.
 Tn the second place, I am an off, cer on the active list of the army and. while occupying this status, 1 am not at liberty to accept outside employ ment
 There are therefore only two courses for me to pursue to enable me to accept your offer; one is to resign from the service and the other is to be placed on the retired list The former I would not consider. For the last few years, I have been looking forward to securing the advantages of retirement at the close of my duty here. have served nearly thirty four years and the president under the law. is authorized to retire me after thirty n that he will grant me the privilege on request.
 Opposed to Court of Review. E 's4Assufling that will be allowed to remain here until the canal is com pleted and that on application l VIII be placed on the retired list, attrac- tive as your offer is, would be obliged to decline it so long as the present law remains, in force by which re movals from the police force are sub feet to review with decision based on legal evidence. In public work or any kind efficiency can be secured only when the service of those engaged in if is satisfactory to superiors and, while I fully believe In the right or every man to have a hearing, the decision of the superior as to the character or the mans service should be nnal. III cases where 8 man whose serylces have not been satisfactory can be re- instated by a court of review, the effect on discipline and efficiency IS most nutritious It undermineS author ity. leads to insubordination, tends to destroy the loyal cooperation which the executive authority must have to secure results and mikes his tenure or office impossible.
 .tAssur1ing. therefore, that l were free to choose after the completion of the canal, would gladly accept your offer, provided change in the law is secured which would vest the right of removal in case of unsatisfactory service in the hands of the commits sioner.'