The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-02-16
 JACKS UP HIS
 PATROLMEN

q want to be fair with you men and expect that you will be fair with me- was the substance of a straight from -the-ehoufder talk given the men of the o'clock detail from headquar- ters this morning by Superintendent of Police Birmingham. He referred to the grandstand raids on alleged Water and State street Chinese opium and gambling joints last night, direct ed by state police, who called in men of the local department to aid them The raids were without his Knowledge. he admitted that, and asked the men if they had reported any suspected places to their sergeants. He informed them that no reports had been re- ceived by him and considered it pecu- liar that, if conditions were as bad as painted. that some Of the men had not Been keen enough to realize it. Also that the men were plainly not doing their duty, if they knew of conditions. and had not reported the matter. Tn the future, they were informed, they will report the matter to him through their sergeantS.
 Making his position clear later, he said that he had no objection to the state police coming in for work. as he realized that there are oftentiInes matters that can be better investigat- ed, as far as the gaining of evidence is concerned by them. But as a matter of courtesy, he considered that either himself or his precinct captains should be consulted. Reference was made to the pleasant relations between him self and Chief Egan of the state po- lice, also to his having informed him that the state authorities would be as sisted at any time desired. But he did object to action being carried over his head
 Wants Fair Treatznent, < Plainly he intima;ted that. while he is at the head of the department. he intends to be the head in fact as well as name. It was called to attention that the Bridgeport department is rat ed as one of the most efficient in the country and he said that he intends that the efficiency is to be main- taiued. He did not believe that he should be ignored in matters concern ing the preserving of law and order. That there is clearly some motive for procedure he admitted, but he is not acquainted with the cause of those re- sponsib1e.
 All want is to be treated fair and not undetermined z he says. .sI have always tried to be on the level and am not u5ed to underhanded meth-9 o6s,s he continued. If there is gam bling or opium smoking in such quan- titles, any suggestions to me will re- suit in prompt action do not mind
 
 whatever work they see fit, but do think that, in courtesy to me or the precinct commanders, that suspected condi tions be. placed before us as val. uable infornation and assistance might be given
 He expressed himself as ignorant concerning the identity Of. the person or persons who had caused the state officials to visit the city.
 Chief Doubts Gossip.
 Around police headquarters it wac the generally express I'd opinion that the state police had been used as tools in desperate attempt to discredit the known efficiency Of the local depart- ment.
 Asked concerning the published ac- count alleging that there is drinking among the men doing street duty and that one man was known to be a drunkard, Superintendent Birmingham said he does not believe 1t, in fact Knows that many of the men never touch liquor. Concerning the one in stance alleged, he said that he intends making personal investigation and, if conditions are found as alleged. charges will be preferred With the desk Heutenants and street sergeants doing their full duty, he failed to be- lieve that any member Of the depart nent would be able to a.get away with a continual and excessive use of liquor particularly when on duty.