Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1915-09-01
ANOTHER
EMBROGLIO.

and the Board of Police Commission
ers, the first during the past ten years
1t may adjust itself, but it may not
and diyergences which have existed
in this body almost since its first or
ganization twenty years ago. MAY
again become chronic as they have IN
the olden times. This is unfortunate
and though we thus speak we hope for
the best. 1t is needless to say that al!
must work together in harmony to
bring forth satisfactory results.
The Police Board was organized
under special law of the Legislature
in 1895. Previous 10 that time the
City Council had elected the members
of the police force. The purpose OF
those who were instrumental in having
the law passed was to remove the cleo
ton of such officers from politics and
instead of electing the :nen Tor a
term of two years, such as were need
ed could continue in position during
good behavior.
In the olden time the Mayor alone
had charge of the force: He could sus-
pend man for proper cause for any
period during the time for which ne
had been elected. He could also re-
move any member of the force and
notify Council of his action in order
that a successor could be elected.
Under the present charter the May
or cannot remove; this can only be
done by the commissioners. The
Mayor can suspend, but he must no.
tify the beard of his action, and that
body can examine the case and affirm
or set aside the Mayors judgment.
The charter provides that when the
police force shall have been orgarlz-
ed it shall in charge of the Mayor.
This, of course, makes him RESPONSE
BILE for the preservation Of law and
order, but in performing his duties ne
may not always act in strict confor-
nifty to the wishes of his coadjutors.
This state of affairs has caused fric
ton, the Mayor and Police Board, not
always having been of one accord.
1t was the recognized prerogative OF
the Mayor until about eleven years
ago to appoint such men as he desir-
ed to do duty at the stationhonss.
This, however, was contested by the
commissioners, and the Circuit
Court decided that it was within the
power of the commissioners to make
these appointments.
The wisdom of such conditions has
been questioned, as it virtually makes
five heads to the police force instead
of one as under the old regime. Sc
rious clashes have resulted at times
when the Mayor has not been in &C
cord with the commissioners, and
many persons. some Of whom were al
first anxious for the creation of q
Police Board, have been convinced that
the old system was more practical.
Without going over the history nt
former jars, which would eXhune p-!l
; tical issues long since dead and bur.
led, it may be stated that conditions
similar to those that existed, at time:
from 1897 to 1904 are again II
evidence, lis will be seen by the pro
ceedings of the meeting of the Boar;
of Police Commissioners held last
night. The Mayor stated that meet
ing of the four members of the boarc
had been held Monday night at the
residence Of the secretary. He wa;
not apprised of their intention to holC
a meeting. although he is eN otticlo )
member and chairman of the board
His honor resented this action upol
the part of the other commissioner
and announced that he was determin
ed to maintain his rights.
Troubles in connection with thu
police department. have occurred i,
Alexandria since the close of the civil
war. In the lattG:p part of the six
ties Hugh Latham. then Mayor had al
embroglio with James Walsh. cap
tain of the night force. At that time
Council elected the officers and. as i
generally the case. the embroelio wa!
engrafted into politics with the usua
unfortunate results.
In 1870 Mayor Latham became Ell.
gagged in clash with the City Coun
Gil over police matters, which resulte
in Council electing one force and tn
Mayor appointing another. The dua
force reported for duty when tn
Mayor sent the Chief and the me
elected by Council to jail for cor