The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-02-09

have reason 10 BE- wrought UP over
the deed. II IL almost beyond reason
that the murderer should not BE- APP
pretended when speedy and just
trial will be Eivsp him and he VIII pay
the penalty ascribed by law. No vio-
lence Is feared II the hands OF Peters
burg people should the knowledge Of
the brute's capture be made known, as
q more cool or level headed people
could not be found.
Robert Il. Beasley. had he lived one
week longer, would have reached his
thirty-sixth birthday. He had spent
his entire life of usefulness in his
native city and was loved and esteem
ed by all who knew him irrespective
of race or creed. His life was pro-
nouneed by his closest relatives and
most intimate friends an example Of
morals and Christian character. Some
of his boyhood friends have accumu-
lated greater wealth. some have at
tanned higher social positions and
others greater political influence. but
the life laid down by the faithful Of
ficer while In the service of his city
was u shining light undimmed by any
unmanly act. This servant Of his peo-
pie accepted his appointment to the
police force. according to his own
statement. In order that no might bet
ter care for his invalid father and
mother and two sisters with whom he
made his home. ths cares of which
were upon his shoulders.
The writer has no desire to criticise
the City Council OF Petersburg OF any
OF Its ofYicials or citizens. but is in full
accord with the Index-Appeai in its
opinion that memorial tablet should
be erected upon the spot at which the
officer lost his life. and the city Coun-
ell should make ample provision for
the care of the bereaved and invalid
parents of the officer should they be
inclined to accept such assistance. The
Police Department of Petersburg.
though ever so efficient. 10 inadequate
to cope with conditions now existing
In that community. The City Council
on July last, when asked by the police
commissto ners to give the department
thirteen additional men, supplied only
six. but later upon the request Of the
commissio added ten other men,
increasing the total Of the force. in
Guiding the chief. three plain clothes
| men and two substitute officers. 70
lhfty lone men, dividing the force into
four shifts There are twelve men on
duty to suard a city Of more than
10000 population through period OF
six hours; a city to which every class
/ Of criminal known has been attraced
1 during the past year, owing to The
ltrem endous amount of money which
h in circulation In the community
lThese fifty-one men rick their lives
daily for "a small wage. which was In
icreased to ESQ per DAY only Short
4 time ago.
/ On July 2s. = negro ~as sentenced
TO the penttentiary for term of two
years for assauitins and painfully
woundins Officer " f. Slaughter
while prisoner. oficer Joseph
Heelsn is confined to his home as the
result OF a bullet wound inflicted by a
negro desperado whom he was tryins
again enter the service of the depart
tment. Offcer Thomas NJ, Evans was
brutally assaulted oy man, whom Inc
had arrested. only few weeks age
land barely escaped with his life. after
sustaining q scar which he will carry
through life His assailant was 10.
Gated and captured through wounds
inflicted upon him by the officer WIFI
| his revolver after he had been dan.
gsrousiy cut. He was convicted and
sentenced to three wears IL the peni-
! tertiary and may have his time short
iensd through good behavior. On
February &, Officer Bessley wa'
murdered ny s. fendish negro while al
I his post Of duty. and as far as Il
known thf brute liz still al large. u
! the City Council TO be blamed Ass
The members of the force s,ifitctent 4
number to cope with conditions nov
existing in Petersburg? Are the pres
;ent members Of the force paid in nc.
cordance with the service they render
the citye
Z