New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-29
Of Obvious Worth in Var Emergencies,
the Forces Chief Value vii Be in Peace
Time, the job of Policing Rural Nev York
Having Omgro0m the Small-7o1vn An'
Morities Precedent of Pennsylvania

save the state hundreds of thousands Of dollars
by guarding against and fighting forest fires.
They enforce the forest and game laws
thoroughly that poaching is deemed hazard
Gus occupation. In time of catastrophe such
as the great Austin flood Of 1911, or mine ex-
posions, they render aid which is invaluable.
At Austin, for instance, they handled all the
police work. recovered the bodies of victims,
prevented looting and fed from 600 to 400
men for fifteen days. They hunt for lost chill
dren, help extinguish burning barns, recover
stolen horses, arrest murderers and face riot
ers with equanimity and ability.
Each year since the beginning Of its work,
in 1906, the number of miles Of roads patrolled
has increased. Naturally, the total of arrests
has varied from year to year. In the last ten
years the men have patrolled between 100000
and 100000 miles; they have made nearly
$4,000 arrests. Perhaps the most important
and significant fact in any analysis Of their
work is that after the organization year Of
the forces service, in no year have the con-
victions been less than rs per cent of the total
number Of cases disposed Of, while the per-
centage for the ten years averages 81. 1t is
no wonder that the commonwealth has just
provided for an increase in the numbers and
compensation Of the troopers. 1t is unfortu-
nate that with such an example New York's
measure provides for only 232 members Of its
force-that it will still be behind its neishbor
IN the size of this peace army.
The men who accomplish this remarkable
work are picturesque lot, habitually reticent
and modest. They are commanded by Major
John C. Groome, ian officer and gentleman"
by all the traditions of both classes. He re-
ceived his military training in Philadel ohia's
famous "City Troop" serving with distinction
in the Spanish War. When, to end rural law
lessness and the horrors attendant on Pennsyl-
vania's system of Goal and. Iron Police
DULLES licensed by the state, but paid by cor
porations-Governor Pennypacker in 1905 had
the law passed which brought the force into
being, he called on Major Groome to take
charge of it. Major Groome consented. with
the stipulation that he have full responsibility
and authority and be kept free from the pes
tering of politicians. Governor Pennypacker
gave his word, and kept it. Major Groome
was determined to have no politics or skull
duggery in his force, and any one who ever had
communication with him knows that a politi-
clan had just as much chance of getting an
appointment made or of stavihg off an arrest
as a broed lobster has with hungry man.
All the work Of organizing and equipping
the new force fell on him. Physical examina-
tions were made of applicants; then mental
tests along the line Of a civil service exanrina-
ton, although the force was not enlisted or a
civil service, but military, basis. When ne
- IL L
per cent Of whom had served honorabIy in the
United States army. Practically all his force
to-day are ex-army men. He was determined
that all should be mounted, in order to cover
more ground-he had to police the whole State