Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1925-06-05

The hnal curtain rs about 10 be
rung down on one of the most ridic-
ulous farces that the citizens of Bev-
erly have ever been called on to
witness. The strains of ravishing
music are fast fading as the swan
song nears its end. The actors are
distressed as the the audience points
thumbs down on their show. Their
last lines are feeble and it is pitiful
to watch the leading actor as he tries
to hold his grip on the audience with
a tenacity known only to the super
stubborn. But their show was frost
and tney must leave.
"'i humbs Down" is the password of
the day on Beverly's Police Admins
tration. 1t has been without parallel
and is unquestionably the most abb
surd and assinine performance we
have ever been called upon to en-
dure.
1t is doubtful if ever before has
such a violent affront been given the
public intelligence than upon last
Tuesday evening when the Police
Committee met in High State at the
City Hall to hear the charges of
drunkenness made against one of the
City Police Patrolmen. 1t might be
more accurately described as a meet
ing to hear only those who could be
found to say nice things about the
accused officer for it developed that
such persons alone were permitted to
enter the sacred presence of the
mighty Police Dictator
Public indignation is now aroused
to the boiling point and righteously
so, for this was unquestionably the
worst insult that was ever offered to
our citizens. Of all the foolish
stunts of 'boypolice' administration
drunk with power and arrogance,
this stands out as the prime folly of
the year.
The public is in a Juror and dis
comforting threats are heard or
every side. Immediate reform is de.
manded. Our City Council is now
fully informed as to the stats of Pc.
lice affairs. They have knowledge
of all the misdeamors and fragrant
violation and abuse of public trust
which have been practiced by &
grossly incompetent Police Committee
Surely they will not procrastinate
longer. They cannot, the public will
no tolerate it. The climax has beer
reached. An able majority in Coun
ell is ready to go to work and clear
house. The public is anxiously wait
ing for the AK to fall. The Polio,
Committee must loose their heads
No other course will satisfy the de
mands of the thoroughly aroused
public.
The Police Committee at their Sta
Chamber Meeting on Tuesday nigh
threw the last bundle of fagots or
their own funeral pyre. The Coun
Gil has seized the torch and now
moves to apply it.
Not satisfied to function in the nor
mai and sane manner customary III
the administration of police affairs Of
small quiet town, our boy commit
tee obviously watched the strong
man reformer of a nearby city anc
soon began to "Butlerize Beverly.
Perhaps we should say Pursuance
for the idea of reform enforcement
OF law and economical service was
secondary They proceed to cover
themselves with 'hard- boiled" shell
and climbed upon a ''high-horse'
(hobby.) The Chairman become 8
stern dictator, adopted a policy Of
the public be damned" had exalted
to the high position of Chief OF
the Beverly City Police with badge
sidearms and all the panoply of war
A striking transformation, you say
for man who in the recent world
war; demonstrated his love of peace
and quiet and strong distaste for
armed conflict. He then named his
me too" first assistant as Lieutenant
of Police.
aagzx s~ss,