Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-25

In the Washington police force, Brig.
Gen. Pelham D. GlaSSford. who takes
command on Novemer 16, hopes first to
restore a esprit d corps by gaining for
himself the loyalty and respect of the
rank and file.
Every one tells me that I am en-
barking on a road with many deep
ruts," Gen. Glassford declared yesterday
in an interview with a Star reporter.
Perhaps 50, but I do not believe the
big difficulties are going to be from
within the Police Department.
Il have been fortunate enough to
gain the loyalty and respect of the
Army units I have commanded in the
past, and here, on the metropolitan po-
lice force, I am to deal with men Of a
much higher standing. " I cannot
gain their loyalty and support, I might
as well quit right now"
Relies on Army Methods.
In one way Gen. Glassford is pre-
pairing to enter upon an entirely new
lire of duties, yet in the matter of deal
ing with the men who are to come un-
der his command, he is determined to
try his methods of Army discipline.
With the realization that Arm but just
discipline is essential IN maintaining
Army morale and efficiency, Gen. Glass
49,
confidence of Washington's police force
by the methods ne employed success
fully in training camps during the
World War.
From his observations of the police
force 1t is quite evident that this vet
eran oficer, described by one OF his
former soldiers as hard as nails
when it became necessary TO reprlmano
and discipline his men, but exercising
"a firmneSs never lacking IN klndn-
ness" views his future job in opti-
mistic vein. He knows men, and he
expressed confidence in the personnel
of the police force.
st am told that there are more than
l 800 men and some 40 women on the
force, the latter all college graduates"
he remarked. "a man canno. get on
the police force without being strongly
recommended by reputable citizens In
his community. He must pass dim
cult mental examination as well as
come up to high physical standard" In
this respect, he believes the men are
of a higher standard than those in
military life.
Gains Favorable Impression.
at have met some of the officers and
talked to quite q number Of the pa
trolmen," Gen. Glassford said, al
though he expressed regret that he
has not had the opportunity at present
to meet more of them. MY impression
is that they are splendid men,
In these few contacts. Gen. Glass
ford explained that he dropped in at
the third precinct a few days ago to
see Capt Beckett about the armistice
costume ball in which he is interested.
Naturally, we got into a converse
ton ON police matters" the newly ap-
pointed chief said. capt. Beckett was
regretful that had not arrived half
hour sooner so that I might have seen
his men at inspection He was proud
of his men and enthusiastic about their
efficiency and appearance.
That's the way 1 hope to be about
the entire police force when I take
ONCE" he added. "If all the officers
have the spirit of Capt. Beckett, an
ticipate no difficulties within the police
force"
In taking charge of the police force,
Gen. GlaSSman said he has not enter
tanned any definite plans for its ad-
ministration. ST shall first undertake
to find out the problems of the officers
and the men under them so that l
may be able TO work with them and be
helpful"
But there is one change which Gen.
Glassman perhaps will inaugurate. 1t
would not at all be surprising to his
friends II he discards the superinten-
dents automobile for motor cycle side
car as q means of easy transportation
between police stations.
Likes to Ride Motor Cycle.
He confided that he was a target for
some jocular comments from his fellow
officers during his war expeditions for
his attachment to the motor cycle. He
would not divulge whether or not he
plans to use this mode of transportation
when he becomes superintendent OF
police, but one NAV be sure that II ne
finds the motorcycle the most satisfac-
tory way to travel about the city he
has the courage to use one on wash
ngtOn streets.
AGectionately known to his init
nr6te as Happy" the new police chief
will bring to the department guiding
spirit that exudeS cheerfulness In the
realm Of work. With him, 1t might
be said that work is a joyful estate.
Attesting the esteem in which he is
held by the men who served under him
In France, Gen. Glassford has received
hundreds of congratulatory messages
from his former comrades in the Amer
lean Expeditionary Forces since his APP
pointment to the police force.
Carl w. Walker, battery sergeant OF
147th Field Artillery. 32d Division
who saw service in every battle of tho
World War in which American troops
participated, gave this picture of the
general:
That Glsssford guy was hard a;
nails. but VIXEN it became necessary to
reprimand and discipline his men hi
acted with a firmness never lacking
kindness. He was one of the most
capable training officers overseas.
Praised for Efficiency.
Demanding efaciancy of his men, he
ably fitted them for the trials on the
firing line.
Like many Others" stated Mr..
walker, who trained under Happy
Glassford, appreciate the splendid
training he gave me-"
Mr.. Walker Is now an attorney In the
Veterans Bureau. He trained under
Gen. Glassford, then q colonel assigned
to the Saumur Artillery School. Glass
ford was later made director of the LIST
Corps Artillery School.
From another war comrade, came the
story of Glsssfords reputation of never
recurring an officer or man to do any
thing that he would not care to do
himself
AS commander of the 103d Field
Artillery on the Toul Front, Gen. Glass
ford made 1t a rule never to move his
troops until FIRST personally surveying
the new position. During an offensive
sometime In 1918, GlaSSford was order
ed TO move forward and be ready TO
open up the next morning from the
town of Yourselves A small village on