THE LONDON POLICE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14039, 23 October 1909, Page 3

THE LONDON POLICE.

AX AMERICAN'S APPROVAL. The London police, considered from the American point of view, arcs especially interesting, since, it is so often said that not even New York can show anything 'like the London policeman with his many line qualities. In the "Century" magazine an exPolice Commissioner of New York, Mr William McAdoo, gives his impressions of the London force and its work. "There can he no question," lie says, "that the commanding figure of tho London policeman, standing serene, potent, and dignified amidst the crush in the congested thoroughfares, is a very impressive sight." There can be no out and out comparison between tho London and New Pork police. Tho conditions governing the forces aro entirely different. This point mnde, the writer goes in for a hearty commendation of the individual policeman, whoso honesty and good character are taken to be as sure as those of a Prime. Minister. "In physical appearance lie is rather tall, stout, but not fat, and is well porporlioned. He is, generally speaking, a big chunk of a man, solid, impassive, unemotional, and thoroughly British, i never saw. one of thorn talk to a citizen, man or women, unless io answer formally and even somewhat brusquely, the questions asked. He was never under any circumstances farnili.il' or friendly. He is a big, tuirlv watch-dog to whom nu suave burglar can give a poisoned r.feak or cajole with pats onthe head. Conversing with citizens infracts a. rule, and to harbour a policeman indoors when be should bo on duty without is a misdemeanour. The uniform of the highest officers is plain and very \inattractive." Recalling the fact that a chief in-

speetor died not long ago leaving £BOO the writer points out that this would' represent just about what- tho man had .been able to save from his pay. "There is no suspicion *>f graft in crises like this, ami'it speaks well for the .incorruptibility .of the superior oflicers of the London force. .Imagine this man's opportunities in New Pork to get rich and leave an immense fortune!"