The Original Impeachment.

In demanding the appointment of a Commission to enquire into the condition of the police force, my principal charge was that the careless and improper use of political power and patronage had demoralised and disorganised the police service of this colony. I specified a number of instances of maladministration in support of the general charges, and as a result of the definite attack upon this Department, the Ministry were compelled by the force of public opinion to concede my demand. The present Ministry has had charge of the Police Department since January 24, 1891. Under a threat of an attack, made in April, 1897, and despite the fact that, on the date referred to, the Minister of Defence declared that there were no grounds for declaring the force to be "disorganised," the Government appointed a new Commissioner of Police in June, 1897. This officer, who is a man of great experience and undoubted ability, assumed control in October, 1897. From facts within my knowledge, I had good reasons for believing that the spirit of Tammany had gripped the Police Department. To permit it to fasten its roots upon our public services, and to become the rule of our administration, would inflict a curse upon the people of this colony, and so lower the moral tone of our public life as to make a return to clean and right methods tedious and expensive. It is a matter of vital moment that a democracy which has laid the foundation of its power upon a franchise which embraces both halves of its adult population should be jealous of its honour. It is a public duty for citizens of such a State to prevent, if possible, dishonour falling upon the administration of its public affairs. These convictions explain my attitude on this question and my demand for the enquiry.