The people of Boston have recently seen the result of agitation and unrest in its police force.  The policy of that department, established by an order of former Commissioner O’Meara and adopted by a rule which has the force of law by the present Commissioner Curtis, prohibited a police union from affiliating with an outside union.  In spite of this such a union was formed and persisted in with acknowledged and open defiance of the rules and of the counsel and almost entreaties of the officers of the department.  Such disobedience continuing, the leaders were cited for trial on charges and heard with their counsel before the Commissioner.  After thorough consideration, and opportunity again to obey the rules, they were found guilty.  In order to give a chance to recant sentence was suspended.  Shortly after, three fourths of the police force abandoned their posts and refused further to perform their duties.  During the next few hours, there was destruction of property in the city but happily no loss of life.

Meantime there had been various efforts to save the situation.  Some urged me to remove the Commissioner, some to request him to alter his course.  To all these I had to reply that I had no authority whatever over his actions and could not lawfully interfere with him.  It was my duty to support him in the execution of the law and that I should do.  I was glad to confer with any one and give my help where it was sought.  The Commissioner was appointed by my predecessor in office for a term of years.  I could with almost equal propriety interfere in the decisions of the Supreme Court.

To restore order, I at once and by pre-arrangement with him and the Commissioner, offered to the Mayor to call out the State Guard.  At his request I did so, immediately beginning restoring obedience to the law.  On account of the public danger, I called on the Commissioner to aid me in the execution of my duties of keeping order, and issued a proclamation to that effect.

To various suggestions that the police be permitted to return I replied that the Attorney-General had ruled that by law that could not be done and while I had no power to appoint, discharge, or reinstate, I was opposed to placing the public security again in the keeping of this body of men.  There is an obligation to forgive but it does not extend to the unrepentant.  To give them aid and comfort is to support their evil doing and to become what is known in law as an accessory after the fact.  A government which does that is a reproach to civilization and will soon have on its hands the blood of its citizens.