Page:Theodore Roosevelt resignation 005.jpg



and protestants, jews and gentiles, who are striving to make our civic conditions better, who are striving to raise the standard of living,undefinedofmorality andundefinedofcomfort among our poorer less fortunate brethernbrethren [sic]. We have endeavored to make all men and all societies engaged in such work feel that the police were their natural allies. We have endeavored to make the average private citizen feel that the officer of the law was to be dreaded only by the law-breaker,and was ever ready to treat with courtesy, and to befriend, any private citizen anyone who needed his aid. The man in the ranks, the man with the nightstick has been quick to respond to our efforts, quick to recognize honesty of purpose in his superiors. You have in the police force a body of admirable men, brave, able and zealous; under proper leadership, they can at any time be depended upon to do the best possible work. I have bitterly regretted that the law under which the force is administered is so bad that it has been impossible to make of this splendid body of men all that could be made if the Board had a responsible head, with complete power, and absolute singleness of purpose to do right.

Again thanking you for having appointed me,and for your treatment of me during my term of service. I am, with much gratitude and great respect

Very truly faithfully yours,