Chicago Tribune
FUNKHOUSER AS MORALS
GUARDIAN
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Heads List of Eligibles for Second Deputy Superintendent of Police.
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VICE TO BE HIS TARGET.
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Issues Statement Saying He Means to Attend Strictly to Business.
Chicago’s first "censor of public morals" is to by Major M. L. C. Funkhouser. His name was first on the list of eligibles posted yesterday by the city civil service commission for the recently created position of second deputy superintendent of police. He is to be certified to the place within the next week.
Among the duties of the position the one most emphasized during the adoption of the police reorganization plan was this:
The supervision of the strict enforcement of all laws and ordinances pertaining to all matters affecting public morals.
The second deputy also has jurisdiction over all the business affairs of the department, the instruction of its member, its inspection and efficiency records, and the investigation of all complaints concerning policemen.
Issues Brief Statement
Maj. Funkhouser was reluctant to discuss the field of his official activities. He had prepared a brief statement that read as follows:
The ordinance creating the office of second deputy superintendent of police clearly defines the duties to be performed and it will be my endeavor to carry them out to the best of my ability. Recognizing the fact that public officials are public servants, the public are assured in advance of courteous treatment when making complaints in person or by written communication; prompt and thorough investigation will be made. I bespeak the kindly indulgence of the public until such time as the bureau can put in running order. It must be borne in mind that examinations must be held to fill the positions of head of newly created section.
Several days ago — on the hypothesis he would be successful in the examination — he was not so reluctant to disclose his position.
"I am going to mind my own business and let the other fellow mind his," he said. "Matters of policy, I take it, are for the mayor and the chief to decide. The active force is to be undisturbed.
"I owe much to my military training and pride myself of being a citizen soldier. I think every young man who possibly can do so should have some military training. It teaches a man to mind his own business. The lines between positions are clearly defined. As soon as a man gets out of his sphere he is quickly shown his error.
Wants Spirit of Co-operation
"Now, I’m not going to try to too make the police department a lot of soldiers, but if given a chance, will try to bring about a spirit of cooperation in which there will be a constant team work. Efficiency will be carefully recorded and merit brought to light whenever possible."
Maj. Funkhouser’s record in the examination was 80.58 and there were only three other candidates of the thirty-seven who originally entered the examination who received passing grades. They were:
Lieut. Col. James Ronayne, U.S.A., retired. 5411 East End avenue; 75.53.
Lieut. Arthur W. Copp, United States Engineering corps, retired; 1008 Dearborn avenue; 73.20.
Lieut. Col. Louis D. Greene, I.N.G.; 5213 Madison avenue; 72.21
