New York Police Parade, June 1st, 1899

The film shows members of "New York's Finest" parading at a crowded Union Square. There are members of the Bicycle Squad, mounted horses, and two regimental marching bands. At the time of filming, the New York City Police Department was still recovering from the corruption scandals of the early 1890's that had severely tarnished the reputation of the department. A State Senate appointed group known as the Lexow Committee investigated the department and issued a scathing report that detailed serious criminal activity within the department. In 1895, public opinion was so low that the annual parade wasn't held. That same year, Theodore Roosevelt was appointed president of the Police Board, and he is credited with initiating strict and effective reform measures that helped restore the public's confidence in the police.

From the Edison Company catalog: NEW YORK POLICE PARADE. Unbuilding [code for telegraphic orders]. An excellent view of "The Finest," on their annual parade and inspection, June 1, 1899. The head of the column is just turning into 14th Street from Broadway, the Morton House forming part of the background. Crowds line both sides of the cable car tracks, falling back as the band heading the first division swings around Dead Man's Curve and passes the camera. Chief Devery makes a fine showing, as also do his men, with their white gloves and helmets, shining buttons and spick and span appearance in general.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• NYC
• Edison
• actuality
• police

[wwwchimpoutDOTcom]

you know whats really creepy? The internet will be an archive. 100 years from now somebody may stumble upon fatman3141 videos and think the same thing. "Hes dead!"

[sugoiking]

scary to think that all of those people are now gone o.o"

[Jasun1974]

yeah and we complain about 240p lol

[yogi1707]

Why does it look like there walking/marching in snow and breathing mist from there mouths such as a winters day?If its June?. Lovely piece of film tho , thanks for the upload.

[menacinghat]

in 100 years youtube will probably be archived and everyone who goes on it will see what internet life was like in the 2000s and the eery feeling of lifes passed by

[plantain007]

imagine living in this time O.O

[wrestlefanatic77]

I was I was around in 1899. America was in the tail end of the Gilded Age.

[GreasyRockabilly]

dead men walking

[dhksrksalem]

dead man walking

[papayas234]

1999 - Hundert Jahr!

[TheTrollingService]

thiis is so lame

[ryanmshepard92]

I wonder what New Years was like that year. They're gonna party like it's 1899! No showing your ankles though.