One reader of Bread Upon
the Water said, “Robert Fasone's new novel, Bread Upon the Water, is gripping, well-paced, and excellently
written. The author's dialogue brings his characters to life. You could believe you were sitting with them at the dinner
table engrossed in the fluid and often volatile family relationships. Sonny DiBari and his family are characters that sparkle
with life.”
From the History
of the New York City Police Department Next comes a clause ordering "that a company not exceeding one hundred active citizens
should be organized in each ward, under the direction of the Committee of Police, and magistrates, as an extraordinary City
Watch, to be armed with watch Clubs, and to have an object placed in their hats when on duty, written 'Cut Watch.'"
This body was to have a Captain and Assistant, and, on the alarm being given, it was to assemble at the City Hall to execute
the behests of the Mayor and Magistrates. A third section of the same ordinance placed $500 at the disposal of the Magistrates,
to be used as might appear best toward the suppression of crime.
The Grand Jury took a hand in police
affairs, making a presentment to the effect that a Watchman should be stationed at each church, and should have ready access
to the bell, so that he might be able to give an immediate alarm in case of fire. the Grand Jury also thought the Watchmen,
in crying fire, should be directed to name the place where the flames were raging. This presentment was referred by the Common
Council to the Watch committee.
The Captains of the Watch were charged
with superintending the trimming and care of the lamps in their districts, "the people employed by the corporation having
been guilty of neglect and impositions." A month later, however, the Lamp committee expressed disapproval of the Watchmen
lighting the lamps, but were in favor of their extinguishing them at a certain hour. Incidents like these are eminently indicative
of the state of the city during the period treated of. The reader may find unfailing food for reflection by comparing the
electric fire alarm system and the electric lighting of to-day with the church bellringing and oil lamp trimming that prevailed
in the life of his grandfather.
By the act of ninth of April, 1813,
the city was divided into ten wards: the electors of each ward to chose one Alderman, one Assistant Alderman, two Assessors,
one Collector, and two Constables. The Mayor, Recorder, and not less then five Aldermen, and five assistant Aldermen to be
a quorum of the Common Council. The Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen had the power of Police Judges, empowered to act as conservators
of the peace. Under this law, a police office was established and the Police Judges (otherwise called Special Justices), were
authorized to exercise certain powers, which belonged to Aldermen when out of sessions.
Source: Our Police Protectors Holice and Debbie
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