However, the position of the Sheriff was not abolished; the act merely transferred the appointment authority of local Sheriffs to the city council, without forcibly requiring the establishment of local police departments everywhere.
The old Sheriff and Arthur, who was thirty years his junior, got along well on most topics, except for differences in opinions about police matters. The old Sheriff repeatedly emphasized that adhering to local traditions was most conducive to national stability, while Arthur had a preference for modern city policing.
Unexpectedly for the old Sheriff, an issue they had argued about just a few days ago quickly turned into a real event before him.
Princess Victoria's condition was critical, and as Ramsgate's highest law enforcement authority, he was responsible for protecting Royal Family members in emergencies.
Thus, Sir Arthur Hastings requested him to immediately sign and issue a search warrant for Albion Villa.
