New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-11-27
CRIME IN COLD WEATHER.
DESPERATION OF THE LOWER CLASSES.
MARKED INCREASE or LOCAL CRIME-TIIE STATION
uoIreps oyppCROWTD.

DESPERATION OF THE LOWER CLASSES.
MARKED INCREASE or LOCAL CRIME-TIE STATION
HOUSES OvERCROwED
Since the strike of the 'longshoremen crime
in the city increased greatly and within the past
two days more daring acts have been performed by
criminals than have been reported IN a year. On
Wednesday there eight cases OF burglary anu
grand larceny suicides and two attempted Suicides
three feouious assaults. and several petty cases OF
crime There were yesterday three house rooDerles
raid by pickpockets and several ARRAYS and assaults
Inspector Speght said last night that this great In
of crime in this city was due 10 sew
eral AT this of the year large portion
OF the population OF this city become desperate Ihey
cannot find work and the nights too cold for them to
stay Of doors without sI ming The police stations
are crowded before p each night, and though the
kind-hearted sergeants always willing to overcrowd
the lodging rather than turn anybody away yet
there Is limit that cannot be passed. This limit Is
reached early and after the poor Migrants nave Deeh
packed in close as they can be- the rest
must be denied admittance. At one OF tho stations
long ago, very respectfully dressed man
applied for lodgings. lie said that he had
slept for IS hours lie pleaded that he had not
place sleep and that the night was so cold that nc
might perish II he TO attempt TO sleep out OF
doors. The sergeant at the desk saw that IL was
genuine of distress, aud wished very much TO ac
commolae the applicant. lie said that tho lodging
could find place there he welcome to stay. Tue
doorran directed the man tho loiGinGrOom and he
went III. About ten inmates atcrward lie returned ana
said the sergeant: That lOlgngrOom Is worse imam
the Black Hole in Calcutta | don't see how hu-
beings can sleep in such place; II
is horrible. should die before morning"
The sergeant asked the doormau whether there was
an empty cell, aud being answered in the affirmative
the sergeant turned stranger and said: Will
put in cell, but may have To turn you oit Deiore
morning." Tue man expressed his gratitude ana "dS
locked up farming to a TRIBUNE reporter tho sergeant
said: This could not endurc such quarters as we
offer in our loIgns-roOms for only short time, but
crowds who turned away think US cruel because we
can't accommodate more. Persons VINO can enuuro
police station Iodgng-r0om can stand anything"
These persons have now become desperate Their old
haunts have been broken up by wise measures OF the
Board OF Health and the police and the state Prison
opens to them the only refuge. They have too, the
chance OF hetterns themselves by robbery or burg
Iary and they may b. detected in their crime A.
this season crime always increase bat this year has
been an especially harI for all tho poorer classes
Work has been Paupers ana Migrants have been
attracted the approach Of the time for opening
sou-hOises and free lOlgiUg houses and have licked
to tins city. JAey sit in the parks all day while 1t i
warm enough. and the first applicants for
lodging in the police stations. crOwling ont
those who deserve help bit who apply later. These
Iacl,ls viii not WORK. bat nothing that they steal ia
safe within thlr reach. They the snclktheycs and
pckyocets Of warmer weather ald live on charity ali
winter Nothing Will ii the city of these persons VINO
adj much to the criminal records except GO uphi
sorry ,em of labor The system Ia to he proposed TO
tho next Legislature. The county superintcnden's or
tie poor nave decided TO memorable; the Legislature
and pray for suitable law that shall enable chari0lo
public institutions to assist only those Uho are willing
70 wos& aud cJupal taoso VIE VIII not WORK, hy con-
hitting them to penal seritude, to earn their own
iiying5