Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-01-27


Persons Must Expel Them to Avoid Pros
cutions-A Chance for Startling DeVelop-
ments If the Work is Continued.
For some time past rumors have been
more or less current that a systematic and
vigorous movement would soon be inaugur-
ated in this city for the suppression of the
Social Evil, and that all the appliances of
the law as well as Of public opinion would
be invoked to effect the desired end With
these rumors was connected the name of
Rev. VIM. McKibbin, the faithful pastor of
the Central Presbyterian Church, as the
earnest advocate, if not prime mover of the
policy of suppression, and with the view of
ascertaining the facts and circumstances
thereof, GLOBE representative visited that
gentleman at his residence ON East Tenth
street, yesterday afternoon. Mr.. McKibbin
was found at home and received the man of
news with the utmost courtesy and consider
alton, and throughout the interview which
followed, talked very freely and earnestly, as
if his whole soul and heart were enlisted in
the cause.
After stating his object, the GLOBE repre-
sentative drew forth his notebook, and in
augurated reportorial inquisition, the sub
stance and leading points of which are
herewith submitted:
Rep.-Mr. McKibbin, is there such a
movement on foot, as that indicated?
MI. McKibbin-Yes sir, there is.
Rep.-What is the object of the movement?
Mr.. Mckibbin-The object of the move
ment is the evil not SO much the persons
engaged in it, as the evil itself.
Rep.-Then it is directed against certain
property holders-persons who let houses to
parties engaged in the pursuit?
Mr.. McKibbin-Yes sir; it is the evil
which it is proposed to suppress; not the
persecution of any parties.
Rep.-Haye you served notices on any of
them?
Mr.. McKibbin-Yes sir notifications have
been sent to several parties asking if they
were aware of the uses to which their prop
erty was being put.
Rep.-What has been the response?
admitted that they owned or controlled the
property said they would get rid of
their tenants Only one party init
mated to the contrary. All the others
expressed an entire willingness to cooperate
with us.
Rep.-What are the chances of success
attending your movement?
Mr.. McKibbin-If the Council will say the
law must be executed, it will be. But we
have no quarrel with the city officials on ac-
count of the non-execution of the law in the
past. Houses of this character have had
here, a sort of prescriptive right. The city
officials, must say, have treated me with
great courtesy, and, am equally glad to say,
have expressed themselves as perfectly will
ing to carry out the law. The responsibility is
thrown upon the Council. They have either
to say that the law shall remain dead let
ter, or take the responsibility of seeing it
executed. Our idea is to adhere to the law
as it now stands. Whatever other changes
may be necessary, will be a matter for future
consideration. The law as it now stands can
be executed in such way as to suppress the
evil.
Rep.-Is the movement of which you
speak, the result of organization-of a So
ciety religious or otherwise?
Mr.. McKibbin-It is no organization
But I have been in consultation with various
parties. My programme, and thus far have
been representative in the matter, is to Sc
cure stringent execution of the present law,
and such notifications therein, as may be
necessary, and then to organize society
such as they have in New York-a society
for the suppression of vice. The idea is of
course, to prevent this being spasmodic af-
fair.
Rep.-What, Mr.. McKibbin. do you pro-
pose doing with the inmates of these houses?
Mr.. McKibbin-As regards the
Magdalene Home, the House of the Good
Shepherd and similar institutions in the city,
would furnish the women temporary dwell
ing-places, until they could secure homes
elsewhere-until they can get chance to
start in for a better life.
Rep.-You say you have served notices on
various property owners-on how many?
Mr.. McIibbin.-On some six or perhaps
eight; we have not served notice on two par
ties whose premises, we suspect, but have no
positive proof, are used for the purpose.
Notices were served on two who informed
lis that they had nothing whatever to do
with the property. This was, of course, a
mistake on our part.
Rep.-Is the movement in which you are
engaged, general? By whom was it started
Mr.. McKibbin-The movement was orig
mated by myself, but it is intended to be
generate include everybody. Not to make
it Protestant or Gentle, but to have it on
the broad principles of morality-to gather
together the moral sentiment of the COM
munity for the abatement of the evil without
regard to religion or, indeed, politics, or
other social distinction.
Rep.-Haye you fixed upon time for the
Inauguration of preventive measures?
Mr.. McKibbin- There ought to be, and
will be allowed week or ten days-a reason
able time to make the changes, notify their
tenants, and to see that they remove in &C
cordance with their requests. This, however
is not matter to be determined by dates