The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1885-12-09
10 a Wall of Sympathy for
Our Erring Brethren
WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE FALLEN
"a Not the Means FOR SHINING been
PLACED SO TsmPtinglY IN
Their Way.

t,ror Of the deeply sinned against F. o.
rs who are struggling so frantically
- nreyenr certain disclosures from be-
mo made public, has been presented to
TTdge zane by the Grand Jury. As will
he seen bv perusal of it, it completely
clears the skirts of Vandercook and
tho others who might be thought from
their actions to be guilty, and forms
comulete Offset to the current OF pub
lie feeling which was running in favor
Of having their detestable actions
punished;
Han. G. S. Zaae, Jadgs, Third District
Court:
Your Grand Jury herewith returns
tvo indictments for conspiracy, four
indictments for keeping houses of ILL
fame under the Territorial laws, and
one Indictment for carrying on business
os a retail liquor dealer without pay
-,oDt of a special tax therefor under the
Law of Congress.
In connection Herewith we deem it is
our duty to specially report as follows:
Since the year A. d. 1875, there has
hon st ttute of Il e Territory pro-
bihiting the keeping of, residing in, CT
Tesorting to houses of nl-fame for the
nrTnoses of prostitution of leWdness.
FSaa Com. Laws, p. 603.) During a
creat part, if not all, of the period, or
Finances of the municipality Of Salt
Lake CITY upon the same subject have
hean in existence. Under these ordin-
ances few weeks ago
NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS WERE IN
sTITUTED
Under circumstances which very geRer-
ally attracted public attention. These
proceedings were summary brought
to an end because OF q ruling of this
Court, determining the question of law
Immediately involved adversely to the
city. The attention of the Grand
Jury, as well as the public, was,
however, directed 10 certain mat
tiers connected with these prose-
cutions, and in the discharge of
our duty, as understood by US, we have
the same as thoroughly as
the means a. our command would
permit. Officers of the county and city
governments, together with private
citizens, have appeared before US and
been sworn and examined, and the
present result Of our inquiry is en-
bodied IN indictments herewith re-
turned. We are not content, however,
70 pass the matter over without further
and emphatic expression condemnatOry
of the methods and practices herein
after ment oned.
Some time in Ap.u or May last
AYoFFICER OF TIE CITY GOVERNMENT,
Not connected with the police, with
Others at present unknown to the Grand
Jury, entered INTO a conspiracy to open
houses of assignation and il-fame
within the city limits, for the avowed
purpose OF entrapping weak and vicious
persons into the commission of offenses
against chastity and morality, in order
that all such might be exposed and
punished IN the courts. This scheme
involved the renting and fitting up of
houses for the purpose. the employ
ment Of public and private prostitutes,
the conversion of the police bureau
into nest of spoilers ana spies, and
the expenditure of a large sum OF
money.
For years there have been well-knowu
houses of prostitution in Salt Lake
which have been under police surven
snce. and at stated periods have con-
tributed materially to the revenues of
the municipality. Several of these
houses are situated on the main and
prominent streets OF the city, ana with
their keepers and proprietOrs have been
and are by reputation generally known
IN the community. We do not UNDER
stand that the scheme above mentioned
contemplated the investigation OF these
places, nor the enforcement of the law
against those who resided therein or
resorted thereto for purposes of prOSu-
tuition or lewdness. On the Ontrary,
as appears by the evidence before US,
the plan was conceived and carried into
effect without Reference to the suppress
sion Of existing nuisences. but With the
design Of using the criminal law as 3
snare for the weak and immoral, and
with the object, in part at least, Of
creating q great public scandal. In
pursuance of this scheme. houses
we're rented and furnished On
West Temple Street, and women
placed in possession thereof. These
houses were so altered and arranged
N thelr interior that persons could be
paced to observe ell that tTanspired
tnltnn, and every member of the po' ice
tOEGe OF salt Lake City, eth two hon
0ISD!e exceptions, John Y. Smith and
" 4ll4'iLn GaIQer, volunteered bis ser
wees as 3 spy and inforrner in aid OF
me conspiracy. The women we're aired
20 perform their parts, and their exeT-
uons simulated y he promise of ex
oroltant sums for their success in en-
trapping high officials. One of these
creatures was promised $1,000 IN the
event OF her being able 70 draw the
Governor OF the Territory into her
tolls. In the course Of their operations.
tnese women conveyed notes OF invita-
non TO many prominent officials and
citizens, requesting interviews on bust
ness at the places designated. The Sol
lowing, leaving the names blank, is
sample OF these notes, delivered by mes
senger boys.
sALrLAKE CITY, July D, 1885.
DEAR SIR-If convenient, I would be
Pleased to have you call - see me this
afternoon or about dusk this evening
want TO see you on particular business.
Please send Rnsw. by mes enger boy when
you VIII call Resp e.fully,
We are informed by persons engaged