Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-12-02
PITTSBURG'S WAR ON VICE.
Inmates of DisOrderly Houses Leave til
City for Other Places.

Inmates of DisOrderly Houses Leave the
City for Other Places.
At least 159 inmates of disorderly houses
who had been ordered to leave Pittsburg by this
afternoon. gathered in the mayors Office at the
city hall yesterday afternoon. The scene was a
most unusual one and large crowd was
soon attracted through curiosity. The women
insisted upon seeing Mayor Gourley, and when
he made his appearance they wanted to know
what they were to do.
Mayor Gourley then made a speech to them
He said Il am very sorry for YOU women
sympathiZe with you from the bottom OF my
heart did not close you up for thirty-two
months of my term for the reason that l did
not think it would help this evil. When the
ministers of the city, wives, mothers, sisters
and brothers came to me to insist ON the law
being lived up to had to issue the order.
take all the responsibility and l do not know
what you can do. l have nothing to offer YOU.
l think that Mr.. Browns order was too hasty.
l do not believe in hurrying you out into the
streets like dogs. Some consideration should
be given and ten days would not be too long a
time
Miss Cora Hastings then stepped up and said
''Some of these women, in fact,a great number
of them, live away from here. They have NO
money and no friends, and what are they to
do?"
THAT do not know" said the mayor, ''but
will try and see what the ministers will do
and let you know by tomorrow afternoon"
The women then went to Chief Browns Office,
but the chief was out and they departed. They
went down Smithfield street to 5th avenue in q
body, attracting great deal of attention.
The ministers of the city propose at once to
take care of the women. Active measures will
be taken to provide homes for those who would
lead moral lives. In this connection an en-
ployment agency will be established, if the
Methodist Association can prevail.
Hundreds of women left for other cities,
many going to Wheeling, Cincinnati, Cleveland,
Columbus and Chicago. Several said they did
not know what they would do when they
reached their destinations. Very few Of them
had more than enough money to purchase their
tickets, and they feared if they were refused
admission to houses in other cities that they
would be dependent on charitable institutions
for support. Three or four stated that they
had homes in other cities and proposed to go
back and reform and see il their parents could
not do something for them.
Last evening delegation of twelve or fifteen
coiored members of the demi-monde called at
the residence Of Rev. DIR. McCrory of the Third
United Presbyterian Church and asked for
protection. DR.. McCrory has been a leader in
the movement against the royal evil and was
also prominently identified with the Sunday
crusade.
He told them he could do nothing for them.
While he was talking large crowd gathered
about the house and INDUCED in cat calls THE
reverend gentleman made in q speech. in
which he said that the women could not ex-
pect protection IN that way. The demi-monde
then sang Nearer. My God. to Thee" but the
| changing Of a gong of an approaching patrol
wagon suddenly stopped the singing and caused
the crowd to quickly dispense. A number OF
Catholic institutions and the Protestant Beth
esda Home for Fallen Women we're thrown open
to the outcasts, but there were no applicants
for shelter.