The herald., 1896-12-23

more satisfaction both to himself and
to others. The society realizes that 1t
Is most unfortunate that any persons
should be compelled to adopt such meth
DDS as the committee were obliged to fol-
low in order to secure evidence that
would convict in the courts. And in
the future operations Of the committee
they will doubtless profit by many of
the criticisms passed upon their work.
They do not fear just and honorable
criticism of their person or methods. 1t
should be remembered, however, that
criticism is an easy matter. To do a
work is one thing; to tell how 1t ought
to have been done better is quite an
other.
We believe that no criticisms have
been passed upon the motives behind
this movement, even by its severest op-
ponents, as none can be. If the general
methods of the committee be objected
to, we ask, by what other methods
could the necessary evidence be Sc
cured?" The committee has simply fol-
lowed the methods suggested by the
chief of police himself, as the proper
course of procedure. These criticisms
evidently come from those who do not
favor any such reform in our city-and
to such any method would be objection
able-or from those who think that such
work ought to be done but not by min
listers and theological students With
reference to the latter. it may be admit
ted that there is ground for difference
of opinion. However, 1t is urged on the
other hand that. not having sufficient
funds to employ professional detectives
it was practically impossible to secure
other competent men to do the work.
FACTS ESTABLISHED
But whether or not ministers and stu
dents should engage in this kind of work.
or whether the methods pursued were
in all respects wise or unwise. it does
not alter the facts that have been
brought to light-facts that should not
be lost sight of for single moment
amid the general criticism of the society
and its committee. The existence of
open ard continuous violations of the
laws governing the welfare of this city,
violations with the steady connivance
Of some person or persons in authority,
can not be denied. The committee did
not create these conditions. Nor were
they at any time actuated by desire
ito manufacture cases or to persecute
the fallen. Nor did they pay out money
to induce violations of the law. They
verified the information received in re-
gard to such places and practices The
only question is one of sufficient evi-
dence to secure convictions against these
violators. 1t must be further demon
SlTdteu 10 every lover Oh the IdlF name
of Los Angeles that our ordinances are
lamentably insufficient to properly pro-
tect the public. In fact, they protect the
criminal.
In view of the situation. what do the
orderly and law-abiding citizens of Los
Angeles propose to do? Will they, by
their active or passive opposition, de-
clare free reign to open and secret cor
rupters of youth and innocence and to
violators of liquor ordinances that are
already too weak, or will an indignant
public press these efforts to successful
issue?
The above statement was presented
yesterday at the regular meeting of the
Parkhurst society. unanimously adopted
and the request made that the press of
the city would publish the same. that
the community might know the origin
and present condition of the league.