Evening star., 1896-03-16
AG AINST THE EVIL
A Mass Meeting Protests Against the
Division.
An Address and Remarks From
sioners' Supposed Attitude.

The association formed to stimulate pub
lie sentiment against the condition Of the
Division, and to create demand for the
execution of wholesome laws for its sup
preston, held mass meeting in the First
Congregational Church yesterday after
noon, when the address Of the associa-
ton to the public was read by Mr.. w. Liv-
ingston Bruen, and remarks on the subject
we.e made by Rev. L. D. Bailey of the
Central Union Mission, and Mrs. K. w.
Barrett.
An Encouragement.
After setting forth the object of the as
sociation, that the public has been only
partially informed of the extent of the
evils Of the Division, and going into the
statistics Of that locality, the report says
'The present attitude Of the Commission
ers toward it is distinctly an encourage
ment Of 1t. Men and women, whose evil
propensities tempt them, know just where
to go. and are assured CT freedom from
exposure. That it Increases and grows
strong and defiant under these conditions
our present observation abundantly DEM
onstrates.
I'VE advocate suppressing, not scatter
Ing, and We do not propose to cease our
efforts until the whole business is out
lawed. and until it can be carried on only
clandestinely. But this outcry against
scattering it has no foundation in fact,
since 1t Is well known that houses of i'll
repute exist in different parts of the city,
and no effort is made to force them into
the locality set apart by common consent
ready scattered, as we are informed, and
the same false sentiment which protects
them In the Division protects them else
where.
I'VE have already given careful consider.
alton to the question of caring for the in
mates of these houses. There is ample law
Tor the suppression OF these houses"
An Appeal.
The report winds up: 1--WE appeal to the
public to join in urging the speedy execution
Of the law for the suppression of these
houses. The public and the District Off
cials have been at fault in ignoring the sub
ject."
Some Remarks.
At the suggestion of Rev. Dr. Newman, a
resolution was adopted heartily indorsing
the proposition to suppress all houses of i'll
repute in the city. especially in the Division,
and pledging to the Commissioners cordial
support in their efforts to enforce the laws
against the social evil
In the course of extended remarks Rev
Mr.. Bailey stated his belief that the Com
mlss1ore ers should issue an edict against the
social evil, Just as they did against the sell
ing of liquor in the houses of the Division
Mrs. X. w. Barrett, the next speaker de-
ciared that she had never advocated the
closing of single door Of shame until a
charitable door had been opened for the re-
ception of the women who would be turned
out into the street After referring to the
Florence Crittendon Hope and Help Mis-
sion, Mrs. Barrett discussed the propartv
question, explaining that in some instances
s2oO month Is paid for the rent Of houses
IN the Division. which would bring not more
tnan 80 In any other section of the city.
MIS-. barrett stated that the reform work
depends upon change In public sentiment
more than anything else. and she also spoke
OF the evils of the system of licensed pros
titutiOn in Paris fo