The San Francisco call., 1899-09-26
NORTH BEACH CITIZENS
CONDEMN CHIEF LEES
oPPOSERS OF THE NYMPHIA
HOLD A MASS MEETING.
Sharp Language Used by Attorney
John j. Barrett, Father Caraher
and Others-An Exciting
Session.

If there is any efficacy in an old saying
the ears of Chief of Police Lees must have
caused him some discomfort last night,
because enough unkind things were SAID
of him at the nasS-meeting held by the
citizens of North Beach to cause his hear
ing appendages to burn. Not only was his
veracity questioned, but he was charged
with rudeness and dereliction of duty.
The meeting was held in Apollo Hall,
within half block of the notorious Hote'
Nymphia under the auspices of the
clergymen who have fought for its sup
preston. Rev. DIR. Urmy of the First
Methodist Church called the we'll
attended meeting to order. On the plat
form were Rev. Father 7. Saraher, Rev.
Father b. C. Redahan, Rev. William
Bours of st. Peters Episcopal Church,
Rev. DR.. Slocum, Rev. Father Mcdonald
and others.
in which he condemned the hotel, and
then introduced John j. Barrett, the
young attorney who has covered himself
with honors in achieving victory against
heavy odds. At the outset Mr.. Barrett
explained the progress of the suit, COM
mented on the splendid jury and the inn
partiality and courage of Judge Graham,
in whose court the cause was heard. In
part he said:
from The Board of Supervisors declaring the
Nymphia a house of prostitution and con-
d
When / got that, he said the resolution was
not sufficient authority for him under the de-
cision of Judge Bahrs in the turntabe case.
then consulted him as TO what was best to do
in the matter. He told us TO prosecute the
principals and he detailed US two splendid Of
fcers who gave us good service and aided US
in convicting the landlords, s. p. Blumenberg,
Emil and Valentine Fl. Kehrlen and L. e. p.
Frey I then requested Chief Lees to close
Up the place and he again said he had no
authority, much to my surprise, because
understood all along that if we secured their
he
I consulted with him from 10 o'clock this
morning until 2 o'clock this afternoon, and |
asked him to do several things. In the first
place, ] wanted him to close the place and he
answered he had no authority. l next asked
to arrest every woman who attempted to carry
on business there and to subpoena every man
who attempted to enter He again replied he
Lillian Dale prosecuted.
l told him that not only would not assist
in her prosecution but l would actively oppose
1T the ground that 1t was mere eubter
fuge, because he himself had told me that it
was futile TO prosecute a woman for running
a house of prostitution because A conviction
could not be obtained against her because of
public sympathy / consulted two attorneys
mat he had named and thcv hoth said he oupht
to close the place, as the very worst thing that
could happen would be an injunction and that
would be easy way to test the matter.
The man who stands between the sanctity of
your homes aud the virtue Of your children,
name inscribed on the portals of the building
that 1t Is dedicated to his authority and he
honor q
''twinkling star"
Throughout Mr.. Rarretts strong speech
his auditors accorded him close attention
and applause, and when he concluded he
T was given en- hearty approval Father
priest, who has practically been the lead
er in the crusade against the resort.
stepped forward to speak, he was given
an ovation. After thanking his auditors
for their approval of his conduct he pro-
cecded TO thank the jury for it's verdict
against the loathscme, sickening Nym-
phia; to the learned and honorable Judge
Graham who is an honor to the district
and the Republican party, and who de-
served advancement to a higher position;
ices and lastly to the press for its aid.
In part he said
Now gentlemen. what Is the object of this
meeting tonight? We have come together 70
take decisive steps to close this den Of infamy
We wifi press the matter and press IL to the
bitter end. We. called on Chief Lees last Fri
We represented four clergymen and he knew
Of our coming. and yet never in my life have
| seen such discourtesy,. such an exhibition OF
stead Of studying the law Chief Lees should
read few pages Of Chesterfield.
Let US stand together, as ore man"
Protestant or Catholic, Jew or Gen.
creed cree IN this movement. There agI0bs shaii be
Gmn y arms 9 my Syn Rfr the N NHpb da5 lay
every foul den in the neighborhood Is
closed beyond the possibility of reopen
ing"
Michael Thornton a citizen. moved that
n committee disappointed to call on the
Mayor and Police Commissioners and re-
quest that the place be closed. After the
meeting p J. Buckley. James Kitterman
George OLIVIA, w. A. Simmons and Hem
ry Gfmmel were appointed as such. Rev.
Dr. Bours, Father Redhan. DR. Slocunl
and Father Mcdonald also delivered
speeches condemning the Nymphia in no
uncertain terms.