The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-13

The city authorities cannot be ignor-
ant Of the fact that there Is general
and severe criticism OF the conduct OF
the police department. The people have
been patiently expectant and muniti-
Gently generous. They declined to turn
over the conduct OF the city government
to other hands. They approved heartily
the granting OF any additions to the
force that might be necessary to strict
enforcement OF the laws. They did not
demand Representatives,. They are rea-
sonable and practical. and they do not
expect that any police administration
can remodel human nature. But they
have asked ana do ask that crime shall
not enjoy immunity here. and they wish
to be satisfied that the liberal means
which they have granted are being en-
ployed vigorously to that end.
1t is not sufficient merely that there
be diminution in the grosser forms OF
crime; fewer murders, burglaries and
holdups. In that respect an improve
ment has been noted, for which due
credit is given. But It is not enough
1t is not sufficient that there should be
periodical roundup of common
toughs, a lot of trials for vagrancy and
some assignments to the chain gang.
This, too. Is work we'll done. But Il does
not include lot of desperate and dan
gerous criminals of the highest grade,
who work on large scale and Tor big
stakes. We want the city swept clear
OF the bunko men. the maiefactors
haunting resorts whose name Is
synonym for crime, the confidence OPP
orators who scorn small games and
raw" methods and lie In wait for a
good thing IL Is not too much to ex-
pect; and the people. who are willing to
provide ample police protection and to
pay for 1t, are not satisfied with the
present situation.
one occurrence of few days ago Is
the subject Of general and unfavorable
comment A man was swlndled out OF
a large sum OF money. 1t Is stated. on
what appears to be excellent author
ity, that this was known 10 at least
some OF the police authorities, and moth
Ing was done about 1t whatever until
publicity OF the facts made something
necessary. This Is not effective police
administration. It IS not the attitude to.
ward criminals which the guardians u
law and order are bound 10 assume.
We want no parleying with criminals
here and no hesitation about making
law. We do not want and this com.
munity will not tolerate the senseless
theory that the evildoer should enjoy
immunity and opportunity untH he has
contaminated his crime and somebody
makes a row about H. How that method
is looked upon by the public no one can
doubt
without intending to reflect unjustly
uron the police authorities Of Seattle.
We say that ii Is time for them to wake
up Clear out the buuko operators.
great and small. Give the crooks Of ev-
cry stamp warning 10 vacate. This
locking the stable after the horse. is
stolen is poor business. There is no
| city in the country that cannot be kent
comparatively free Of crime II the Grim
iual element is spotted, ordered to move
On, Swallowed night and day and
brought 10 Judgment when IT shows the
least evidence OF contumacy. There Is
not a whit more reason why bunko
games should be played in any city
right along than there is for a holdup
or burglary every night II either
happens, there Is something wrong