Evening star., 1901-10-08
CHESAPEAKE JUNCTION
MIR. LEwIN,s EFFORT TO GET AID
FROM STATE AUTHORITIES.
Correspondence Between States At
torney and Gov. Smith-How
the Case Stands.

II Will De remembered tNdl me pOilCe du-
thorities of this city some time ago wrote
to Governor Smith of Maryland calling his
attention to the condition of affairs at
Chesapeake Junction, and asking his as
sistance to stamp out the evil. Gov. Smith
forwarded this matter to William M. Lew
In, states attorney for Prince Georges
county. Mr.. Levin has at all times been
active IN the endeavor to purge his county
of the stain upon its good name, but the
restrictions thrown around his Office have
hampered his efforts. Upon receipt of the
governors letter Mr.. Levin wrote to him
as follows:
PLEASE accept my thanks for your let
ter of 9th instant, in reply1 to which 1 beg
to state that [ have been heretofore in
formed of the general condition of affairs
at OF near Chesapeake Junction, in Prince
GeoTSeS county, as being substantially as
reported in your Enclosures. A similar con-
dition of affairs in the section referred to
was fully investigated by the grand jury
at the October term of last year, and the
matter, in it's various phases, was then pre-
sented to the court Upon indictments
found convictions We're obtained and fines
imposed.
You are, of course, aware that under
the law the states attorney has no author
ity to require any affirmative action by the
sheriff or constabies, nor are the constables
Or sheriff subject to the direction of the
court or states attorney. except in specific
cases actually before the court. You are
also aware that the states attorney is
without any fund at his disposal for pre-
liminary investigation.
THE situation in question is, indeed de-
piorabie, but public sentiment has not been
sufficiently aroused to bring about the strin-
gent measures necessary for the desired re-
form. During the summer of last year
received from many good citizens of the
county commendation for the abolition of
certain Illegal practices at the place men
toned. 1t is true that my best energies
are devoted to the desired result. My ef-
forts, however, would have been in vain
but for the support of The Evening Star of
Washington city and the Hyattsville Inde-
dependent of Prince Georges county, which
newspapers forced the requisite co-opera-
ton with the states attorney of certain
conServators of the peace toward the sup
preston of the then existing disorders.
Without an active and determined pub
lie sentiment it is beyond the power of the
states attorney to accomplish any appre-
ciable good in the premises. The matter
will, of course, be pressed upon the atten-
ton of the approaching grand jury, and
will be grateful for any aid which you
may render toward the procurement of the
necessary evidence to obtain indictments
and convictions in proper cases."
Asks State Aid.
Governor Smith replied to Mr.. Levin un-
der date of September II, as follows:
what you have to say. I appreciate your
difficulties in suppressing vice and bringing
about better state of affairs in the vicin-
ity of Chesapeake Junction. such as good
citizens desire. 1 will be very glad to CO.
operate with you in any way which comes
within the limit of my official authority"
In answer to the above Mr. Levin wrote
the governor, asking specific assistance
from the state His request was contained
in the following:
I'm reply to your favor 18th instant
beg to thank you for your offer of CO.
several Intelligent and reputable persons to
make repeated visits to the locality in. ques-
tion for the purpose of obtaining, for pre-
sentation at the October term of the court
sufficient evidence of violations of law
with special reference to gambling disor-
derly conduct and sales of liquor on SIu
day and to minors"
Gov. Smiths Regrets.
Governor Smith replied on the 21st, re-
GREETING his inability to help in the way
suggested. He said:
Il have your letter of the 18th instant,
and 1 note all you have to say. On receipt
of the communication of August 80 from
the Commissioners of the District of Co.
lumbia in regard to the condition of af-
fairs IN the vicinity of Chesapeake juno
ton, in your county, l deemed it my duty
to forward the same to yourself, and the
sheriff of Prince Georges county, merely
to keep you informed, and I recognized the
fact, as you, of course, do, that can ex-
ercise no authority over local police af
fairs, even if l wished to do SO. 1t is
matter which will have to be handled by
your local authorities.
Il regret that I cannot adopt your sug-
gestion in your letter of the 18th In refer
ence to employing reputable parties to visit
the vicinity referred to in order to collect
evidence against the parties who are break
Ing the laws in regard to selling liquor, ETC.,
because have no funds with which to pay
for such service.
Il regret circumstances are such I can
do no more, and am ready to aid in any
way within my power in suppressing crime
In any part of the state, but my power is
limited"