The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-09-11
Ky THAT is the toughest slum
M in Washington"

w in Washington"
quently asked and 70 which there have
been varying answers.
At least three OF the police precincts
of the city claim the distinction of pos
sessing within their boundaries locali-
ties which are the resorts as well as the
breeding places of more criminals and
violators Of the law than any other
section OF the city produces.
Number precinct claims. and with
the authority OF a long and formidable
record behind its statement. that VIII
low Tree Alley, situated between B and
c. and Four-and-a-half and Third
Streets. In Southwest Washington, de-
serves the distinction.
Major Richard Sylvester, Superintend-
ent Of Police, was asked for an express
sion Of opinion.
rs II true" the major was asked.
"that Willow Tree Alley is the worst
place in Washington? Is it the lowest
sIum in the city?'' The phraseology of
the question was such that the major
did not. care 10 give either an afirma-
tive OF. negative answer. The fact or
the natter" he said. lis that there Is
no such thing as a slum in Washington"
The wording of the question was then
changed. rs it true that Willow Tree
Alley gives more trouble to the police
than any other one locality in the city,"
was asked. YES" he replied, Il think
the records Of the department would
substantiate that statement But l.
should be realized that there is no place
in Washington that IS similar 20 the
dangerous criminal sections OF New
York and other large cities
Free From SIums.
the District Of Columbia is COM
parativeIy free from places where filthy
and debauched people live; in other
words. slums. One need but visit the
various alleys and courts and compare
conditions there with those which pre-
vail in other cities in order TO be salts
fed on this point
washington is a Southern city, and
the few isolated sections of it that con-
tain settlements of negroes who live
I'm squalor and are frequently in the
hands of the police. present precisely
the same features to be found in any
other city OF the South.
The place best known TO the police,
as I said before. Is the alley section
OF South Washington, and reports
thereon which have been made TO me
by competent persons who have inves-
tigated the section show that prevail
ing conditions are generally good, bet
ter. In fact, than could be expected,
considering the circumstances Of the in
habitants."
The next step in the investigation was
a visit TO the alley AS a preliminary
precaution. the police station. where Of
ficers patrol the section, was visited.
The original intention was 60 go alone
To the alley and study the situation at
close range. The officers of No. did
not seem to approve the wisdom OF
such a proceeding. on the contrary,
they strongly advised an escort through
the alley. After listening TO their rea-
sons. and particularly because Of
heart TO heart talk with "A bicycle po-
uceman detailed TO the alley section.
Tbe Times man cheerfully allowed him
self to be persuaded. Particularly IN
view Of the fact that II was pointed out
that the alieyites would not talk 20
SRA niger Under the guidance OF an
officer on comparatively friendly terms
with some OF the noted characters Of
the alley the tour OF investigation was
commenced.
In the Alley.
A census once mace showed that in
Willow Tree Alley there are ninety
four houses. In which little more than
100 human persons exist The alley
forms a large T. and has three en-
frances. from c. y and Third Streets.
The center OF the T is the particular
sr,ot where most Of the serious disorders
have occurred. Just opposite the en-
trance Of the branch leading TO b
street is the Y. NJ. c. A. mission OF
the zion BAPTIST Church. which is con-
Quoted by the Rev. p. J. Mitchell. This
iittIe chapel occupies the lower floor
OF very disreputable shack. Across
tho door is printed I'm striking type:
where Shall I Spend Eternity?" and
below that, Jesus is Mighty 10 Save"
Diagonally across from the chapel IS the
house OF Laura Hopkins. well known
~ the police. 1t was 10 her house
that the first visit was paid.
n had been explained 10 the officer
that one object OF the visit was 70 find
ont what the alleyites had done 10 their
credit The police records were a long
and black list of their misdeeds. and IL
was desirable TO ascertain II their bad
record was IN any way counterbal-
anced. This idea seemed 10 strike the
aIleyites in the nature Of a new problem.