The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-01-05
PUT 1T UP TO MAYOR
PROTEST OF woMAN'S SOCIETY
 SENT TO -GR. CARR.
Police Chief Tells Council Charges of Promiscuous Gambling are True But Declares Depart
 nent is Powerless.

The communication from the Womans Home Mission Society of the Court Street Methodist Church occasioned a brief but spirited debate in the City Council last night As a result the communication was not side tracked and filed as was proposed, but it was referred to Mayor Carr for him to take such action as he might deem proper
 The communication which declared that certain ordinances designed to protect the youths of the city were being re- peatedly violated, was again brought to the attention of the Council by a letter from Police Chief A. S. Gerald to whom the ladies' petition had been referred.
 The petition from the Home Mission Society was presented to the Council at it's regular meeting two weeks ago. It stated that the signers of the petition had reason to believe that hotel and lodging house keepers were systematical- ly renting rooms to young boys for the purpose of gaming and that cigarettes and intoxicating liquors were being sold to minors.
 In beginning his communication to the Council Chief Gerald said that it was charged that hotel keepers and lodging house keepers were renting rooms for the purpose of gambling. He said that he believed the charge was true. He also
  Montgomery was unable to secure the evidence necessary to a conviction. but that he would make the necessary ar rests when the specific violations of the law were called to his attention.
 "If the parties possessing this infor- nation" said alderman Gunter, will fur nish it, I will cheerfulIy have warrants issued and have the guilty parties ar rested. Without the assistance of the of vention of the vices of the character complained of is very difficult.
 ''The Grand Jury will meet in Febru- ary,' the alderman continued, and be- ing endowed with extraordinary inquisi- torial powers, not possessed by the police department, I will take great pleasure in sending in the names of parties having knowledge of these violations of the laws. -.
 'I move that the chief of police be thanked and congratulated on his let ter" said Alderman Gunter smiling. But the motion went unheeded
 It was moved to receive and file the pe- tition and letter of the chief of police.
 Alderman Sohn opposed the motion.
 This matter" he said, "calls for ac- ton. We ought. to do something. To receive and file the communications would be putting the whole thing aside. These charges have been made and they ought to be investigated. The papers ought at least, to go to the Mayor
 A motion to that effect was made.
 Alderman Sullivan was opposed to the last motion. He saw no reason why the Mayor should be saddled with the mat ter. Such action. while perhaps. not so intended. would be a reflection on the Police Committee.
 Alderman Jackson thought that the whole matter had been inaugurated wrong.
 1t should have been sent to the May" or at first" he declares. We are leg islative body. We are not the executive department of the city It is our duty to make laws for the city. The execution of these laws are left to officials of the city"
 Alderman Lobman agreed with Alder