New-York tribune., 1904-09-12
VICE BUSY ON EAST SIDE.
POLICE ARE MORE LAX.
DR.. DGUid BIaustein Tells Of Ms
treatment of Je1cish Girls.

Influential Jews of the East Side are pre-
pairing a campaign Of vigilance for the protec-
ton % their girls and young women from the
police Iaxity which generally precedes cleo
iions. Even when the police most active
vice hardly De kept under cover in the
crowded tenement districts. The slightest let
up on the part Of the constituted authorities
causes # to fame forth in a fashion terribly
Gcrnorelizing TO the community.
Three months ago DR.. David Blsustein, the
head OF the Educational Alliance and one or
lie most active East Siders in suppressing vice
~ a,i kinds. declared that there were evidences
OF a return 10 the cadet system, which has
brought about the ruin of many girls. The
turning back has not yet become pronounced
and the disorderly houses that are in existence
operate quietly The fear exists. however. that
as the election approaches the police will be
come less strict and it is to guard against this
that the influential men of the quarter are
banding.
number OF cases have recently been re-
ported to the police and TO Settlement work
in which Jewish girls were insulted in the
street while on their way home from work In
most instances young rowdies from the Italian
districts have been the offenders. Some of them
are bold enough to modest the young women in
daylight and within block or two of Broad
Rey.
1Dr. Blaustein declared that these instances
seemed 20 be manifestations Of a rapidly in
creasiag racial feeling between the Jews and
the Italians He fears trouble from ii in the
future as the Italians continue to crowj into
the districts which the Jews have taken for
their own.
''The Jewish East Side practically forms
rquare," he said bounded by the Bowery,
Eouston-st.. Avenue ana Monroe-sL The
fringe al least three sides is made up of ten
enents occupied by Italians. One might liken
this Jewish square TO a picture. and call the
Italians the frame AS the immigration in
creases the Italians are continually crowding in
on the Jews and the racial prejudice is mani
Testing Itself in various forms. Italians try 70
marry Jewish girls under false pretences and inn
pose on them even more grievously. I am now
engaged IN investigating several cases of this
sort.
I have particular complaint 10 make
against the police Before election an effort is
made 20 test the authorities. both by those who
wish TO practise vice and those who oppose it,
II is time when the police likely TO become
more or less lax. 1t is not due TO system or 10
instructions from those in charge Of the depart
nuent. 1t simply becomes fact. The individual
men influenced by party politics, overlook GER
tain crimes without instruction from any one
and conditions soon become undesirable"
DR. Blaustein and the heads of other societies
for social improvement in the district stand
ready TO investigate any cases which may be
brought 10 their attention. If the police efforts
show serious laxity they will appeal to Head
quarters.
A meeting OF business and professional
men viii probably be called for some evening
this week TO take action against the systematic
insult Of girls and women in the streets. 1t is
likely that they viii request Commissioner Nc
.sdoo 10 send number of plain clothes men into
the quarters from which the most trouble is re
ported The regular policemen on beat cannot
watch the gangs of ruff1ans, who attempt their
insults only when no policeman is in sight.
As a result OF Commissioner McAdoo's talk with
his inspectors regarding the preva Of crime in
this city. the police of the Tenderloin have begun
display activity In cleaning the precinct
On Saturday Captain Cottreil had q long talk with
his men. in which he said that everybodys transfer
was imminent unless better work accomplished.
The station blotter showed record for Saturday OF
ninety prisoners. This is extraordinary for the
Tende-l0in when no wholesale raids made.
Most Of these prisoners were disordeTly women
arrested IN the street.