Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-03
The Handbook Campaign.

AS a demonstration of what can be ac-
complshed in the enforcement of the law
when everybody pulls together the results
OF the campaign against the handbooks in
the District. inaugurated by The Star less
than three weeks ago, should stand long as
a shining example. Before the first gun
was fired II was common comment that the
handbook evil fourished practically unhin-
dered here. The police made few arrests.
and the court records showed fewer con
victions Collateral was accepted when ar
rests were made. in such sums as to serve
merely as partial licensing system. Only
a very few of the operators felt even this
slight check upon their enterprise. When
The Star demanded the enforcement of the
law the police first declared that the courts
would not cooperate, and the prosecuting
officials rejoined that the police did not do
their duty. Out Of these explanations and
accusations quickly came a spirit of COM
petitive enterprise the part of both
police and prosecution. 1t was no longer
possible to allow the law to be violated with
impunity. Public sentiment was thorough
ly aroused. The Stars Investigations had
disclosed facts that amazed those citizens
not already acquainted with the situation.
This lifting of the lid. occurring at what
might be termed the psychological moment
following the absconding of an official Of
the police department, has been of the ut
most benefit to the community. There may
remain. some betting on the horse races on
the part of District people, but they are no
longer able to place their bets daily with
ease and indifference to the law. The hand
books have been practically closed here If
they still flourish elsewhere. Washington
cannot extend its reform to cover them
I'm iJ 70 70 bat
one-tenth of the money formerly wagered
daily on the races is now laid down by resi-
dents of the capital. The result is a saving
to legitimate lines of expenditure and use
of thousands of dollars. and the relief Of a
great many local homes from the menace
of the daily bet. the Decentralization attend
ing persistent gambling. and the failure of
heads of families to meet their obligations.
What has been already accomplished can
be continued In the future. OF course the
prosecutions. which have been begun, are
still to be finished. The men arrested on
this charge have appealed for jury trials,
and the courts will not be in shape to grant
them for some weeks. But 1t Is gratifying
ly evident that there is efficiency. both in
the law and in the departments of law en-
forcement The Star is pleased to feel that
II has pointed the way. and has proved that
tne evli can be checked, II not absolutely
eliminated. 1t will however, insist that the
good work thus begun be continued unre-
mlttingiy. There Is no virtue in spasmodic
performances Good government means the
continuous enforcement of every law. Of
whatever importance. and the scrupulous
performances of duty by every official of
high or low degree A lapse after such a
start. would subject those responsible to
even more severe criticism than that which
has been 50 effectively leveled at those who
permitted the evil to exist so long I'M
checked.