The Delta independent., 1911-07-07

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artistic sense is rapidly RELOCATING to
the scrap heap. Its rigid lines were
a monotony of ugliness, unrelieved by
column or capital. One viewed its
hideous bulk with a shuddering sense
of apprehension. almost expecting to
see It crumble on the unfortunates
penned within.
Visitors to the Detective Bureau
entered a dingy room. approached by
a narrow hall, on the Mott Street side
of the building. Its most conspicuous
furnishings were several brass rails
which crossed one another in be-
wildering fashion. Half-open doors
led boldly into other offices, as If to
dispel the atmosphere of secrecy that
lowered perpetually over the place.
Two uniformed lieutenants of police
were constantly on guard at oaken
desks backed against opposite walls.
On the morning following the Mis-
sioner diamond robbery, the two
guardians were busy sorting piles of
documents scattered on their desks.
"Guess it's time for the lineup" re-
marked one of the lieutenants.
He entered the adjoining room, a
large, square chamber. in which the
rays from clusters of electric bulbs
mingled with the pale, shivery light of
the sun.
Here's the list" he called to the
desk lieutenant, at the same time
throwing bundle of documents to
him.
Massed against the opposite wall in
listless attitudes were nifty or sixty
detectives. their faces covered by
long masks. They shifted about I'M
easily while waiting for the hapless
prisoners captured the night before to
be lined up for inspection. This daily
spectacle, terrifying to the innocent
suspects amusing to the old-time law
breakers, marks the beginning of the
mornings routine of the men detailed
to prevent crime and hunt down GRIM
inals Not pleasing exhibition. but
| a necessary one. For the opportunity
must be provided for the detectives to
become familiar with the counten-
ances of the lawbreakers. And by the
| simple device of the masks. the hunt
ers are shielded from becoming equal
| ly familiar to the hunted.
| The opening of the door at the
rear of the room brought the waiting
detectives to attention. Their forms
stiffened to military erectness, their
manner became watchfully alert.
Good morning" greeted Chief OF
Detectives Manning. The men sa-
luted in return.
| With quick, nervous strides the
Chief made his way behind the long
desk that ran half the length OF the
room, and took up a position OF sur
vey. His eyes. Of hawk-like penetra-
ton, swept the room while the desk
lieutenant called the roll. The alb
sentees having been entered on the
blotter, the process of lining up the
prisoners began without further cere
mony.
A line of bedraggled. dishevelet
from a night OF wakefulness In mar
row, ill-ventilated cells. shufiied into
the room.
Michael Noonan," droned the lieu
tenant.
An emaciated. weakfaced man. the
wretchedness Of his lot emphasized
by the frayed clothing that hung II
loose, broken lines from his form
stepped forward. A look of dull mis-
cry was stamped on his countenance
a hopeless disregard OF the fate II
store for him showed in his manner.
Take a good look at this crook.
commanded the Chief. Never wa
pinched before Caught with the good
|
Swipin' lead pipe from half-hnishe'
house."
The eyes OF the detectives bent Of
the human wreck as he shrank bacl
into line.
philip Pratt" called the lieuter
ant
A young man, not more than thirty
whose sullen mein and restless eye
betrayed his occupation even befor
the Chief announced II, faced tn
massed battery OF eyes. His thin lip
curled into a disdainful smile as tn
Chief read his record from a slip O
paper.
Another old friend back" the hea
of the detective force commented
Philip Pratt, alias Morse. ALA
Charlie Dodge, alias Toledo Phil Cor
fidence gent. Did term In Elmirs
two short stretches up the river. an
a long leg In Joliet"
The particular offense for whic
the prisoner was in the tolls agai
was again described, and he. too. r.
tired to temporary obscurity In tn
lines of unfortunates.
Carrie Chase" came from the LET
tenant.
Member of that frail sisterhoo
whose shame is no deeper than tha
OF the civilization from which
springs, she carried herself with a
aoay dignity horn IF IN militia ifv wit