Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-06-22
Rv 3. LEE SMITH.

BY 3. LEE SMITH.
Since the closing of the houses in
our midst the morals Of Atlanta have
improved 10 such an extent that it
precludes the possibility Of their ever
opening again" says John j. Eagan,
chairman Of the Men and Religion
Forward Movement
This movement is national in its
scope" says Mr.. EaRan, "and in a
few years the city which tolerates
protected vice viii be looked upon
with horror and contempt"
Atlanta was not the first city to
take this action, Toronto. Canada
setting the pace through young po-
lice official who dared to do his duty.
and to-day Toronto is looked upon as
q model city.
young man. unaided by human
organization or cooperation, deter
mined that as an officer OF the law
the violation OF the law as TO pro-
tected vice and prostitution should DO
stopped. and through the agitation
started by him the law was enforced,
and those who visit Toronto to-day
see a metropolitan city Of 100000
population with not a single tolerated
house Of prostitution
Cities Take Up Fight.
Many cities In the United States
have taken up the fight started in
Atlanta, and, patterned after the
movement ia this city, have either
enforced the law at once or have
given notice that at a future time the
practice must be stopped, and have
provided means for the carrying out
OF the law.
Little Rock has given cleanup
notice to the occupants and owners
Of the houses. but gave ample time
three months-for the occupants to
reform or leave the city, and the
owners time to rearrange their prop
eYty holdings to meet the changed
conditions
The vice commission. organized in
Little Rock to make a complete and
thorough investigation, did so. and
the conditions prevailing there were
such as 10 cause action at once and
conclusive to rid the City OF Roses of
this crime. Mayor Taylor, against
the advice Of many OF his political
friends, dared to do his duty, and
signed the order closing the houses,
and recommended legislation that
would prevent their reopening in that
city.
When the report Of the vice COM
mission together with a message
from the Mayor, was published, the
good people of Little Rock were
shocked beyond measure. They got
squarely behind the movement and
the result Is that all ordinances nee
essary were passed by the City Coun-
ell and the city win be cleaned up
thoroughly.
AS to the final result in Atlanta,
there is to-day no doubt in the minds
Of those who stand for decenCy and
morality that protected vice is q
thing Of the past.
Conditions 20 Improve.
Conditions are not nearly so good
as they win be in the future. but are
much improved. Those women who
desired TO change to a better life
were and are being given every en-
enlargement and assistance. Some
200 have been furnished homes
many Of the younger girls being re-
turned TO their parents The re-
mainder We're either given homes
with Christian families or at the
Florence Crittenton or Martha's
Home
Those who have become so hard.
ened that reformation is Impossible
with the conscientious work Of the
police department. under Chief of Po-
lice Beavers. and the splendid back
ing given by Recorder Nash r BrOyles
they viii sooner or later learn that
there is no place for them in At
lanta, and they viii seek homes else
where. Where one Of these women Is
forced TO leave the city many young
girls are stopped on the road to ruin.
h aaF.- e.
be Tree Cor as nearly 30 as a strict
enforcement OF the law can make it)
OF this vice.
The noise OF the opposition TO the
enforcement of the law, the cry OF
persecution. and the wall that the
evil can not be eradiCated, comes
from those who have lost 500 GOO a
year by the enforcement OF the law.
This CRY is heard when the officers
raid a place that is supposed 10 have
beeen decent. shame. Innocent per
sons were found there and were
forced TO go before the Recorder 10
prove their innocence. Where is Chief
Beavers going to stop2'
On the other hand. can be heard :
These women are scattered all over
the city, and the police do not make
them move on. No home Is free from
contamination with these women"
Few There Second Time.
These women are not molested by
n the police force unless reported or
Rre caught violating the law Al
Rt every day since the closing Of
Manhattan Avenue district one or
Of these women have been be-
Judge Broyles but very few
nave hsaen there the second time They
will eventually understand that there