The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-10-05
VICTIM OF NEGRO OUTLAWS REPORTED
 TO BE OUT OF DANGER
tContinues from Page Five)

and Third alley about o'clock Saturday night, as they were lurking in the dark for victim, the police alleged. The ne- groes were placed in the city jail on 8 charge of highway robbery and warrants will be sworn out this morning.
 In the pockets of one of the negroes Q pair of socks were found and the de- tectives are under the impression that the trio were responsible for the assault on Lewis Cox, the farmer from Cross mere They are Investigating this clew. However, it is stated by the authori- ties that there are already several cases of highway robbery against these three negroes and that even if they are not responsible for the Cox assault, there is plenty of evidence to convict them on other charges.
 Do you know I had just given an in- terview that we had passed through the quietest week of the year." said Chief Eagan, "when everything broke loose and there were robberies and assaults on every side I can tell you that Saturday night was very busy and all the force was kept on the jump.
 We need more policemen. We need tLem very bad. We need them at once. ] will ask for 50 men in my annual re- port to the city commissioners and l hope that the commissioners will see the necessity of having this increase and grant it. If property and the lives of citizens are to be adequately protected the police force must be increased It is now all out of proportion to the terri tory covered and population to protect in this city.
 Tn regard to the assault and robbery on MT. Muekle, we will make every effort to catch these negroes, and if they are caught they will hang in the courtyard Q. the county jail. The two that We captured last week for killing J. W. Alex ander are going to hang and the ones responsible for the robbery and assault on Storekeeper Muckle cannot long es- csre."
 Harmon's Letter
 A letter received yesterday by the edi- tor of The Age-Herald requested this newspaper to undertake a campaign to ndd 200 mora officers to the present force UDder Chief Martin Eagan.
 The letter of MT. Harmon follows: To the Editor of the Age Herald.
 After discussing with various business men of Birmingham the inadequate po- lice protection of our city have decided to put the question before you. I firmly believe that your views are of the con- servative kind, and will be fair and im- partial for the good of the citizenship of Birmingham and those who contemplate coming here for the purpose of educat- ing their children. going into business and enjoying the protection that our city might afford them.
 When I say inadequate police protec- ton" 1t is not to reflect upon those who are now serving and doing their duty as officers of the city. but l refer to the fact that in number the city of Birming- ham Is woefully in need. You will agree with me, I am sure. that Birmingham has its share of criminals, who seem to hibernate in various sections of the city ito pilfer, rob and steal after nightfall, and sometimes in the broad open day light. We have had within the past few weeks crimes of the most heinous nature. Crimes which will not go unnoticed py the civilized world. People of our own city, and those who pride in referring to the metropolis of Alabama realize the seriousness of the condition now con- fronting us.
 Within the next few months crime will increase rapidly in Birmingham. I am told by men who are in a position to krow that hundreds of negroes. and many white people are being let out of em- ployment. In these numbers there are many reliable white and black who will not let their misfortune handicap them, for they will look for honest work, and are honest. law-abiding citizens. but you will admit that there is also a criminal element with whom citizens and visitors of Birmingham will have to contend They are not very anxious to work, when times are good, and when times are hard and work rather scarce, this class o1 citizenship is going to do its dirty work making it unsafe for women. men and children after nightfall. who. no doubt necessarily have to remain out, attending e business or other matters which an