The Washington times., 1914-01-27
Exodus From Capitals
Red Light Section Begins

N$A IL iShb OSSLIOlI hC 2IIIS
The exodus from Washington's Red
Light" district has begun.
1t is a pitiable one.
More than three hundred women who
have occupied houses in c and D streets
and In Ohio and Delaware avenues,
which will be closed the moment Presf-
dent Wilson affixes his signature to the
Kenyon Red Light bill, today are
Irahucally endeavoring to locate else
Many of the women upon whom So
ciety frowns have found temporary
lodgins IN apartment houses in every
section of the city.
Alexandria, across the Potomac, in
Virginia, promises to be a haven for a
few. Nine women, who formerly con-
Quoted resorts in washington, spent the
day in the Virginia city yesterday,
looking over available property there.
Nine out Of every ten of the inmates
Of the resorts soon to be closed are
practically penniless. Nine out of
every ten, II is said, do not have clothes
suitable for street wear. 1t will be but
three or four days at the most when
these women will be turned into the
streets in this condition. Major Syl-
vester, superintendent of police, says
he already has made preparations for
handling them.
Comes As Surprise.
The passage Of the Kenyon Red
Light" bill at this time was not ex-
pected by the women occupants Of the
houses. The result IS that a mojority
of them still have many gaudy though
expensive furnishings. As yet they have
made little effort to dispose of these.
There apparently is no fixed idea,
save among a small number Of them
who are financially able to care for
naalxaa n what will haNnraa OT
them.
Questioned today as to their probable
future course, many Of the women de-
clared that Washington, as a result Of
the new legislation, they would be
forced to take up their residence In
other parts of the city.
The town will become one Of street
walkers one of them declared, She
said many OF the women plan to lease
buildings In the residential sections,
conduct legitimate rooming houses, by.
renting the upper floors, and reserv-
ing the first floor for their own use,
and the entertainment of men who are
in established positions and who can
protect their interests.
To Assist Women.
The National Florence Crittenton Mis-
sion, of which Mrs. Kate Waller Bar
rett is president issued q statement
today outlining the work winch the
planning to perform, with view Of
assisting the women and girls of the
segregated districts to become estab-
hshed In honorable employment.
The statement, signed by Mrs. Bar
rett. reads in part;
While we will be very glad indeed
to RECEIVE any of these in the Florence
Crtttenton Home who are willing to ac-
cept our hospitality, We realize that
many Of these girls would be lOath to
give up their life of independence and
freedom, to which they have been ac-
customed, and 1t would be very diff
cult for them to adjust themselves to
institutional life, therefore we do not
cOnfine our offers of help to opening
the doris Of the Florence Crittenton
Home, but We are prepared to offer
them assistance in any form that viii
meet their wishes and requirements.
The National Florence CriItenton
Mission Is In touch with educational
and commercial enterprises all over the
United States, in addition to the cir
Cles and centers of interest in every
city Of any size in the United States,
and will not only De able to assist any
girl who desires to return to her own
home, and help her until she is capa-
bic of earning her own living with
out assistance, but will gladly assist
any girl TO prepare for a business or
professional course.
The only thing that we will require
in return is that the girl is willing to
put into this preparation the same
amount Of effort that is required Of
other women who hope to make a sue
cess in the higher walk of life.
For Good of City.
We recognize the fact that the Ken
yon law has been passed for the good
Of the community without any regard
for the wishes Of the girls in the division
At the same time this is an opportunity
~ -.
having a sympathetic cooperation Of the
best element Of both men and women
in the city TO aid them, in any effort they
may put forth TO become self-respecdng
and self-supporting.
From the fact that the girls have
been permitted to earn their living in
the division for such a long while un-
Tnolested, places a certain moral respon-
sIbility at this time upon every citizen
Of the District 10 assist them IN becom-
ing supporting through legitimate
NoCations.
"SoRnetimes our good angels come in
= garb which we leasteXpect aud, there
fore, we may not be quick TO recognize
them, but let US hope that there are
many girls in the division who will real
ize in this an opportunity rather than
q misfortune.
In my thirty-fve years of experience
IN assisting unfortunate girls, have
helped many to face similar crises, and
today ! count among my friends many
who once were in the same position, but
who today are among the upbuilding
forces Of civilization
Investigation today showed that many
OF the women In the segregated dis
dependent upon them.
CrIcts have tamil es or other relatives
The fact that the nature of their oc-
Cupation has led them into a hand-to-
mouth existence has robbed many Of a
chance TO provide for themselves. Few
interviewed could say just what they
were going to do or what would become
of them.
Amy attempt to remain open will
occupants but their personal libSe<y,
and the women, realizing this, are at
loss TO know just where to turn, or
what means or methods to employ to
properly take care of themselves.