The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-01-19
THREE PRIESTS WANT
GANGSTERS CLUBBED
Think POliceman's NightStick
Is Best Cure for ROwd!-
ism Here.
ONE BLAMES COCAINE
Father Maorath Calls For Ac-
ton to Save Youth From
Enslaving Habit.
ONE BLAMES COCAINE


opinions were sought yesterday. The
priests have come constantly into contact
with members OF the gangs now infestng
New York and are well qualified to speak
on the subject They are the Rev. Father
James H. Curry, rector of st. James's
Church. on James street, the Rev. Father
Luke j. Evers. rector of 81. Andrews
Church. at Duane street and City Hall
place. and the Rev. Father Philip Ma
grath. head of the Catholic Seaman's
Union on West street.
Father Curry attributes the growth of
the gang to the fear policemen have OF
using their nghtsticks.
Father Evers says that II the policemen
are allowed 10 use their nlghtsticks they
will soon put an end to the gangs.
Father Magrath says that cocaine g
largely responsible for gangs and crime
Calls Nightstick the Cure.
Two years ago" said Father Curry.
Il tried to get policemen permission TO
Use their clubs on gaugsters II was ap-
parent to me at that time that no amount
OF persuasion would have an uplifting
effect on the gangstcr. Something
stronger than mere talk was needed to
bring the gangsters to their senses The
cure for the evil was in the hands of the
police. but through fear OF being placed
on charges and forced to undergo a 10. of
trouble the guardians OF the law were
afraid TO administer the needed cure.
The cheap coffee houses are the favor
lite resort for gangsters They gather n.
these places and plot The city authorl-
ties are also too lenient IN handing out
permits for dances and 'rackets' held by
so-called social clubs. The very worst
element In the city gathers at these
dances and there is bound 10 be an OUT
break sooner or later. The dances usually
are held on Saturday night. II the dances
ceased al midnight conditions would not
he 80 bad. but they extend into the early
hours OF Sunday morning a great deal
OF drinking goes on all night long and
by the time the dances break up some OF
the men are in ugly mood. Then there
Is apt to be trouble
II understand that on payment of $40
these clubs are incorporated and the police
encounter great deal OF troubl. breaking
into Incorporated clubs. To my knowleiye
there have been instances where police
going Into these clubs not only have been
abused but have been blackjacked Such
clubs are simply places for the breeding
of gangsters.
Blsmrs Laxity Of Parents.
Home influence has lot to do with
the making OF a gangster. For instance
there are many boys who start to work
and earn Sc or 8, "A week. Instead OF
turning the greater part OF this money
over TO the parents they turn over 81
or 80 and pocket the remainder for their
own use. The parents instead OF being
strict In forcing the boy 20 turn over
MS money TO the proper hands sit still
and permit the boy 10 do az he pleases.
THE boy soon realizes that he can do
almost anything he wants and begins to
keep late hours. sometimes returning home
IA a.
parents overlook this fault. but the late
hours affect his work and IN a short time
he loses his position II is hard for him
To get another. and being In need Of
money with which to buy the things he
has been used to he endesvors to obtain
money somehow. even though II be by
dishonest means. He Joins a gang. carries
pistol and uses the WEAPON To COW other
people. He will soon go so far as to
relieve citizens OF their money and yalu-
abes. Too late the parents wake up to
the fact that their boy has gone wrong"
Father Evo!s. who has been at 81.
Andrews for fifteen years and has been
chaplain OF the Tombs FOR twelve years,
wants the niRhtstick used. but he wants
1t used with wisdom
In the first place what IS a gangster -
he said. In time like this. when the
public's mind IS niiamed. every group OF
young men is referred to as Il gang and
every man carrying a gun is called
gunmsn | am inclined to believe the
public is too apt 20 be seeking the sensa-
tiOnal
but will say this II the police are
permitted to use their clubs they Will
soon put an end to gangs and gunner.
There is more law In the end Of "A
nghtstick than anything else that | know
Of II was a mistake TO forbid the police
10 use their clubs. and they should be
restored TO use as soon as possible.
believe in the efficacy Of the nightstick.
What is the use Of letting the police carry
them II they cannot use them? II sub
jects them to the d.rision Of loafers.
Urges Fight On Cocaine IRA hic.
Fathey Magrath. who has been head
Of the Catholic Seamans Union for
eight years. has done great deal to rid
the neighborhood OF gangs, He has not
hesitatcd to use his fists to effect re-
forms, and FOR that reason he has been
called the fighting priest"
The sangstcr is made at home" and
| have eNertcd my influence in that di-
rection." said Father Magrath. II make
il my business 20 visit the homes of those
near my MISSION and / try to make my
self acquainted with all the members of
the family. IL | know that the head of
the family Is "a drinker ! get on his trail
and try To make him do what's right.
He cannot neglect his family II | can
find a way to prevent II. use gentle
ways at first but when ! realize they are
not effective | threaten the man with
something more drastic.
"Aboyc all he must attend to his fam
lily. His mode of living has Its effect
ON his children, and II they have neg
lectful and brutal father the children
are apt to turn out wrong
There is a drug now being sold in
tho CITY that IA playiug havoc with our