The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-12-05
Automobiles and Dance Halls
Also C0ntributOry Causes.
Low Wages, Strange to Say,
Cause Few Girls to Go Wrong.
An Intercity Mann Law Is Rec
commended in the State.

Madison, Wis, Dec. 5.-F1fteen
months study and investigation of the
vice problem in Wisconsin by the leg
1slative anti-vice committee resulted
in radical proposals for law en-
forcement and better social conditions,
summarized in an exhaustive report
which was filed with the secretary of
state today.
The greatest cause of commercialized
vice, the report says, is the use Of I'M
toxicating liquors. ContributOry causes
are public dance halls, road houses,
poorly lighted parks and public places,
lack Of responsibility by parents, nom
enforcement of laws by public officials.
lack Of public amusement and recrea-
ton facilities and automobiles. The
committee found that the wage ques-
ton had no material relation to a girls
downfall.
Moral Court Recommended.
The committee recommends: That
morals court be established in cities of
the first class with exclusive jurisdic-
ton over all cases involving mora! Of
lenses. That a law similar to the Mann
act, applicable between cities, villages
and towns Of the state be enacted. That
a permanent state police department be
established in this state. with power to
investigate immoral practices. and that
sociations to assist officers in the en-
forcement Of laws.
That the sale of liquor be prohibited
within or in connection with dance
halls.
Also the committee urges that a Ii
Quor license be automatically revoked
upon a plea of guilty or conviction or
upon nolo contendere for violation of
any of the moral laws. That public
dance halls procure licenses, such
dances to be supervised by a police wo-
man or other competent officers.
That all hotels, rooming and lodging
houses be required to secure licenses.
that they keep permanent registers of
all guests to be signed in their own
handwriting, the registers to show the
hour Of assignment of rooms and their
surrender, with penalties for using fic-
titious names.
That the publicity of ownership oe
established by requiring the name of own
ers to appear on the front front Of AL hotels
be appointed in every city of the first,
second or third class.
That the age of consent be raised from
IA years in the case of any female and Is
years in the case Of female of pre-
vious chaste character to Is and p years
respectively.
Home for Women.
That an Industrial home for women be
established to be. equipped with hospital
facilities for treatment OF diseases, WOm-
en- convicted of immoral practices to be
committed thereto for treatment and
training.
That In cities of the first three classes
special classes for subnormal children be
established in public schools and that.
where necessary the state furnish free
text books, meals and clothing to make
compulsory education effective. That So
cial neighborhood centers be developed In
connection with the school system.
That municipalities provide supervised
amusement, particularly concerts, moving
picture shows, etc.
That employers of domestic servants be
required to furnish them with a suitable
room in which to receive company. That
the number of hours of labor for domestic
servants be fixed by law.
That the rights Of the laboring class be
protected. That adequate insurance
against poverty be provided.
1.-THE mans part in the social evil. says
the committee lis despicable and mean
enough to merit the harshest terms Of re-
proach and disgust. The exploiter of the
body and soul Of woman for money gain
is worthy to be the lowest in society.
rather than the weaker, ignorant or UNI
fortunate person exploited. The penalties
for such explorations must be made most
severe and must come with absolute GER
tainty upon conviction.
1.-The fine system. which is unjust and
worthless for both men and women, should
be abolished: male offenders should. be
punished for contempt of court when they
follow the common custom OF giving a
fictitious name before the court and
should be given time sentence to a penal
institution, not escapable by the payment
of fines, thus sharing their guilt with the
state
The report gives the number of immoral
places existing in the larger cities of
the state which meet with little or no
mn n0RnA KAT llAnlRnD