The Detroit times., 1915-07-30

But the governor Of 1915 and the
Aghting young district attorney u
1919 we're the same man. Whitman
having stepped into the governors
chair.
Becker's conviction and the &C.
companying volumes OF publicity
given the cases all over the United
States cleared New York of the gun.
men and the gangsters TO a large
extent Before July. 1912. New
York's east side. with its labyrinth
OF alley.like streets. blind alleys.
and sQualid tenements and buildings
had been . breeding and nesting
place for gangsters and gunner.
The police seemed unable to stop
them. Gambling Of all kinds -four
ishcd throughout the east side and
the tenderloin district, further up
town But the Becker conviction
and the electrocntion OF four OF the
east sides sons--"put the fear OF
God In their hearts" as one OF the
lawyers connected with the case
termed IT,
Beckers iron nerve and COM
posture throughout the ups and
downs of his three years bitter fight
for life was at once the surprise OF
his enemies and the qualification OF
his friends.
Twice had he withstood the or.
deals OF long trials; many times
had he had his hopes raised to the
highest pinacle, only to see them
crash about him. At both of his
trials he was the cynosure Of eyes
I that continually looked for tho
slightest trace OF . breakdown, but
he never quivered. and 90 far as IL
known his long confinement in tho
death house, with its gloomy sur.
roundings. never shook him.
Becker's career as q policeman
Was q tempestuous one. He was
leader OF the strong arm" squad.
which had charge Of controlling vice
In the tenderloin district, and espe-
cially gambling. He was In NM
erous scrapes OF different kindsi
charges OF persecution were filed
against him many times. and there
were equally as many charges OF
showing discrimination.
The split between Becker and
Rosenthsl. according to the evi.
dence. was the indirect result Of
some Of these charges. Rosenthal,
according to his story. had formed
Q coalition with the police lieuten-
ant to protect the gamblers house.
Al Becker was In charge OF that
district and q sort of special agent
on gambling this was easy for him
to do. But other gamblers learned
Of II. and when they we're raided.
and their paraphernalia smashed or
confscated. they complained to
Becker's superiors.
Forced to act on account Of the
pressure brought to bear by those
above him, Becker notified Rosen.
thai. according 10 the evidence, that
he was going to raid the place one
night early In July. 1912. Rosen-
thai. incensed at this. and fearing
that Becker was double crossing
him paid no attention to IT, Tho
place was raided., the furnishings
destroyed and . policeman stationed
at the house night and day to see
that no gambling went on. This
was the match that touched OF
Rosenthai's hatred Of policemen In
general. and in the parlance Of the
underworld he "sQueaied."
Through all his troubles. Beck.
er's wife remained steadfastly true
to him. visiting him In the death
house .as often ~ she was allowed,
sittlng beside him throughout his
trials and securing his lawyers.
Becker leaves two brothers--John
Becker. q police ofYicial, and Jack.
son Becker. He was ~ years old.
His parents came TO New York from
Germany. and Becker passed all OF
his life here.