Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-09-05

IL ing an inquest into the death of
drug addict, addressed one Of the pro
prietors of the notorious Arsenal" as
follows:
cannot see why you continue to run
this Infamous place II is menace to
our city. The influences of your resort
are corrupting hundreds of our young
men and women. These influences are
spreading the drug curse in Phladel-
phla. This place should be closed. II
should be burned down II no other
way can be found to blot out this
cankerous spot. No time should be
lost in mailing up the doors and win
dows. SO that no more young men
and women can be ruined there.
Many months ago the attention OF the
EVENING LEDGER was directed to the
drug evil, and earnest citizens requested
this newspaper to undertake a study Of
the situation, with a view to focusing
public attention on the necessity for
remedial community action and making
ready the ground for such legislation
as might be requisite to provide officers
of the law with proper working instru-
mentalities. The result OF a preliminary
survey was so startling as to induce an
elaborate investigation. Since May, there
fore, the EVENING LEDGER with the CO.
operation OF District Attorney Kane
other officers of the Government and
members of the medical profession, has
been conducting an inquiry.
AS n result OF that inquiry, the EVEN.
INC LEDGER begins today the publication
Of n series of articles explanatory of the
as 1t has been revealed The
final article will discuss possible remedies.
1t is recognized from the beginning
that the remedy for the evil is medical
as we'll as legislative. II the duty of
prevention is clear. so, too, Is 1t apparent
that some effort must be made by the
10 rescue the addicts. They
are not only a peril to society, but they
represent a waste product which can be
recovered. The emasculation of the Har-
rison anti-narcotic act, by judicial de-
cision. is hard, but only temporary,
blow to the agents of prevention. The
main thing is to find a legislative substi-
tute which will stand the test of consti.
and permit the police to work
against the dissemination Of
the disease. This can be done and will
be done. we trust by the next Legisla-
ture and the next Congress. The second
objective, involving the rescue of addicts
Is the establishment OF free hospital in
which they can be treated by experts.
1t is the function of newspaper to
afford that publicity which will acquaint
citizens generally with conditions that are
1 menace to society. 1t is a function
which is often dstasteful, particularly in
cases where the social disorder is pro-
and gangrenous in character;
but 1t is function, nevertheless, which
must be performed courageously To
light for better transit facilities, to urge
he adoption of modern methods in the
financial and general conduct of the
water works, to advance the cause of
good housing and to encourage the beau
of the city and other enter
,rises which will make this a better as
we'll as a greater city--all these are
functions which command the earnest
attention of the EVENING LEDGER at all
lines: but not less deserving of its sup
,ort are enterprises for the social better
nent Of the great public and the hoisting
Il the danger signal when the health and
MORALS of that public are endangered.