Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-07-31

f|'s b stbsfin,fndkns fehinsoa and Hob-
'r tafti'tied Tho fenofts niade hs Lee e
[Ht fttIof
W4Ifsnts sworn out for proprietors Of
trr't|'nF and disorderly houses were
ItfHtI Immediately. Mt Porter said. This
was ~ prevent people wanted from being
|I|npt1 or that they were wanted BY the
ttIIt1 II has been practice Of the
tftAtnf Administration to withhold war
wants FOR periods as long as three months
before fhtF are served. Then, IN some
eats5 those named In the warrants have
lsft for parts upkonwn.
That Mr. Rotan intends to 60 deeply
into The vice situation was evident when
four special policemen arrived at his office
This afternoon with four, clothes baskets
fnil Of police reports from stations In the
Tenddfioin district
The Jurors complained today Of the in
tense heat IN the juryroom. Charles o.
Mefshon, foreman Of the jury. complained
70 Judge Rogers and the latter asked Chief
Mclaughlin, OF the Electrical Bureau, to
Install electric fans in the room.
WILSON CALLS FOR FACTS.
Faeerness for the turning Of the search
LIGHT on vice conditions, regardless OF poll
tics or anything else, was expressed today
By Director Wilson. He called upon all
policemen who knew anything Of grating
among police officials to come forward and
tell the truth feariessly to the Grand Jurors,
who continued the probe today.
The Director followed the pace set by
Mayor Smith. who in a statement last night
made a similar request, and asserted that
no policeman or official need fear discharge
or persecution for telling the facts.
What may hamper the investigation
somewhat is the absence from the city of
many men whose testimony would aid the
jury IN finding out the actual conditions.
Anonff those who might give aid In this
connection Il is said. Is William Reed,
ware political worker of the Third Ward
and former member Of the Legislature,
who was caught during the raid of July is,
in house near 18th and Melon streets.
Reed is taking things easy at Atlantic City
where he was seen enjoying the ocean
breozes in a rolling chair
The attitude of many OF the politicians is
In direct contrast to the city's two highest
officials, and this has caused an Impression
that much of the graft disclosed so far was
carried on without their knowledge That
HIS views on the matter may be learned
definitely, Director Wilson said:
II want the truth TO come out Any po-
ficeman who knows about graft being re-
ceived by dlshopest police officials and
a worthy citizen, and is a disgrace to his
brother officers. No policeman need have
any fear of being transferred or driven
from the force. l will protect any honest
policeman who will help in this investlga-
tion. My Office is open to any policeman
who can aid the Grand Jurors. am
ready to protect from bounding or perse-
cution any such man who will help to get
crooked police officials"
NO PERSECUTION.
The Mayor in his statement said:
II will not allow any police official or |
policeman to be discharged or prosecuted |
because Of any evidence he may give |
throwing light upon conditions which the |
Grand Jury is probing. In fact, I shall |
extend to such witnesses my |
Influence as Mayor to shield them from |
reprlsals from any quarter. and I know |
Director Wilson will do likewise.
This assurance is given because Of my 4
EARNEST intention to give Philadelphia the
best police service in the country and to
eradicate any condition that may need cor
rection. no matter how drastic that correc-
ton may have to be.
THE present investigation has my sin
rere support I desire that no stone be left
nnturned to get down TO the truth of the
whole problem. / am not only ready but
would be pleased to testify as a witness
before the jury at any time"
Rumors persist that by the time the probe
is finished there will have been such testi-
nony given that Director Wilson will be
forced TO retire Superintendent Robinson,
Assistant Director Davis, Captain Kenny
and former vico Squad Chief Charles Lee.
There also ia talk of extending the jury's
time OF sitting beyond August In case the
probe Is not completed by then, and enough
make II possible to sit for another month.
This matter will be brought to the attention
II Judge Rogers.
Mayor Smith himself is very anxious to
ell some OF the things his private investi-
,ators have found out, and 1t is believed
Director Wilson would like to take the
tand.