Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-04-02

The statement from Washington that
Philadelphia is the worst city m the
country" was characterized as "hys-
terical and exaggerated" by Judge J..
Willis Martin, Of Common Pleas Court
No. s. today, when his views were asked
concerning the vice situation in this
city.
He advocated the separation Of police
and politics, elimination of favoritism
in the police bureau and support Of
conscientious policemen by their supe-
riors.
Judge Martin sat for many years in
the license court, and through his ex-
pertence there, as well as In the Quarter
Sessions Court, learned much concern
ing vice conditions In the city gener-
ally
III there is any evil or vice exist
ing in the city," he said, 1T can be
quickly driven out by the complete elm
nation Of the political workers and the
man higher up. The police force in
philadelphia can be made effective II
the men are supported properly by their
superiors. and no political influence
brought to bear. A policeman should
NOT have to fear the man higher up
who can cause his transfer or dis
missaL But the police force OF Phila-
delphia Is not bad and would be bet
ter II It had hearty support.
THAT the elimination OF the politics
from the police force is highly bene-
hcial is shown by the splendid results
achieved by the Stat police. Then men
In that organization have no master
except their superiors. No politician
has any authority over them"
In touching on the liquor question.
Judge Martin said that liquor was one
OF the greatest obstacles in establish
ing discipline In the army and navy.
Nevertheless" he added. II am glad
to see how discipline is being main
tained regardless Of this obstacle. Since
the war began l have seen but one in
toxicated soldier In the criminal courts
Of this city since the war there has
been but one case Of disorderly con-
duct and assault in which a sailor fig
ured."
Following the bombsheli thrown into
political circles in this city yesterday by
Secretary of the Navy Daniels In his in |
d;ctment of vice conditions here as 'un- |
equaled," fifty men were arrested I'm a |
raid on a gambling den at 322 North |
Eighth street, one of the places mem
toned in the report made to Secretary |
Daniels by Raymond b. Fosdicl. chair
man OF the commission ON training camp
activities. They were caught bending
over the gaming tables. Much parapher-
MALTA In the shape OF roulette and stuss
tables was destroyed. and a 'bankroll"
of about 1890 was captured
This raid followed Immediately upon
the heels of Director of Public Safety
Wilson's ultimatum to the police Off
cials that they must raid dens of vice
within the limits Of their wards within
forty-eight hours or quit. Here is what
the police got for their palms.;
No sooner had the prisoners been
taken to City Hall than an attorney
from Congressman John r. X. Scott's
Dffice -Ephraim Lipschutz-was on hand
10 arrange for their release AS quickly
rs the men could be arraisned before
Magistrate Pennock they were freed
with $40 fines and costs. Scott is the
tenant Governor.
It Is apparent, police officials say.
hey are powerless after an arrest has
Deen made-the rest Of the duty lies :
with the Magistrate.
Detectives under former Police Cap
ain Souder were apparently willing to
execute the raid as well as possible. They
,lImbed fences, lodged through alleys :
Ind completely surrounded the den. A
vaen the raid began fed through secret
which has been vacant for some time.
Business Men to Act {
Civic and business leaders are up in :
rms today over the indictment Of the I
ity and against the public officials held
osponsible for the condition as charged
" Fosdicl's report Hoteimeu held a
needing yesterday as soon as the charges
Iad become known.
A special meeting OF the executive
'oard OF the Philadelphia Chamber OF
commerce. Will be held at noon today I
he United Business Mems Association =
|romised immediate action II the
'harges are proved. The matter viii
Ilso be taken up at the next meeting
q the Civic Club.
Envoys were sent to the Recorder OF ,
Deeds ONCE TO ascertain there the c
James OF the owners Of disorderly houses
Iamed Ia the Fosdick report The Mayor s
nd the Director will look these over
oday and Il Is said several surprises
re IN store when these are revealed
we had one or two OF the investiea-
prs who went into the resorts IA INV
n1ce." the Mayor explained .aThe-s
nsn said that they had gone into -
,ast one place where the proprietor said
have nxed Big Bill or some ether
lckna1ne that she had for the poliee. ]
lan on the beat 80 you won't have to s
|orry At all Z
''PsecuilarIy snodsh.~ continued IN. +
Iaror. ~the very woman was in falI I
HaIlind trial on an lndictment errf =
representative down 10 the jail ana we
UI The question 10 her She said that Il | 3
.1t IIe and that she had never n,ade :
~ statement She also added thaf ~ / \
nd ptVfr nxed the police and that SIC 3
~ lever atatad ~ tnybody that she re- 4