Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-07-10
POLICE HEREtANNOT
GET BOOZE EVIDENCE
Director Wilson Says Force Is
inadequate to Cope With
the Situation
ANSWERS KANE APPEAL


Philadelphia in position to obtain
evidence to prosecute liquor dealers
who sell intoxicants in violation Of the
wartime prohibition law.
This was brought out today In n
communication written by Director of
Public Safety Wilson in answer to
request made by United States District
Attorney Kane that city patrolmen be
detailed to get the evidence. Director
Wilson states that It is physically i'm
possible for the patrolmen to follow
out the suggestions of the federal dis
trict attorney.
partmcnt, through Superintendent of
Police Robinson, when II was found
his investigators were unable to cope
with the situation.
District Attorney Kane asked that
the city patrolmen be ordered by Di-
rector Wilson to make extraordinary
efforts to detect violations.
Wanted Details Obtained
He urged that the patrolmen visit
the saloons that are open, obtain and
properly label samples of intoxicants
II they were sold, obtain names of per
sons in the saloons who witness the
sales, and the name of the proprietor
and learn whether or not he is on the
premises when the sales are made. In
addition the district attorney asked for
ANY other details that may occur to
the patrolmen or their lieutenants."
In answer Director Wilson today sent
the following letter to Superintendent
Robinson:
The police are perfectly willing to
co operate with the Department Of JUS
tice in every way which lies In our
power. We have detailed men TO work
under its direction. But it Is physically
impossible to take the entire bureau out
of regular work for the purpose of
carrying out the suggestions made by
Mr.. Kane
1t was pointed out that the duties Of
up every minute of their time If carried
out,
An example Of this was shown to-
day at hearing in Central Station.
Three patrolmen on whose beat a rob-
berry had occurred were questioned about
where they were at the time. 1t was
sworn that the three policemen cover a
beat extending from South street to
Chestnut, and from Fifth to Seventh.
This they are called upon to patrol at
all hours. as we'll as stand guard in
front of three Catholic churches within
the bounds of their beat.
The question of whether near Der"
may be legally sold at candy stores.
soda fountains and groceries in this
city has not been settled.
Near Beer" Status Unsettled
District Attorney Kane said today
that the question is not one for his
consideration. as his Office deals with
the sale of beverages containing more
than one half of l per cent. alcohol.
Attorney General Schaffer, in Harris
burg, said today that the matter is not
one for his Office, but for the local
authorities.
District Attorney Rotan has so far
failed to voice an opinion in the mat
ter.
1t was determined in Camden to-
day that the sale of near beer" by any
other than the establishment of H.
censed- liquor dealers is illegal. The
same decision has. been reached by the
city solicitor of Chester.
Demurrers asking for the dismissal
of test suits brought by Attorney
Kane against the Bergner & Engel
Brewing Company, on the ground that
the informations do not allege that the
beer manufactured by the company
was Or is Intoxicating, were filed in
the federal court today by former Judge