The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1920-12-22
POLICE RAIDS FAIL.
GOTHAM CRIME WAVE
Numerous R0bberies Call
for Drastic Action
ROBBERY CASES
GaEAG2D FIRST

Offensive Launched on New York Un.
derWorld to Check Grimes Wave
Which Has Spread OVer Metropolis,
Heavy Penalties Imposed Where
Convictions Are Secured.
New York. Dec. 20.-"Raids by po-
lice fail to stop crime wave"
Thus read headlines in New York
newspapers tonight after what was
described as the first day OF 'the most
sweeping round up of crooks in the
history OF New York
During the day, amid numerous mi
nor robberies, was listed on police rec
ords another murder by gunner who
invaded the Seamen's Mission on the
waterfront. and shot and killed one
Ian while stealing $4O0.
but at roll call in police stations
this afternoon, were read two orders
that indicated Commissioner 'Enright
intends to push the round up to the
limit.
The first command was for patrol
men to stop and question all pedes-
trians found between midnight and
dawn on unfrequcnted streets, and If
their actions arouse suspicion, to
search them for firearms.
The second order revoked iDcrmis-
sion for policemen to take half an hour
for meals while on duty.
Revocation OF the meal hour per-
mission came after the board Of esti-
mates had postponed until tomorrow
further consideration OF request BY
Commissioner Enright for nearly 500
more uniformed members OF his force.
Meanwhile criminal courts cleared
their calendars for action against rob-
Der bands. All cases against burglars
and highwaymen were advanced. and
heavy penalties inflicted in cases
where verdict of guilty was return
cd
While the municipal authorities
were preparing to launch their oni-
cial offensive on the underworld. the
american Legion, Merchants Associa-
ton and other bodies met to lag plans
OF their own.
New York posts of the War Voter
anS' Association. after their session
dispatched letter to Mayor Hylan
okcrinS him the services OF from 500
TO 5000 selected members OF the I.e
gion to reinforce tho regularly consti-
tnted police force of Greater New
York.
steps taken in other cities to check
crime waves were discussed at the
meeting Of the Merchants Association
which sppointed committee to study
the situation in New York.
Women Under Arrest.
Mrs. Lucilc Emma Brooks who is
under arrest with John ,Calanaugh and
NICHOLAS l0resch in connection with
the shooting Of Police Lieutenant
Floyd Horton in a running fight with
sangsters after a hold up last week.
today appeared before a grand Jury
Before testifying, she was said TO
have declined to sign a waiver of i'm
munity. According to attaches of the
criminal courts building, this prevents
prosecution OF her in the present case.
Mrs. Brooks was one OF eight Wit
nesses summoned by Assistant District
Attorney DineeT who appeared before
the legal body to ask for first degree
murder indictments in the Horten case
examination of witnesses will be con
tinued tomorrow.
Mr.. Dlnecn said that under exami-
nation, Mrs. Brooks admitted having
been drinking the night of the Horten
killing, but denied having any waann,
with her.
a statement issued by the woman's
attorney comedies in the main with
Mrs. Brooks version OF her story. ex-
cept that 1t made no mention or tho
drinking.
COmaiandery to Obserye Christmos