The American issue. [volume] (Westerville, Ohio) 1912-19??, 1920-08-13

.
Chief of Police Clarity was quoted
in the Chicago newspapers as saying
that the police were not pushing
Prohibition enforcement in Chicago
because jurics will not convict" L.
]. Davis. superintendent of the Chi
cago district OF the Anti-Saloon
League. promptly challenged this en-
cuse of the chief OF police for mac
tivity on the part of his men i'll the en-
forsement OF the dry law.
1t may be that police i'll some other
cities arc taking similar position
with respect to enforcement OF the
Prohibition law as that credited TO
the chief of the Chicago force. For
that reason the letter OF Mr.. Davis
to Chief Clarity setting forth all ef-
fcotiyc mode OF procedure is worthy
wide circulation The text of Mr.,
Davis letter follows:
Hon. John !. Clarity, General
Superintendent of Police Chicago,
Ill.
Dear Sir:
I'VE have read what purports TO be-
an interview with you. We are writ
ing TO inquire whether or not you
are correctly quoted as saying you
are not pushing Prohibition enforce
ment and give as a reason that jures
will not convict. While not conced-
ing that such reason, even if true,
would Justify failure to prosecute yet
VIC wish to call your attention to the
fact that both the federal and state
Prohibition acts have provisions
which make jury trials unnecessary
in abatement OF violations oil either
act.
Sections p, y, D and "a OF the
Nolstcad act. also section Is OF the
Illinois search and seizure act. make
violations of those acts subject TO
abatement as nusanoes by injunction
and provide for punishment in any
court OF equity.
DalryGnple Asks Cooperation
Maj. Dalrymplc has both privately
and publicly sought your co-opera-
ton. We wish respectfully to inquiry
if simple and short method to en-
force Prohibition is not opened thru
Major Dalrymple's invitation
AS we understand the law, all that
is necessary is for you TO file the evil
dcnce which your department col
lccts with Major Dairympe OF may
be filed with the attorney general or
the states attorneyD Upon the pre-
sentation of such evidence in any
court OF equity it becomes the duty
OF the Judge to issue an INDUCTION
closing the place, it may be closed for
one year. If the INDUCTION is violated
the statute is clear in its provisions
for punishment, which may be a fine
of $1,000 and years Imprisonment,
but must be not less than $500 fine
and thirty days imprisonment.
In Force in Other Cities
Owe have consulted the best attor-
neys and their Judgment is that the
clear provision OF the statute is as
stated above. If you desire we will
furnish you brief in support of the
position. Not only is this the under
standing of our attorneys, but this
provision OF the act is in actual and
effective operation in other cities.
I'm Joliet a violator of the law was
paying fine of $500 within half an
hoLr after the violation was reported
TO The chief of police. Conviction was
obtained i'll court of equity under
the above provision OF the law
Eve hope this provision may beJ
put into operation here, as we feel
sure you must find the open lawless-
ness of saloons constant impede
ment to efficient police administra-
ton. 1t is also repugnant to the
patriotic people of this community
that the dregs OF the liquor. traffic
should be permitted openly and de-
family to violate the constitution of
the United States and the federal and
state statutes.
VERY truly yours,
~. Davis,
&c hicago district superintendent,