The Washington times., 1921-10-13
Responsibility of Congress
For Crime in Washington
By BILL PRICE.

BY BILL PRICE.
Congressman are talking of Congressional invest-
CATION of the saturnalia" of crime in the District
We are getting fine advertising in the frequent charge
that Washington leads all American cities in crime
Much might be said in explanation of The figures and
Of the fact that the large number OF arrests might
indicate greater activity the part OF Washington
police than in other cities That at least Is true as to
arrests of booteggers and whiskey runners since Com
missioner OYSTER in. The bootlegger is almost
immune to police interference in some cities
But we will not go into details. We do WISH how
ever to ask those Congressman who are showing In
terest in the subject if they realize how immense is the
share of responsibility of Congress itself in this
"saturnalia' of crime in the District
For years District people have urged upon Congress
an increase of judges of the District Supreme Court
and increase in the personnel Of the United States
attorneys office that prosecutions might be prompt
and justice meted out without dangerous delays.
Republican politicians in the House time after time
blocked bills passed by the Senate increasing the num-
ber of Judges for no other than that they did
not wish Democratic President to name Democrats to
the District bench We would not be surprised to see
Democratic members of the House follow the same tao
tics to prevent Republicans being named to judgeshps
by Republican Administration
Some startling truths may be had by Congressman if
they will visit the office of the United States Attorney
for the District and the judges of the District Supreme
bench These truths will show that it has been imposs
bic for years to bring to prompt trial criminals OF the
worst stripe The District Jail has been full of pris
oners awaiting procedure. The District Attorneys
office knowing the situation has been compelled to &C
cept bonds from large numbers of offenders who should
have been in JAIL for the simple reason there was not
room in that institution for them and because the
prosecuting officials knew that the not be
reached in the courts for years.
The Judges of the Supreme Court humanity
able o handle the work before them There today
cases on the civil dockets which will not be reached
for three four years. and large numbers of criminals
are in Jail or on bond awaiting trials which cannot be
had for years.
1t is most deplorable stuatioH one that is aH en-
eewagenreH to crime Long DELAYS IN criminal trials
mean death and disaPPeUqHee Of witnesses; gipss
memories of those upon whom the prosecution rests
for support.
II is everywhere known that prompt trials of in
dcted persons bring respect for Law and order. The
criminal quickly understands that justice will not be
delayed He likewise understands that delays are
all in his favor.
Bench five or six years ago. At least three or four ad
ditonal ones needed. The District Attorneys
office needs more prosecuting officers and better
salaries to entice to that work the brightest minds in
the legal profession.
Therefore, gentlemen of Congress- while seeking facts
about the Police Department which may do much
good just inquire about the facts have just laid
before you. Then maybe you will see how you can
make Washington more law-abiding community.