The American issue. [volume] (Westerville, Ohio) 1912-19??, 1922-03-31

ne newspapers arc tul OF recrim-
nation among the judges and other
law enforcement officials, including
the states attorney and chief of po-
lice, over crime conditions in the
city of Chicago. Judge Seaman says
that Chicago is the most lawless city
in the country; Chief Fitzmorris says
that if things go on as they arc the
time is not remote when there will
be a total breakdown of law and
order; State Attorney Grove is re-
ported as saying that Chicago is in
the grip of criminals.
At the same time there comes a
pamphlet from the Detroit police de-
partment showing that crime has de-
creased IS per cent in that state in
GLIDING the major crimes; robbery
has decreased SO per cent; burglary
So per cent; larceny A per cent. In
1920 fines for violations OF tho Pro-
hbition law were $48,s55; in 1921,
under the re-organizcd courts, they
were $26o,869.
Alderman John II. Lyle, candidate
for municipal. court judge, takes a
fearless stand for law enforcement Of
law. Alderman Lyle is endorsed by
none of the political factions; he is
depending upon his record as law
enforcement official for support He
personifes the dry cause. If he is
nominated it will be a victory for law
enforcement; If he fails, the cause
will suffer a defeat. Municipal court
Judges are nominated ordinarily by a
mere handful of voters. On the basis
of all previous records, of so per cent
of the church voters go to the pri-
maries and vote for Alderman Lyle
for municipal court Judge on Tues
day, April II, he will be nominated.
Alderman Lyle makes the. following
statement regarding his candidacy,
and we ask a careful reading of his
fearless statement and then action in
support of his campaign II he wins
it will be victory for every good
citizen in Chicago.
Statement of Alderman Lyle
You will find my name third on
the ballot. My platform is simple,
namely, speedy, certain impartial en-
forcement OF all laws. That means no
politician could do anything in my
court for a burglar, bootlcggcr, Il
gambling house keeper, or any other
violator of the law
There is prevalent among some
classes spirit of disregard for all
law, while among some OF our edu-
Gated and enlightened citizens there
is spirit and inclination to disparagc
the Nolstcad law and participate in
its violation. The violation of this
law is a crime as is the violation OF
any other law.
A few weeks ago l heard a wet
orator tell an audience OF bootleg
gers and sympathizcrs i'll Orchestra
Hall,-"Gcntlcmcn, you aren't law
breakers; your liberties arc encroach-
cd on. Go ahead,-makc liquor,
drink it and sell it" He should be
held as accessory TO any crime re-
sulting from his un-American advice
10 that audience That kind of talk
is anarchy and if allowed TO continue
will break down all safeguards re-
posed in the law.
| do not want to indulge in any
gloomy forebodings as TO what will
happen in Chicago if VIC continue to
allow the lawlcss TO set the limit on
law enforcement while the politician
jumps to the dugout when organized
criminals swing their fists. The only
warning sign I can sec of impending
storm is this tolerance and lcnicncy
to law breakers and the tendency of