The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-09-17
OPTIMISTS URGE
ANTI-CRIME AID
Pass Resolution for More
Stringent Methods
Against Crime.

PLEDGE CLUB SUPPORT
The Kenosha Optimist club is join
ing with other clubs throughout the
nation in a countrywide campaign
which seeks to line up sentiment
among the business and professional
men of the country for arousing an
anti-crime appeal. At their meeting
on Monday afternoon the local club
adopted unanimously resolution
which pledges its full support to the
work which other Optimist clubs are
taking up as the call is being given
nationwide prominence before the
clubs of the country.
George Stevens, chairman of spe-
cial committee appointed by President
Ray Stretch, reported at the Monday
meeting which was the first of the
season for the club-with a resolu-
tion which reads as follows:
Whereas prominent citizens
throughout the country, including ju-
rists, legislators, police officials and
buiness men, have started drive
against crime and criminals;
And whereas, at a meeting held in
New York City, July 10Th, it was de-
Icided to form national crime COM
mission;
And whereas, it is apparent that the
only way to arouse an anti-crime sem
timent throughout the country is by
educating the masses along these
lines;
/ And whereas, it has been suggested
that business men throughout the
United States should interest them
selves in the crime situation and at
tack it in organized formation:
Try New Departure.
And whereas, deportation Of offend
ers and especially those convicted of
misdemeanors, would greatly aid in
the suppression of crime;
Therefore, be it resolved, by the OPP
timist club of Kenosha, Wisconsin,
that upon the Congress of the United
/ States of America, be urged the pas
sage of laws more amenable for the
revocation of citizenship and deporta-
ton of offenders convicted of felonies
and repeated misdemeanors;
Be it further resolved, that a copy
of these resolutions be sent to the
referendum committee of the Optimist
clubs in the country that concerted
action may be obtained in this ma
tional drive against crime and 'lawless-
ness.
Signed,
+. Ray Stretch, President,
| James Barden, Secretary.
Geo. Stevens, Com. Chairman.
/ The chairman of the committee adj
mitted that the resolution advocated a
step which would be considered radi-
cal today, but he declared in support
of this recommendation that the pres
ent means of combating crime in the
! nation was entirely too lax. He cited
examples of some men who were not
citizens Of the nation who were known
as notorious reporters in the Kenosha
county courts.
these men lesson, he con-
tinued "Fines will never. deter them
in their business when they can turn
around and earn the money of fine
within a few days. County Jail SEN
fences in most cases are harmless be-
cause If a man shows he has depend
emit he is let out to work and the real
punishment is greatly lessened. If
the man has threat of losing his
citizenship hanging over his head,
he'll think twice before he pursues a
road of deliberate law violation"
Deportation Now Impossible.
The speaker went on to point out
how at the present time deportation
on a misdemeanor, the classification
under which gambling and liquor law
violations come, is now impossible. 1t
takes two felonies-crimes which are
punishable by state prison sentences
to make deportation proceedings
against an individual possible, he said
The club was unanimous in its APP
proval of the resolution and the Ke-
nosha Optimists now join the ranks Of
those other clubs which are seeking
to have such legislation urged upon
the United States congress.
Hear Brief Vacation Talks.
/ Conrad Shearer, David Fogwell, Carl
Johnson and A. E. Buckmaster each
gave brief talks on their conceptions
of Optimism and the manner in which
the Kenosha club can foster that
spirit.
President Stretch reported that ar
rangements were being made at the
! present time for bringing Leo F. Nohl,
president of Optimist international,
TO Kenosha for an evening meeting to
which would be invited all the mem
bers of the other civic clubs in tie
city in addition to those of neighbor-
4 ing cities. Further announcements
concerning these plans will be made
las they are evolved.