The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-08-18


the modified findings leave doubt that prohibition
has big place in the increase Of crime That prohi
Oon usually is referred to safely and family dis
guised "prohibitory laws" does not change that
fact.
The Generalization Of more than one police de-
partment and to some extent other law-enforcing
agencies is due to the attempt to enforce laws not
completely sanctioned by community opinion" &C.
cording to Morris Plescowe of Harvard one of the
chief Wickersham experts THE agencies of en-
forcement become not alone inefficient in dealing
with cases under these controversial laws but also
in dealing with violations of laws protecting more
vital interests"
That is to say when prohibition makes crooks of
police prosecutors and judges, their crookedness is
carried over into their general duties.
In editing the experts reports the commission left
in-perhaps it was an oversght-only one completely
frank statement on prohibition as cause of crime.
But just this sentence is enough to give the whole
case away:
THE activities Of the bootlegging gangs, termed
the greatest menace in organized crime by the I'LL
nos crime survey, with their consequent toll of hom-
eide murder and violence would not be possible with
out the demand for intoxicating liquors and the ire
mendous profits to be made in supplying it,"
One expert was able to slip the following by the
Wickersham censors-in the form of foot note quo
tation from another expert:
THE underworlds Of the large cities have been
strengthened tremendously by the manufacture and
distribution Of intoxicating liquors. The immense
profits derived from this source have become the
backbone Of criminal organizations in many of these
cities.
Moreover, the evidence is convincing that they do
not conne their activities merely to violations of the
1iryyr Low
other crimes. Official corruption and alliance be-
tween political manipuators and the underworld re-
suit in Generalization of the law-enforcing agencies
i'll practically every place where such organizations
rave become strong"
Henry w. Anderson, the sole dissenting commits
sioner-who was so angered by the commissions re-
fusal to report on causes of crime that he wrote
singing indictment Of our economic systen-had this
to say:
Prohibitory laws impose undue and irritating re-
strants upon normal social and economic activities
and produce discomfort irritation and unrest which
find natural expression in disrespect for government
and in disregard for or resistance to law" He con-
cuded
1T can not be a source of surprise that these
conditions produce even among the social and law
abiding elements Of the people an attitude of be-
wlderment to the law and hopeessness as to gov
eminent; among the less law-abiding an attitude of
antagonism to law and contempt for government;
and reckless disregard of social and legal restraints
among youths
Now that the Wickersham experts have discov-
cred the obvious fact that prohibition is source OF
crime and corruption, and now that the Wickersham
commission has voted seven to four in favor of inme-
date modification repeal what is President Hoover
going to do about it?
Hoover is the man who had the idea of leaving
the whole question up to a nonpartisan commission
He appointed the commission.
Is it possible that Hoover is going to ignore the
commissions recommendations for immediate modif-
cation or repeal? If so, why did he appoint the
commission?
The Presidents recommendations to the next con-
gresa Will constitute the answer to that question
A Norwegian explorer proposes to go to the north
pole a motorcycle If we could only sell that
idea to the fellow who goes past the house every
night with the cutout openi
Chicago woman announces that she is not
afraid of mice. But then who would be afraid Of
mice in Chicago?
AlISlS a4c SO uIdIly clSCMlCdl uOuSenOlQ QeV1CeS
these days that friend wife is overworked using
them all.
The police department in Chicago is issuing gold
stars to citizens for meritorious services Just the
thing for innocent bystanders
A Kansas justice performed marriage ceremony,
payment for which the brides weight in wheat.
Evidently he's in business for his health.
Just Every Day Sense
BY MRS. WALTER FERGUSON