Evening star., 1933-05-23

The possibility Of the repeal Of the
prohibition amendment turns public at
tention to the magnitude of the rack
eteering interests and raises the ques-
ton whether these forces will turn their
attention to forms Of business which
are not allied with the liquor trade.
Comprehensive organization Of legiti-
mate business and willingness to accept
initial losses Is suggested as one means
of eliminating the racketeer. Federal
legislation, 1t Is felt, would help con-
siderably.
"A new outbreak Of racketeering' Is
already observed by the Pasadena Star
News, which feels that new laws, new
legal machinery and court practices, as
well as special law-enforcement officers
will be necessary That paper points
out that this evil SIS not only organized,
viously the problem Of combating it Is
far more complicated than the task of
suppressing the individual criminal"
The youngstown Vindicator declares
that "the racket must end" while stat
ing that business enterprises have been
ruined and numerous lives taken by
racketeers, in exacting tribute through
terrorism
1T has vast ramifications and pro-
duces tremendous revenue" says the
Providence journal, adding that "it has
tended to become source OF liveli-
hood for hoodlums who previously
found profit in violation Of the dry
law" That paper records that "in
sinister form, it levies continuous trib-
ute upon legitimate business by or
ganized criminals who threaten vio-
lence or other reprisal If payment is
not made"
Senator Copeland has introduced q
resolution" observes the New York Sun,
calling upon the Senate Committee on
Commerce to make full investigation
Of racketeering. He reports widespread
complaint that legitimate trade Is suf-
fering from the impositions of those
who prey on honest business men, men,
tioning beer racket poultry
racket milk racket and others.
Where things of that kind are going
on investigation is clearly in order,
but why should this be the task of the
United States Senate? II the Senator
is anxious to pry into racketeering as
practiced within his own constituency,
he might do a little prodding of dis
trtct attorneys and grand jurieS at
home"
Discussing conditions in New York,
the Springfield Republican suggests
that If there were a Jerome or a
Whitman in office just now, the public
would have greater reason for hope
fulness that the long reign of the rack
eteer was about to have at least long
interruption, but the outlook has dis
tinctly frightened" The Republican
bases its judgment on Cooperation of
prosecuting attorneys, police and VIC
Tins" The Dayton Daily News refers
to conviction Of four racketeers in
New York City on charges of con-
viduals Of the poultry industry" The
Daily News adds: For q number of
reasons it has been difficult hitherto to
punish the gangster for his ugliest
deeds. Corruption of public officials was
one stumbling block. Another was the
reluctance Of victims to seek redress or
appear as witnesses in the event that
prosecution was otherwise instigated.
They feared, not without reason, under
world reprisals worse than the original
ofense. 1t Is significant that some of
them still feel safe only in jail, where
their tormentors instead should be. But
this successful demonstration Of what
can be done when the fofces Of law
cooperate. should give courage to
others"
Commenting on Chicago conditions,
the Daily News of that city charges
that "hoodlum racketeers have muscled
into control of certain labor unions and
operate. them for the purpose of col
lecting tribute from industry and re-
ports that the States attorney "offers
police protection to union members de-
sirous of insuring fair elections and
honest administration of their union
Affairs; and to employers who are ter