The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-03-14
Liberal Viewpoint
by DIR. HARRY ELMER BARNES

IF there is any social problem which is ham
Il died with greater stupidity and futility than
crime in this country it is that of prostitution.
The usual procedure is tolerate the situation
for time with a few sporadic frame-ups by a
vice squad and stool pigeons. Then comes a
dramatic vice war" in which the more sensa-
tonal clergymen lay down a verbal barrage and
the police move in on the madams and girls.
Some leave town, but most of them hide for a
while scatter into new hang-outs, and soon the
business is resumed. For a time thereafter re-
preston becomes more difficult.
There is no consideration of the deeper eco
nomic causes of prostitution-the economic pres
sure which makes it difficult for many girls to
earn an honest living and for young men to
marry at a reasonable age. Nor is any direct
attention given to modern medical science and
effective ways of combating most successfully
the venereal menace, which is the worst aspect
Of prostitution.
Time without end, this farclcal procedure has
been tried in most major American cities, with
the result that the solution Of the problem of
prostitution is no closer at hand than it was in
the days of the Rev. Parkhurst
In his authoritative work on the subject The
Repression of Prostitution in New York; Co.
lumbia University Press)-Professor Willoughby
C.. Waterman of Brooklyn College has
summarized the experience of New York City
with these methods and has amply demonstrated
their Intellectual and unintelligent character.
WHEREFORE, the proposals Of Magistrate
Il Anna M. Kross seem almost incredibly sane
and commendable 1t is almost the first time
that a person in such a position has possessed
either the enlightenment or the courage to speak
straight from the shoulder in behalf of sense
and science in dealing with prostitution.
The crux of the whole matter is well put by
Magistrate KroSS:
I'VE must first of all recognize that prostitu-
ton is a social problem, not an offense, misde-
meanor, or crime, and that this problem does
not belong in the courts
I'VE have by our police and court methods
been proceeding against the victims of prostitu-
ton rather than against the structure of COM
mercialized vice"
|. Equally sensible is the magistrates proposal
of new and competent authorities to deal with
prostitution in the place of police, stool pigeons
and the Women's Court:
Socially trained, well-paid medical workers,
empowered to apprehend all persons engaged
in the practice of prostitution and therefore
liable to have contracted a venereal disease.
"An informal tribunal consisting of doctor,
a psychiatrist and lawyer"
A ND she proceeds with scientific enlighten-
h ment to outline the wise methods to be
followed and the equipment needed:
"a scientific modern viewpoint which will
seek the fundamentals of the problem, and make
an honest endeavor to reach the causative fac
tors of this social manifestation, as we'll as to
treat its symptoms.
"a complete medical, physical and mental
examination, social history, and invironmental
investigation, obtained prior to any hearing.
"a liberal modern, scientific health code, ap-
plicable to both men and women, giving full
power to this tribunal to apprehend and detain.
"A medical, psychological and social diagnosis,
on the basis of which appropriate treatment will
be prescribed to meet the needs of the indi-
vidual offender, utilizing all the community S
present resources for protection, correction,
medical relief, social service, education and
guidance"
Here words of wisdom which should in
spire liberal and socially -minded New Workers
to get out and get under"
If Magistrate Krosss timely and intelligent
injunctions followed, New York City may
ultimately get somewhere in dealing with the
social evil-rightly so-called.