Evening star., 1942-09-25
Prostitution
Problem Held
Acute in D. T..
Dr.. Nolan Declares
1000 Women Here
Are Involved


cial Protection was told today by
DR.. J. A. Nolan of the Washington
Criminal Justice Association that
prostitution is rapidly becoming a
racket" in the District and unless
curbed will grow into very serious
problem.
He said that street solicitation by
prostitutes was higher here than in
any other city of the United States
and recommended that more men
be added to the police force to cope
with the situation.
He also urged more effective laws,
and proposed that police. military
and health officials meet in con-
ference for broad discussion Lead
ing toward definite action.
First Speaker on Program.
DR.. Nolan made his statement on
the basis of the survey conducted
by the association at the request of
the institute. He appeared as the
first speaker on a program designed,
institute officials explained, not so
much to bring about recommended
GkOAA DO W oll1 usoC 1dCbo dllu dWdhCll
the public to the seriousness of pres
titution and venereal disease prob
lens.
The institute, as explained by
Mrs. Frank Linzel, chairman of the
Committee on Institute Planning, is
functional group for the Civilian
Mobilization Division of Civilian De-
tense. Conrad Van Hyning, chief Of
the division, presided.
In his report on the associations
study, DR.. Nolan said it is hard to
estimate the number of girls &C IL
ally engaged in prostitution in
Washington, but that association
members believe that there are not
more than 1000.
Calls Report Untrue.
He recalled reports thai number
og girls employed in Government
service and business also are en-
gagged in prostitution, but dismissed
them as untrue.
he explained that investigation
had failed to reveal actual existence
of these cases and pointed out that
OlAAA11dA WC4C C1l CuldUCu AuA
ing the last war.
DR.. Nolan reported that the call
business is the largest type of
prostitution In Washington, that
street solicitation is next, while
! brothels are rare.
The associations study, DR.. Nolan
| reported, showed that out of 1859
women arrested over a six-month
period; only 221 could be classified as
prostitutes and that all OF these
were street walkers. He said records
also showed that only eight out Of
every 100 arrested we're convicted.
Helped by Military.
Inspector Harvey c. Callahan, as
sistant superintendent Of police, an
nounced that his department now is
using 40 men to control prostitu-
ton. He said that they are aided
by reports from military authorities
which help them locate spots in the
city giving the most trouble.
Inspector Callahan said the de.
partment must have the co-opera-
ton of both the public and the
courts in order to make any progress
toward control He added that the
problem is not limited to military
personnel, recalling that 40 per cent
of selective service men brought in
for examination in the District, ac-
cording to figures supplied him by
an official, were rejected because of
venereal disease.
Maj. William A. Brumfield of the
Surgeon Generals Office told the
institute that no alarming increase
IN venereal disease has occurred in
the Army, but said that conditions
conducive to such an increase do
exist. He said that control must be
maintained to prevent disease from
becoming serious problem in the
Army and added that this is the Job
of the communities, calling for CO.
operation of social, welfare, military
and other officials.
Other speakers at the morning
session were Alvin Griesedieck, rep
reSenting the brewing industry
foundation; Thomas E. Lodge Of the
ABC Board; DR.. r. A. Vonderlehr
of the Public Health Service, DR..
George M. Presswell of the District
Medical Society and DR.. r. Frank
Jones, representing the Social Hy-
giene Society.