Evening star., 1949-03-22
Barrett Forbids
Mass Arrests
Of fPyramiders
Says Police Exceeded
Authority in Threats
Against Clubs

Against Clubs
Police Supt. Robert J.. Barrett
said today police had gone beyond
their authority in threatening
Pyramid Clubs. He stated fatty
there will be no wholesale arrests.
Maj. Barrett pointed out that
1t. Roy Blick. his vice squad chief,
had done all the talking up to
now. 1t. Blick has threatened to
raid Pyramid Club payoffs and
generally declared war on Pyra-
mid Clubbers.
IAN of us have gone beyond our
authority" the police chief told a
reporter. 1--WE don't handle cases
that way. Too much has been
said already"
He said he was concerned"
about 1t. Blick's warning that
Pyramid Clubbers soliciting re-
cruits by telephone might lose
their telephone service.
Case Not Yet Tried.
Referring to the grand jury in
dictment yesterday of self-styled
originator of Pyramid Club,
Maj. Barrett said:
This case has not been tried
vet. Personally, the whole thing
is nuisance to us"
Maj. Barrett said if cases came
to police attention that warranted
action. I'VE will take steps, but
I'm not going to allow wholesale
arrests"
Il want it made plain" he
added. that I am not a Pyramid
Club member. Far from it. My
wife is not a member, either"
This was a reference to rumors
floating about town that the police
chief is nearing the top of a Pyra-
mid Club dist. He fatty denied
these rumors.
concerned ABOUT Crlme.
1.-THE police have more to do
than worry about Pyramid Clubs"
Maj. Barrett added. What we're
more concerned about is strangers
going into homes. 1t came to my
attention that group went to
one party and searched the entire
house. I'm very much concerned
about crime"
Earlier today, 1t. Blick con-
fidently predicted the early demise
of the Pyramid Clubs, said he was
sure of 80 per cent cooperation
from Washington residents and
announced that he will visit the
scene of some reported pay-ofts
tonight.
Meanwhile, many Pyramid Clubs
were going out of business, some
devoted club members vowed
they would hold their clubs
together until a trial court decides
whether Pyramid Clubs are
lottery.
Attorney George J. Boden said
he will file a motion Thursday
to dismiss the indictment against
his client, Daniel A. Thomas, 28-
year-old bricklayer charged yes
terday by the grand jury with
violating the lottery laws by start
,,1,ro o1t,h
Calls Swamp Office.
Mr.. Boden said his Office was
swamped today with telephone
calls from persons sympathetic to
his client. He complained the
calls are so heavy I'VE are having
difficulty in preparing our argu-
ment."
Bewildered by legal technical
tiles, hundreds of Pyramid Club
bers called police last night to
ask:
will I get into trouble if I go
to a Pyramid Party? If I get out
right now, will I be punished?
Should I refund the money I've
already gotten?"
Others Defy Police.
But there were others who an
nounced definitely:
II joined new club today. My
people say they're going to hold
onto their lists until the courts
decide whether it's legal. It's all
big bluff"
Some residences where pay
offs were scheduled were visited
last night by police but no ar
rests were made. police said, be-
cause no one showed up to pass
on their So.
There were indications, how
ever, that payoffs are going un-
derground. In more than one
instance, persons due to collect
indicated they would reverse the
collection process. Instead of
staying home and watching the
dollars roll in, they are making
Continued on Page AS, Col. %
Vinson SaysArmyHas Ended