Evening star., 1950-02-04
Letters to The Star
Advocates Organization of Committee
To Fight Crime in Washington


To Fight Crime in Washington
To the Editor Of The Star:
Is it really true that crime does not pay,
or are these four words just clever sound
ing phrase used on radio program? After
reading the figures mentioned in connection
with some of Washingtons big-time gam
blers whose activities have been making
headlines, we might almost believe that
crime does pay-here in Washington, any
way.
Three Of these gamblers have just been
convicted and given prison terms. Several
others are reported to have been robbed
and We have been told that the Police
Department is greatly concerned for fear
these robberies will spread to Legitimate
business" But where was the Police De-
partment when these men were making all
of their money illegitimately?
Some of these robbed gamblers already
have served their short prison terms. What's
a few months in Jail to men who have
millions Of dollars in the bank, and who
can come back into the community and live
IN fine houses in exclusive neighborhoods,
drive expensive cars and otherwise enjoy
the money they made in illegtimate busi-
ness, while the Police Department was
looking the other way? According to
newspaper accounts, one of these gamblers
had an estimated yearly business of $l4, 900. =
600. Another learned as much as $182, 900
in single year, and had large account in
Washington bank" And one news item
tells us million dollars has just been de-
posted in a Washington bank by the lawyer
of well-known gambler, recently deceased.
Every youngster wants to make a million
dollars. and quickly. Right now lot of
youngsters in Washington are asking them
selves. If they could do it, why can't I?"
Youngsters are impressed with expensive
cars fine homes and million dollar bank
accounts, and an "easy way" to get rich
quick
The gamblers cover their appointed
rounds" as regularly as the mailman, and
youngsters who see them every day are
asking. why, if it is wrong, don't the police
do something about it?" Why, indeed? That
>is Washingtons $64 question. The three
gamblers just sentenced were arrested and
convicted through the efforts of the District
Attorney. The Police Department had moth
ing to do with it.
A House subcommittee presently is inquir-
ing into crime and punishment" in the
District of Columbia. If 80 months is the
maximum amount that can be given a gam
bier with a S14000,000 illegitimate business
1t is certainly hoped that this committee is
giving some serious thought to changing the
laws.
A recent magazine article describes Wash
ington as "a national disgrace" Well, crime
in Washington is certainly national dis
grace. Children need good housing and
good schools. But they also need to grow
up in an atmosphere free from crime, and to
be able to walk and play on streets free from
criminals and the danger of being molested.
Crime in Washington is like the weather;
a bout L,,k
anything. Let's do something about it! Let's
form Citizens Committee to Combat Crime
IN Washington, like the one formed by
group OF interested citizens in Massachusetts,
several years, ago.
II there is something wrong with present
laws. let's ask Congress to change them. If
there is something wrong with the Police
Department, let's find out what it is, and do
something about it, A MOTHER.