Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-01-30

duty.
What can be done about
this horrible situation? I
don't know. But there are
certainly enough I'm aster
minds" in Washington TO
save the prettiest city in the
world land our Nations
Capital from getting q worse
reputation than it already
has.
/ pay plenty of District
income tax and have never
objected TO doing it. But I
don't think normal. intel
ligent taxpayers should have
to live In a state of fear. We
are entitled to more than
that, surely.
Ida NJ. Thomas.
] am very much concerned,
and ! know many other citl-
zens are. about the constant
crime that is being committed
by young hoodlums in Wash
ington after dark. 1t does
not seem to be safe for either
men or women to be alone
on our streets. These young
teen-age hoodlums attack
any and every one apparently
at will - snatching purses.
knocking them down and
often seriously injuring the
victims. in addition TO stealing
their money.
The Police Department
seems 10 be unable to cope
with the situation.
We should find some way
to call upon a sufhcient num-
Der Of soldiers TO aid in po-
Icing the streets Of Washing
ton after dark. The crimes
are numerous enough. ! be-
lieve. TO justify what might
be termed martial law to
protect our citizens after sun
down.
Much more stringent pun
ishment should be melted out
to these teen-agers who are
running wild. The punish
ment for criminals under age
is far too light to discourage
crime. 1t would be effective
If the whipping post were
again authorized. Nothing
will make such an impress
sion as to suffer a little pain
in the way Of punishment.
G. b. r.
/ should like to compliment
you on your front-page fea-
ture violence in the Streets"
This is certainly one very
good way to 60 about bring
ing this street crime business
under control. I am sure
that IL will take widespread
public indignation to help the
police and the courts do the
necessary job. 1 am also
sure that 1t will take the
press to inform the public
of the sad facts which must
be the basis for effective in
diRnation.
Since people are inclined to
forget from day to day. 1t
might also help to run a sort
of box score" on crime.
at intervals. Everyone could
then react to the extent Of
these crimes.
c. s. Livermore.
"
Representative Hoffman Of
Michigan is right when he
says District citizens are not
receiving the protection from
street violence to which they
are entitled. How true his
statement: I'VE are all in
clined to give quick relief
when II Affects us personally.
What are we waiting for?
For some member or a men,
Der Of a members family to
be robbed or assaulted?"
What are we waiting for?
&. L.
! read with pleasure your
editorial, IT Was Mugged."
I have been wondering how
long 1t would take you to
wise up TO what was going on
in Washington at night.
Ike spent 50 million. I am
told. protecting nine Negro
children at Little Rock. Why
not use Federal troops TO
protect the few law abiding
citizens left In Washington
and those who would like to
visit our Nations Capital?
There was a time when We
could go out and watch the
Senators play baseball at
night. but now we do not feel
safe 10 60, or leave our auto
mobile on the street while
watching q game. Instead
we have to drive 10 Baltimore
TO watch the Orioles play.