Year: 1872

The Remedy.


EDITOR DIsPATcH:-When last writ
ing you, said that meant to show
how we who live in Seattle could get rid
of those fostering sores that are fatally
corrapting the very ife-blood Of our
community-those sinks of iniquity
that ale the disgrace of our society
They are not only perpetual fountains
Of corruption and pollution, but even as
matter of pecuniary interest they are
direct injury to the pockets of our
citizens, no less than blot on the fair
fame of our growing city. The thou
sands of dollars that are annually squan-
dered on these dens of vice would be ex-
pended in our merchants stores and
among our industrious mechanics, and
go to build up happy homes for those
who spend as well as for those who
would receive the earnings of SO many
rd-working men, now worse than
wasted. worse than ,ooSted, for it only
empties their purse, infects with incur
able and hereditary disease their bodies.
destroys their reputation. units them for
business, makes them objects of loath-
ng to themselves and all who know them,
and sends many of them to premature
graves. The value of the land and lots
where these haunts of vice are found,
would be doubled and trebbled in few
months, were they removed, and in a
years time comfortable homes and fair
looking dwelling houses tenanted by
cheerful and viltuous families would be-
gin to adorn that part Of our city where
these vile pest houses and plague spots
now spread broadcast their infamous
contagion. Business men and property
holders have direct interest in promot-
ing this wholesome reform.


But how is this measure of reform to
be effected !? That is what I wish to
show. 1t is to be done by enforcing the
laws that we have on our statute books.
A little courage and determination, and
the sustaining voice of the better por-
tion our people are all that is needed.
Our grand juries and Aheriff can carry
out what the people and laws jointly
avor. When they f,il to do this, they
fail in their solemnly sworn duties--fail
in what they take Office for, and give
bonds to perform. Lot our voters, and
our good citizens see that this vital mat
ter be no longer neglected. I have call
ed to my aid those who know something
of the laws, and to my great joy as the
mother of promising young men, and
lover of the true welfare of all the young
men exposed to these temptations, am
glad to Learn that there is ample remedy
for this monstrous and deadly evil
What is it2


Turn to the Act of Incorporation Of
Seattle and we find the following among
the powers Of the City Council : "To
regulate and restrain shows and public
amusements, and to suppress bawdy-
houses, gaming and gambling-houses;
to restrain and punish any unlawful or
indecent practice; to prevent and remove
nuisances; and to provide for the sup
port, restraint and employment of va
grants and paupers." These words give
ample and express authority to our City
Councilt to extirpate, root and branchfrom
our community this whole mighty crime.
Why do they not do it? The mothers of
Seattle ask them-why do they neglect
this most important part Of their official
work? They can thereby enforce the
laws and work an immense benefit to
our people. 1t is their business first
and at once to do this. If they fail,
then there are provisions in our crimi-
nal laws under the head Of "Offenses
against morality and decency," which
show what the Grand Jury and Prosecut-
ing Attorney, and Sheriff must still do.
Primarily, however, the work belongs TO
our City Councilmen. Let them 60 to
work without delay. How easy to pass
an Ordinance that will quietly and ef-
fecsually remove this vice from among
US, and prove perennial source of
health, wealth and untold blessings to
individuals, to families and to our whole
community, now and forever hereafter.
The future growth of our city and its
fair fame demand this at their hands.
Let there be no delay. Such is the SEN
timent of every good man and woman
among US, and especially is it that Of
every honest and modest


MOTHER IN SEATTLE.