Richmond Planet

LAWLESS CONDITIONS.

The "crime wave" seems to be sweeping over the entire country at the present time. There has been a demand here for an increase in the police force. This demand seems to be ridiculous, if we are to accept the statement of the Denver, Colorado Statesman. In a recent issue it says:

A most alarming condition of crime is again raging in our city, and the police authorities seem powerless to check it, notwithstanding the great added increase in the police force of the city.

It was only last week we read of the new police chief addressing the Denver Civic and Commercial Association at their regular luncheon and at that time he urged the necessity of a larger police force.

We question whether it is the need of a larger police force, or a more efficient police force that is needed in Denver to corral the criminal bandits that are so boldly infesting our city and openly murdering and holding up people in broad daylight and burglarizing our homes with casual impunity.

Certainly something should be done to check the wave of crime that seems to be sweeping the city off its feet and terrorizing the citizens.

If the police force is efficient, but owing to lack of sufficient force, unable to cope with the present dangerous situation, then we urge that the chief of police be given an entire additional regiment of men, if that will curb criminals and put them safely behind the bars. These criminal outlaws have gone beyond the usual custom of attacking men only and are murdering and holding up old and young women alike. It is hardly safe for a housewife to be alone in her home these days. Surely, if something is not done soon the citizens will have to form a volunteer vigilance committee to help clean up Denver. The police authorities claim that owing to the big drive against the criminals in the large eastern cities, the gangsters, the gunmen and holdups are flocking to Denver. Such should not be the case. Instead of these criminals heading for Denver, they should be promptly notified that this place is an up to date city and not a harboring roost for thugs and criminals, and to pass on as quickly as possible or else they might be sent to jail or the rock pile.

If one should take the time to visit our criminal courts you would see three criminal courts in session. What is the matter with Denver? She is all right, and if you say the word we will put the criminals where they belong.

We are of the opinion that if the police chief would close up all the undesirable places, that these criminals could be more easily rounded up or forced to leave town. This is a serious matter and should be given the gravest consideration by the proper authorities, as the reputation of our fair city is at stake.

This is no time to theorize and search for the cause of so much crime. Let the authorities round up the thieves, thugs, hold-ups, and assassins and put them safely away, and then the scientific criminologists can call a convention and debate and resolve upon the cause of the crime wave so general throughout the country.

We are of the opinion that what is needed is a more efficient police force too. An increase of pay of those who have had experience in the business and a reduction of the number of inexperienced "wielders of the club" will do more to reduce crime than an army of youngsters who are more or less qualified to make trouble and to add to the deplorable conditions instead of abating them. The Statesman is on the "right road and is going the right way".