Chicago and its cess-pools of infamyWilson, Samuel Paynter
History
Chicago and its cess-pools of infamy
Wilson, Samuel Paynter
Chicago (Ill.) -- Social conditions; Prostitution -- Illinois -- Chicago
No wonder so many fashionable women look jaded, have an anxious,
half-startled expression, and seem weary. They are living in a state of
dread lest their secrets be discovered and the inevitable ruin overtake
them.
Some strange things happen at these fashionable gatherings. Let your
memories run back to the early eighties and you will recall an incident
of a robbery in the very midst of festivities. In most instances the
articles taken are of value that can be easily secreted, the criminal
as a rule, is no vulgar thief, but is one of society’s privileged and
envied members. The papers of that date recorded the following:
“In the dingy back room of a renowned detective was the scene of
an impressive spectacle several weeks ago. In the presence of the
gentlemen, one a well-known detective, the other a prominent
merchant—knelt a fashionably dressed man of middle age, confessing a
shameful story of crime, and imploring mercy.
“I admit all,” he cried. “I stole the property, but I cannot restore
it, I was driven to the deed in order to maintain my position in
society. My means had largely left me, and I could not resist
temptation.”
“This statement fell like a thunderbolt upon the merchant, who had
known the speaker long and favorably. To the detective, however, it
was not at all unexpected, as he had already satisfied himself as to
the guilt of the man. The stealing which was here confessed was one of
those crimes in higher circles of society.”
Only a decade has elapsed since the family of a well-known lawyer
living on a prominent Avenue, gave a social entertainment to which
persons of high standing in society were invited. The following morning
it was discovered that rings, watches and jewelry worth several hundred
dollars was missing. The most careful search and close examination
of servants forced the conclusion upon the family that the robbery
had been committed by some one of the guests, although this seemed
incredible, as every name upon the list of those present seemed to
forbid the thought of suspicion. The affair was put into the hands of
private detectives, who were unable, however, to obtain the slightest
clew to the thief of the property.
Yet it is not the professional thieves that those who get up
fashionable entertainments chiefly fear. The most dangerous class,
because the most numerous, are included among the invited guests and
are called, when detected, kleptomaniacs.
The White Slave Traffic
The revelations made by investigators should be given as wide a
currency as possible. The extent of the White Slave traffic and the
machinery by which it is maintained, should be brought home, not only
to the officials sworn to deal with crime, but to parents sworn under
higher law to guard their young.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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