New York (N.Y.) -- Fiction; Prostitutes -- Fiction
We do not find that these persons are formally organized, but it
would appear that the majority of the women of the street, as well as
many of those who practice prostitution in houses or flats, are
controlled by them and usually pay their entire earnings to them.
They prescribe the hours and working places for these women, assist
them in getting customers, protect them from interference when
possible, and when the women are arrested do what they can to procure
their release. While "their women" are at work, they spend much of
their time in saloons and other resorts where they gather socially.
Although operating individually, their common interest leads them to
coöperate for mutual protection or for the recovery of women who may
desert them, and for the maintenance of their authority over their
particular women. It is an unwritten law among these men that the
authority of the individual over the woman or women controlled by him
is unquestioned by his associates to whatever extreme it may be
carried.
To obtain a conviction against one of this class is most difficult,
for through fear or personal liking, "his woman" is loath to become a
witness against him, and without her evidence conviction is almost
impossible.
Whatever one may think of the woman who adopts the profession of a
prostitute by choice, all must agree that the man who in cold blood
exploits a woman's body for his own support and profit is vile and
despicable beyond expression. Only through the arousing of an
intelligent and determined public sentiment which will back up the
forces of law in their effort to ferret out and bring to justice the
members of this debased class, is there hope of stamping out those
vilest of human beings found to-day in the leading cities of this and
other lands.
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In view of the foregoing we recommend:
1. That no effort be spared in bringing to justice the so-called
"pimp." When the character and prevalence of these creatures are
more fully realized and public sentiment aroused regarding them, the
inadequate punishment now imposed should be increased and every
legitimate means devised and put into execution to exterminate them.
2. That the existing laws be more rigidly enforced to safeguard the
patrons of the moving picture shows, and that parents and guardians
exercise more careful supervision over their children in connection
with their attendance upon these shows.
3. That vigorous efforts be made to minimize the possibility of the
Raines-Law Hotel becoming a disorderly house, and that where
necessary proper supervision and inspection looking toward that end
be provided.
4. That the so-called massage and manicure parlors be put under the
control of the Health Department; that a license from this department
be required for their operation; that certificates be granted to
operators only by some approved medical authority, and that proper
measures be taken to enforce these laws.
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