HOW THE LAW AIDS VICE.
In Packard's Monthly, for September, 1868, the reader will find a deeply interesting article on this subject, by Mr. Oliver Dyer, from which we take the following illustration of our remarks.
There is, probably, not a police reporter in the city, of much experience, who has not seen one of these girls arraigned at the Tombs, or at some other police court, on a charge of theft; because in fleeing from the intolerable servitude of some den of vice, she had had to wear clothes belonging to the keeper—not having any of her own wherewith to hide her nakedness.
"We will give a scene of this kind. Place, the Tombs, time, six o'clock in the morning; present, police justice, officers of court, about thirty prisoners, policemen attending as witnesses, and parties preferring charges against prisoners. The name of the girl against whom complaint has been made having been called, the following examination took place:
"Justice.—'What is the charge against this girl?'
"Policeman.—'Felony-stealing wearing apparel.'
"Justice.—'Who is the complainant?'
"Policeman.—'This woman here,' pointing out the keeper of the den from which the girl had fled—a most villainous old hag.
"Justice (to the keeper).—'What did the girl steal?'
"Keeper.—'Every rag she's got on; bad luck to her.'