THE NIGHTMARE ENDED IN DES MOINES.
By J. L. Hamery, Superintendent, Department of Public Safety.
Of all the cities of the United States, Des Moines stands today a bright and shining example of the utter fallacy of the "segregation" idea. Practiced more or less openly for twenty years or more, now, after a few months of freedom, the past seems like a nightmare, which it is impossible to believe will ever be tolerated in this city again.
In a short paper, hurriedly prepared, it will be impossible to give much more than general statements of opinion. We have affidavits, statistics of arrest, opinions of high-class citizens, opinions of independent investigators from other states, statements from experience by police officials and city physicians to support the following:
Segregation, as applied to prostitution, is but another term for "incubation."
Segregation is the nucleus and backbone of the White Slave Traffic.
Segregation provides a resort, refuge and hiding place for criminals and thugs of every description.
Segregation is affiliated with gambling, bootlegging, opium and cocaine joints.
Segregation, with its red lights, its music, the painted women in the windows, etc., provides an educational feature for school children and students, the possibilities of which can be better imagined than described.
Segregation could never be made to completely segregate, but rather, provided a center from which prostitution radiated in every direction like a cancer.