The evidences of activity in Des Moines real estate are to my mind conclusive proof that this city is rising to a proper realization and appreciation of its opportunities to become recognized as one of the most desirable places in America for homes, educational centers and legitimate business enterprises. (Signed)
The following is the statement of Chief Miller. The appointment of Mr. Miller as chief was unanimously endorsed by the press and public. He is the first chief in Des Moines selected from the ranks and appointed entirely on his merits.
STATEMENT OF CHIEF OF POLICE MILLER.
I have been a member of the Des Moines police force for over seventeen years, filling every position from patrolman up. I was appointed Chief of Police on October 14, 1908. I have pleasure in submitting the following conclusions, based on my experience as a police officer:
Segregation never segregated in Des Moines. The most prosperous houses with the high-class patronage absolutely refused to enter the segregated districts, and were always able to command sufficient influence to enable them to defy the police.
Landladies in segregated districts, by reason of severe competition, were compelled to resort to all means of advertising, which included red lights over the doors, the serving of liquors and other refreshments, orchestral music, persistent displaying of charms by women in the windows and other means of making their business as conspicuous as possible, and thereby attracting even innocent spectators to the vicinity who were often robbed by attaches and hangers-on from the resorts. The segregated districts always became notorious and the evil was greatly augmented thereby.
Property in the segregated districts was manipulated by money sharks for the purpose of securing complete financial control over the women, who in their slavery and despair were often driven to commit desperate crimes in their futile endeavors to free themselves from the hands of their masters. The cleaning up of the resorts freed between two and three hundred of these women, who immediately left the city and have not been replaced. As they were well known it was impossible for them to locate in residence districts and citizens have taken pleasure in keeping us posted with reference to suspicious persons in the suburbs.
In conclusion will say that the remarkable freedom of the city from crime, immediately following the closing of resorts, the boom in residence and city real estate and business in general, also the higher moral tone of the city, is so pronounced and apparent to all in Des Moines, that I have no hesitation in placing myself on record with the deliberate statement that any future administration will hesitate before attempting to again place the city of Des Moines in the "segregated" class.
Respectfully submitted,
A. G. MILLER,
Chief of Police.