What in the world was this wickedness?

Sometimes, you run across items in old newspapers that cause a guy to wonder what exactly was going on --- for instance: The following "statement" published on Page 1 of The Chariton Leader of April 3, 1913.

We can tell from the text that it involved gossip, Chariton businessmen, juveniles allowed to roam the streets at night and those dens of iniquity --- the pool halls. But exactly what the great wickedness was is not clear at all. And nothing else was published about this to clarify the matter.

So feel free to allow those sensationalizing imaginations of yours free rein. I certainly have.

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TIMELY STATEMENT

The County Attorney Calls a Halt on the Monger

In view of the fact that certain extravagant statements and rumors are being circulated in our community in connection with certain matters under investigation by the sheriff and myself, I have concluded that it is but just and fair to many that I should make a statement indicating the falsity of these rumors.

I was astounded to learn (by street gossip) that some fifty of our business men were connected with a story of moral delinquency almost unspeakable. And the gossip monger has not hesitated to name some of our best citizens in this connection, trusting to that strange credulity on the part of otherwise sensible and level headed people to believe, without even second grade evidence, the story of licentiousness and lewdness on the part of their neighbor and fellow townsman.

The absolute truth of the matter simply is that there are none of our business men implicated in this matter and that man or woman who has it to the contrary "on good authority," should remember that the only "good authority" for facts uncovered by myself and the sheriff rests with us solely and that we have made no statements thereof public.

It is as much our duty to defend and protect the good name of a citizen as it ever was to punish the guilty and that is the purpose of this statement.

The furore grew out of the wrongdoing of several young men, some of whom were mere boys, and there is no disposition on our part to condone any offense committed by them, but all must agree that those innocent should not be convicted by public denouncement with only the gossip monger as star witness appearing against them.

The investigation discloses a condition in our town that moves me to state that the burden of reform to correct the worst immoral condition here lies principally with the parents of the boys and girls running our streets at all hours of the night unprotected and uncared for.

I have determined to assist in this reformation and if the parents fail to assist me, to take proper legal steps to protect these young people from their parents' folly.

To the new city administration, I would respectfully suggest that the curfew bell be made no longer our evening joke. Enforce it and that alone, by the saving of one boy or girl from demoralization, will make the administration a success if not one dollar be saved.

Pool rooms must obey the law in respect to minors, or I shall act forthwith and the consent of parents to their presence there shall make not one whit of difference.

W. Collinson

County Attorney