Police begin vice crusade

Urbana Courier-Herald August 25, 1910

DETECTIVES BELIEVED TO BE AT
WORK HERE.

Are After Bootleggers—Chief Morgan Called to Settle Family Row— Other Important Police Matters.

Spurred to action by open violations of the liquor laws, the Urbana police have started a crusade against bootleggers, which, if nothing else, will drive the alley venders from this city. It has been reported that bootlegging has heen going on among a certain class of undesirables, and while the officers have been unable to get conclusive evidence against guilty parties, they have opened a system of Shadowing which will present the lllicits from disposing of their wares. This, it in believed, will eventually drive them from the clly; or it may be the means of landing someone. It is whispered that two detectives are at work In plain clothes, having gone on duty Tuesday afternoon. One alleged bootlegger, against whom evidence has been secured has skipped, and others are missing from their usual haunts. It has been promised that there will be something doing when the September grand jury meets.

Sends for Police
On Tuesday afternoon Mrs. Susan Funk of Bast Water street sent for the police. Chief Morgan answered the call and was compelled to listen to a tale of woe incident to a row with neighbors, children being the principal aggressors. Mrs. Funk would not swear out a warrant and the chief could do nothing.

Complains of Pigeons.
Another incident showing what is expected of the police —Chief Morgan was called into a house on South Race street by a lady who asked what she could do to prevent pigeons from building nests under the eaves of her front porch. The chief confessed that he didn't know, but recommended getting out an injunction writ.