Chicago Tribune
WESTBROOK HITS AT VICE IN LOOP IN FOUR RAIDS
Deputy’s Men Invade Captain Collin’s District.
First Deputy Westbrook’s men last night raided four places in Capt. Morgan Collins’ district (the loop) without taking the trouble to inform the captain that it was to be done.
When Capt. Collins was found at his home at midnight he said he was "very glad to get Mr. Westbrook’s assistance in this matter."
The first raid was at a hotel at 171 North La Salle street, almost across the hall from the police station and next door to the detective bureau.
Political Significance.
The raids caused great interest in police circles for the reason that it had been reported that Morgan Collins is the man certain city hall influences had looked upon favorably as the successor to Westbrook in case the civil service commission goes through with its apparent intention to try to sidetrack the first deputy.
THE TRIBUNE publish on Sunday morning the theory of a man close to sources of police information that certain city officials resented the rigidity with which disorderly places outside the loop which formerly were choice fountains of revenue were being suppressed. This informant said that the alleged free and easy conditions in Capt. Collins’ district were more to the liking of these politicians.
The Place Raided.
The names of some of the places mention in the report to the police were printed, and one of the places, the hotel in La Salle street, was one selected by First Deputy Westbrook for his raid.
Another hotel raided was the Fifth avenue, at Fifth Avenue and Monroe street. This place, it is said, has been so well protected that it has been disturbed but seldom in the last thirty years. The raid was not only a surprise to the clerk and five couples who were arrested, but caused a stir among the policemen when the news became known.
Eight men and women were arrested at 171 North La Salle street. At 163 North La Salle street teen men and women and Paul Celgary, booked as keeper, were taken. The Reed hotel at 102 West Lake street, supplied four men and for women to the patrol wagons.
Capt. Collins said, after the raids:
"I have talked with my men, and have heard that the raiders were working under orders from Mr. Westbrook. I told my men to be on the alert and clean up the district — to get everyone, if possible. I am very glad to get Mr. Westbrook’s assistance in this matter."
Westbrook’s Contention
Wesley H. Westbrook will contend before the civil service commission today that he has been a captain of police for eighteen months, consecutively, and is therefore eligible to take the examination for first deputy on Sept. 20, it is understood. And in doing so he hopes to prove that the argument of Commissioner Joseph Geary, who gave a decision barring him, is hoist by its own petard.
Mr. Westbrook contends that if, under the Geary interpretation, he was a lieutenant while serving as "acting captain" then also he was a captain while serving as "acting first deputy."
Chief Schuettler yesterday repeated his statement that there was no prospect of his being deposed.
Capt Coffin’s View
Capt. Perry B. Coffin, now connected with the board of education, and know as a man "close up" to Mayor Thompson, not knowing of Westbrook’s surprise, said:
"The civil service law is apparently being followed in every respect. First Deputy Westbrook has held his place as a sixty day appointee. Now an examination has been called to select an eligible list, and if the chief asks, or already has asked, the board to certify to him the names of those who can legally be appointed he will have to select on the first three men on the list, and, of course, after this man is appointed, the chief could not return to his position.
