The Fight to Clean Up the Shadow of the Church

The long-drawn-out fight in what are known as the Zetler family cases in the municipal court was closed yesterday morning, so far as the lower court is concerned, by decisions by Judge Glasgow in favor of the city. No series of cases was ever fought harder at every turn than these, and the victory is consequently doubly gratifying to City Attorney Winstock and Chief of Police Rogers, who boldly declared that he would not allow the Zetlers to continue their practices under the very shadow of the Plymouth Congregational Church and in respectable neighborhoods. Rose Zetler was convicted twice, Alice Zetler once, and the men, who are the husbands of the women, were convicted each once for living on money earned by her shame. In each case, motions for a new trial and also for arrest of judgment were entered. The arguments came before the court yesterday, and the first motion was disposed of in double-quick time. Judge Glasgow maintained promptly and emphatically that the defendants had no cause to ask for new trials. Then the second question was argued at length. The defense claimed that the complaints were defective in that certain statements as to the title, date, section, etc., of the ordinance under which the complaints were drawn were not set forth. City Attorney Winstock met the points by showing that it was not necessary to embody so much in such cases. Judge Glasgow decided all points in favor of the city, and then proceeded to deal out judgment. Rose Zetler and Alice Zetler were fined $25 and costs each, Solomon Zetler $50 and costs, and Harry Zetler, the husband of Rose, was fined up to $50 and costs.