The Great Cleanup of Seattle's Vice Districts

Chief of Police Monroe yesterday announced to the assembled police force that it was his desire, and he then and there made it his command, that every gambling house and every house of ill-fame in the city of Seattle should be closed forthwith, and that the disreputable inmates be driven from the city. Lieutenant Templeton and Officer Faucett were detailed to arrest disorderly women, and Lieutenant Bowers and Officers Cave and Long were sent to bring in the gamblers. Up to midnight, nine gamblers and thirty-two women were the only disorderly persons found. The arrested women expressed deep confusion, believing their previous monthly fines were a form of license or immunity. Judge Rivers attempted to clarify that fines were punishments for law violations, not fees for operation, but the women found this concept unheard of. While gambling games were quieted, many illicit establishments remained open, and the anticipated exodus of these women did not occur.