CRIME IN AMERICA

Hawera Star, Volume L, 27 November 1930, Page 5

CRIME IN AMERICA

PROBLEM OF RACKETEERING

AWAKENING URGED PRESIDENT REVIEWS LAWS (United Press Association —By ‘Electric Telegraph Copyright.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 25. “The report that I arm proposing- to Congress amy extension of tire- 'Federal criminal- laws to cover racketeering is untrue, ’ ’ President Hoover states. ‘Every single 'Stale has ample laws to cover such criminality. ‘‘The "Federal Government is assisting local authorities, to overcome the hideoug gangster and corrupt c jntrol of some Governments, but I have no satisfaction from the reflection that the only way in which this can be done is for the- Federal Government to convict for failing to pay income taxes on the financial l product of crime against the State laws. “What, we need! is a more widespread public awakening to the failure of seme local Governments to protect their citizens from- murder, racketeering and other crimes, and a rallying to the support of- those -who make a courageous battle to clean up these places’ 7 Particular point is given, to the President’s statement by the fact that ClaVifornia vineyardists Who, supported Hoard grants are attempting to distribute grape juice concentrates which -can bo legally fermented within the home, have been threatened by gangsters with death unless they pay tribute, as they are interfering with bootleggers established in business.