HOOLIGAN HUNTERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13567, 22 November 1907, Page 7

HOOLIGAN HUNTERS.

The steps taken by the citizens of Paris to rid themselves of the "Apaches," as the murderous hooligans of Paris are called, seem to be pretty thorough, and it will be interesting to see what their result is. The citizen police force is formed somewhat on the lines of the Pinkerton detective force in America, but the members give their service^ for nothing, and will not interfere in industrial struggles. The force consists largely of men who have served in the police or detective forces. They wear a uniform cap and arm badge; and carry, a truncheon, handcuffs, rep volver and lantern. The governing council of the new force has placarded Paris with an appeal to the citizens for assistance in ridding the city of its greatest curse. "We have had enough of' monsters like Soleilland," it says, "and we are tired of lenient judges." Then follow^ the watchwords of the association, which are "neither quarter nor mercy for Apaches and the other ruffians who rob and murder peaceful citizens. They are deserving of but one class of treatment, that which is meted dut to a mad dog." All the citizen , police force are picked men, who will not hesitate to use their weapons when necessary. "MM. les Apaches, take notice ! From to-mor-row it is war to the death between ourselves and yourselves. v We have had enough of you. Take heed in time, and beware how you further provoke reprisals on the part of the citizens. 'Judge Lynch' has a long arm and a stout rope that before to-day has proved an efficacious cure for such bloodthirsty ruffians." Lawyers, politicians, and merchants are actively identifying themselves with the work of the; new force, and subscriptions are coming in from" all classes. ' The Prefect of Police, heartily glad- of assistance in dealing with the cut-throats, has approved of^ the scheme, and the Municipal Council contemplates granting a subsidy to this reflection on the ability of the Paris police to put down disorder. The new association has not come into existence too soon, for the brutality and audacity of 'the Apaches have been steadily increasing. Recently they broke into tlieshop of a small printer, and being disappointed, at the booty, warned him that they would come again, and told him to have more money for $hem. They came, gagged and bound him, smeared his face with corrosive, rifled the safe, and dropped some burning rags Under a wardrobe. The victim managed to wrench himself free and go to a neighbour's. When he returned his house was in ashes.