Edict

Into Chicago evenings last week, at ten, a phantom curfew tolled. There was, of course, no actual bell, no iron clapper to send austere waves of sound across the tranquility of the Loop. There was merely an edict--the police were to arrest all children under sixteen years of age whom they found on the streets, unaccompanied by adults, between the hours of 10 p. m. and 6 a. m.

Policemen perspired, berated silently this idea of Police Chief Collins, stopped all suspicious-looking girls and boys. Several arrests, investigated, proved to be married women. Meanwhile, competent Chief Collins read newspaper editorials, smiled, scowled.

The curfew echoes: "Splendid innovation . . . menace to personal liberty more serious than prohibition . . . protection for our daughters . . . a stupid nuisance. . . ."?