Those Northern Dens

The íollowing letter has been mailed to prosecuttug attorueys and sheriffs of all upper península counties : Deau Sik - Se ver al inonths lince I received f rom Mr. Mary T. Lathrop of Jackson, Mich., several letters, and afterwards a letter f rom a gentleman at Marquette, re citlng that in the northern península of our state existed a condition of society in certain localitles, not mentioned, that, if true, would be a dark blot upon the fair name of our state. By these letters it was represented that dens of iniquity were there being malntained, and that in them were imprisoned young girls and women against their wills ; that innocent girls were oeinjf lured iato them with the promlse of work, and when once inside were being detained for impure and carnal purposes; that in some instauces inmates were subjected to having their heads shaved, so that in case of escape they might be detected and captured ; that bloodhounds were kept for the purpose of chasing them down ; that stockades were built in which to imprison these girls and to more effectually defy the law. The above charges were of such character and were so grave in their nature t nat I mmediately began a searching inqulry to ascertain the basis of the rumors. I repeatedly inquired of those who wrote for any f acts within their possession, and have contlnued f rom such time to the present to Investígate, through private citizens and oJBcers, the truth pr f alsit y of the charges, ut neither f rom tUose who nrst brought to my utteu tion these serious ruuiors, nor iraní auy others have I yet been informed that such thing as alleged existed anywhere in the nortnern península. I iiüw write to you as an oftlcer af your county, asklng that you spare no effort to galn 11 the Information you can as to wbether or not such a condition of affaira oxlsta anywhere within the limlts of your Jurlsdlction. If you are not possessed of f acts capable of proof, can you rive me any credltable rutnors of places, dates, camcs or other data that may serve to throw licht upon the matter ï If such rumors are sensational and without foundation they cannot be too quickly stamped as false, and these slanders removed from the law abiding and law-respectlng people of the northern península. Trusting that you will give this matter your earlv atumtiou, and assuring you that I shall gladly give you all personal and official assistance I command, I awalt your auswer. (Signed)