Dr. John H Williamson

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Dr. John H. Williamson
Former Law Enforcement Commissioner, Chicago
His lecture is a combination of eloquence, inspiration and little-known facts connected with the essentials of Americanism

REDPATH



DR. J. H. WILLIAMSON
DR. J. H. WILLIAMSON, well-known Chicago pastor, and former Law Enforcement Commissioner of Chicago, has delved deep into the study of vice and crime.  The evil forces that tend gradually, if not checked, to undermine the best-laid structure of law and government Doctor Williamson describes most vividly in his great lecture, The Making and Breaking of a Nation.

Appointed as special vice investigator of Chicago, Doctor Williamson came into direct contact with the lowest dens of vice in that city.  His life was often threatened.  He has made many startling revelations concerning the inroads of commercialized vice.

Doctor Williamson states in his address that one of the greatest hindrances to law and order is the easy manner in which those charged with various serious offenses are let off in court procedure.

Other great hindrances to law and order, he states, are the lawyers' continuances and the probationing of criminals.

In comparing the crime wave in the United States and in some other countries with which he is familiar, Doctor Williamson says that in the Dominion of Canada and in Great Britain there are very few murders because those committing such crimes are soon apprehended, given swift trial and punishment.

The subject of crime and vice is one of the most vital problems facing America today.  Doctor Williamson discusses this problem with a knowledge based upon long study and investigation.  His conclusions are not superficial or hasty.  He makes a definite practical contribution to this subject.  He will be heard with profit by any American community.




DR. J. H. WILLIAMSON

Typical Comments
From Hon. Samuel A. Ettelson,
Former Corporation Counsel of Chicago:

I am very happy to have an opportunity to certify to my esteem for Doctor Williamson as a man, and my admiration for his ability as an orator.  Doctor Williamson's personality is such as to demand for him the respect and attention of those with whom he comes in contact.  He is one of the best men I have ever met, both from the standpoint of eloquence and high-minded ideals.

Very truly yours,
SAMUEL A. ETTELSON


He held the audience spellbound for nearly two hours.—
EVENING COURIER, Waterloo, Iowa


Dr. John H. Williamson … known from coast to coast as the man with a career and a life's message, in his commencement address not only brought a message to the graduates and the large assembly, but he delivered it in the style of a master of oratory.  He held the rapt attention of his audience throughout with a message of instruction and inspiration.  He impressed all with his honesty and sincerity and as a lecturer of great excellence.—
THE MUNISING (Mich.) NEWS

Rev. J. H. Williamson deeply impressed our people, and we shall always remember the terrific truths which he most fearlessly placed before us.  Old and young agree that his address was easily the best we have ever had on such an occasion.

—JOHN W. CASTO, Governor Dist. 40,
Rotary International





CRIME by Dr. J. H. Williamson
(Reprinted from the Lyceum Magazine)
Yes, Crime is my name.  I am America's most powerful ruler, my power is my glory.  I hold no allegiance with truth and play false to all folks alike.  If you are looking for the chief cause of misery, anguish, suffering and sorrow, these things are my companions.  I know there are other great questions requiring attention, such as Tariff, League of Nations, World Court, Cooperative Farming, Collective Bargaining and Universal Peace, but you leave me unnoticed or superficially considered and I will wreck your Republic and leave you with ruins.

Education is nothing to me—only something by which I sharpen my wits to more success in criminal depredations.  Religion I am a stranger to, wishing no affiliations, rather despising its very existence.  You have temples of worship; I, too, have my edifices in jails, prisons and lunatic asylums.  My worshipers are those whose creed is plunder, rape, murder.  I ask no questions regarding sex, age, or class.  Shoot, stab, poison, destroy any and all who might be in the pathway of ruthlessness, is my slogan.  While honest citizens earn their living by toil, I steal three billion dollars a year, then charge you ten billion dollars a year more to hunt, arrest, and take care of me.  Then, in cooperation with lawyers who are willing to sell ethics for gold, with judges who yield to political pressures, with public officials dishonorable in office, I am able to stalk on the highways of life and freedom to carry on my deadly destructive activities.

Such activities have no end.  I sign no armistice.  When I pass out, the gang continues.  Me and my gang respect no laws—we are organized, strong, powerful, possessing our own code and super-law.  We see much and say little.

Yes, I am Crime—always alert, begetting unrest, creating fears, but the one big thing I fear most of all, I am afraid that good citizens might organize their own numbers, irrespective of sectarian or political differences; for if they ever do, then I am Crime Defeated.  So please do not organize any good citizens—just let them pray, praise and complain.