The young, ambitious Chicago Assistant State’s Attorney
used a note tossed from a brothel window to launch America’s
obsession with white slavery—and his own career.
Edwin Sims
The U.S. District Attorney in Chicago entered the
fray by raiding French brothels in the Levee, and persuaded
the federal government to take action.
James R. Mann
A U.S. Congressman and sponsor of the White Slave
Traffic Act, otherwise known as the “Mann Act.”
john wayman
Chicago's State's Attorney tried to placate both reformers and Levee leaders—and paid the ultimate price.
the Politicians
Clifford Roe
john wayman
Edwin Sims
Mayor Carter Harrison II
Mayor Edward Dunne
Chicago’s Democratic mayor from
1905 to 1907, Dunne faced the public’s growing anxiety about
dance halls, nickel theaters, saloons, and the “social evil.”
Mayor Fred Busse
Dunne’s successor, a Republican who served
from 1907-1911, was sympathetic to saloonkeepers and eager to
stay on good terms with Hinky Dink and Bathhouse John.
Mayor Carter Harrison II
The son of Chicago’s favorite
mayor, Harrison II, a Democrat, succeeded Busse in 1911 and planned to protect the Levee district—a task that proved more difficult than he'd expected.
