Letter from William R. Nicholson, Secretary of The Law Enforcement League of Philadelphia, Regarding President Hoover’s Stance Against Hero Worship of Gangsters

The Law Enforcement League of Philadelphia OCT. RECEIVED THE WHITE HOUSE Wm. R. Nicholson, Jr., Secy. Organized 1921 17th and Glenwood Ave. Philadelphia. Pa, ppt 200 chief Police of October 13, 1931. Hon. Herbert Hoover, Washington, D. C. Dear President Hoover:- May we congratulate you on the courageous message to the people on the question of "Hero Worship of Gangsters". Although this is not appreciated, it rep- resents our greatest danger and if this one thing can be eliminated, the unscrupulous criminal lawyers would be deprived of their greatest power and such legal defenders would be openly charged with the lack of loyalty to the Nation. We are firmly of the belief that you can accomplish this set purpose by further words of guidance on the subject, to the end that a new birth of patriotism will develop and overthrow those bent on destroying all orderly Government. With kindest regards and best wishes, we beg to remain Sincerely yours, THE LAW ENFOR CEMENT LEAGUE, Secretary. October 14, 1931. My dear Mr. Nicholson: This will acknowledge the receipt of your letter of October 13th, which I shall place before the President. Meanwhile, I want to thank you in his behalf for your expression of commendation. Sincerely yours, LAWRENCE RICHEY Secretary to the President. Mr. Wes. R. Nicholson, Jr., Law Enforcement League of Philadelphia, 17th and Glenwood Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. rcr