In Detroit

Pigs. Last fortnight, Detroiters balloted in a primary to nominate two candidates for mayor (TIME, Oct. 24). The first nominee, by 30,000 votes, was John C. Lodge, politically chaste grand-uncle of Charles Augustus Lindbergh. The second nominee was John W. Smith, Detroit's present mayor.

Last week Mayor Smith & henchmen held a rally. Stated Mayor Smith: "I am Wet and do not believe any sane or sensible person believes the Prohibition Law can be enforced in great cities like Detroit, Chicago and New York. . . . The whole thing is the rankest sort of a joke. . . . The rottenest hypocrisy. . . ."

Henchman A. Rodney Baxter was reported to have cried: "See that your wives, daughters, sweethearts and bartenders get out and vote for him [John W. Smith]." Henchman Baxter later denied having said "bartenders."

Henchman Edward H. Kennedy Jr. was reported to have cried: "It has been estimated that there are 15,000 blind pigs in Detroit. I think that is about correct. Each one of those pigs has at least ten regular customers. If the owners will get after those ten customers that alone will mean 150,000 votes for Johnny Smith--enough to put him over."

Artery Inspection. Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Seymour Lowman and Prohibition Commissioner James M. Doran visited Detroit a few hours after the Smith rally, riding up & down the waterfront on inspection. Said Mr. Lowman:

"The Detroit River offered a situation during the past summer that was considered desperate. By additions to the land and the water forces, however, we have checked almost completely the smuggling activities of bootleggers. And what is true here is true also of the country at large.

"Detroit has been the principal artery for the smuggling of liquor from Canada. . . . Detroit itself is no more or less afflicted . . than any other similar large metropolitan area.

"I paid special attention this afternoon while being shown around and no drunkenness was discernible on the streets. . . ."

September Seizures in Detroit were: 199 cars and trucks; 190 boats; 38 outboard motors; 1,572 kegs of beer; 2,063 cases of whiskey; 30,000 cases of beer--total value for the month $484,105.75.