Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 140, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 June 1914 — Birmingham Will Aid “Spooners” in the Parks [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Birmingham Will Aid “Spooners” in the Parks

BIRMINGHAM, ALA.—AII embargoes heretofore maintained against “spooning” in the public parks of this city have been lifted, and so long as the habit Is confined to legitimate lovemaking, whether it be done in the dark;

or under the shadow of the electrlh lights, there is to be no police Inters ference. . . e ! For several yeavs young men and women have been complaining that their courting privileges were unreasonably restricted, and many protests were lodged with the city commission against the police. Judge A. 0. Lane, commissioner of public justice,‘determined to change the regulations. He declares that the

city will offer every protection and' encouragement to “legitimate spooning” in the parks this summer. By "legitimate spooning” he means lovemaking. Every engaged and courting, couple will be allowed the use of the parks. The police are instructed to watch the parks and see that real lovers! are not interfered with. Orders are given to stop all really questionable, conduct ’ _ Commissioner of Streets and Parke Weatherly says plenty of benches will be provided in the parks. He declares the city has no right to regulate love affairs, and his department of streets and parks will pursue the policy of “hands off” from these delicate and sacred matters.' Mrs. Wilson jfearight, head of the welfare department that protects and assists young girls, believes the pew .policy of protecting lovers is all right . In principle, and she will do her part to help them.