Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1888-06-15

possess large wealth and considerable
political influence.
Il suppose they rely upon that firm
old rock of tradition. honor among
thievesP' " said the reporter, inquir-
lngly.
They rely upon their own shrewd-
ness and ability to keep under cover"
was the INSPECTORS retort. and he con-
tinued: Honor among thieves! My
experience has taught me that III re is
no such thing. There is not rs much
real sticking together and considera-
ton for each others Interests
as there is in the ordinary relations
Of life. business and social. l
have never yet met thief in my life
who would not save hin self if posi-
BILE from going TO State prison by be-
traying his associate into confinement.
In the ordinary course of business
there are many persons arrested here
from all walks of life. There are
men among them whose character and
standing in the community have been
good. And l must admit that il it is
possible for them to shield themselves
by duplicating any one elYr. they will
do it very much quicker than a pro-
fessional thief 1t is not a moral
difference by any means. and does not
weaken my first proposition about
honor among thieves. They are all
thieves alike for the purposes of this
argument 1t is simply. I assume,
that they can more readily be brought
to believe that they will benefit them
selves by belraying others. Tho pro-
fessionars different habits of thought.
different education and training have
to be considered. He Is cautious with
the police. He is schooled 10 1t, and
eveN when disposed to try to help
himself by helping them he considers
he step very carefully first"
you have hal some experience
with both classes. I presumeP'
Yes. and l say again that the per
sos who have had II good position in
the community and the respect and con-
fdence of large circle have proved
to me time and again that they will
hasten quicker than an ordinary theft
to protect themselves or try to at the
expense of others. / have seen men
of this kind in this very room cry like
children. with big tears rolling down
their checks. begging to be allowed to
tell about others to save their own
miserable carcasses from the dungeon.
Instances? yes. but without
Names" answered the Inspector to
tentative q ,eslion. There was
financial man brought in here ono, on
a matter of hypothecation in which
two were concerned. He was a big
fellow and had stood well. My nes-
tion' were answered impudently. and
he was of course nom com initial. Isud-
denly turned upon him an told him
what l thought of him in terms that
were none the choicest. and then callel
an officer, to whom 1 said: Lock
that big loafer up. In few hours
he was begging to have me sent for
so that he could tell all he knew.
"Ihe comparison il in the case of
a man arrested for laying down
forged check for So. 900 in Dallas.
Tex. and whom we took on the
description of some India ink marks
on his hand. H. was identified. and
certain of conviction. but it was three
days before he could make up his
mind TO try and help himself by telling
somothing about the others in the job.
When hc found out that he had to go
down South anyhow. and take a
chance of long imprisonment in ore
of those stockade j,ils, he cut his
TIN oat in the ferry-house and died"
AS the Inspector finished this he
suddenly seemed to recall an engage
ment, and apologetically bowed the
reporter ont. N Y Sun