Los Angeles herald., 1892-08-30
POVERTY rs A CRIME.
ASKING FOR BREAD AND WORK
MAKES A MAN A CRIMINAL.
That is the Way the Courts Look ut the
Matter-A Recent Case in
Police Court illustrates
the Matter.

well known gentleman of the city,
large property owner and taxpayer,
but man whose sense of justice and
right is not blunted, writes as follows to
the HERALD:
A few days ago the writer had occa-
sion to visit one of the police courts of
this city, and as the court was in ses-
sion, he remained for few minutes to
note the cases on trial. After several
had been passed on and the parties de-
clared guilty or innocent, as pleased the
gentleman presiding, one particular
case came before the court, which is
perhaps worthy OF note by the great
masses having neither real estate
nor money. The prisoner in the
dock was a man about 80
years of age. His appearance indi-
Gated that he had not been favored by
fortune. His worn garments and un-
kept hair did not lead one to believe that
he had ever been bank clerk or the
secretary of Christian Endeavor society.
Perhaps he might be called-after spend
ing night in jail--a hard looking citi-
zen.
Prisoner" said the amiable looking
Judge, fstand up Youare chrrged with
yagrancy. Are you guilty or notguilty."
81 am not guilty." said the alleged
criminal, but the feeble voice did not
suggest any familiarity with beef steaks
or good living. He was only man out
OF luck, and the thin cheeks and broken
down appearance did not indicate that
he was able to make much resistance
against the majesty OF the law of the
state of California.
He had no attorney. Some way the
crowd in the court room got the notion
that more interesting case was on trial,
and pressed forward. "Step back step
back" said the bailiff of the court; lit
is only tramp on trial"
T "Well," said the Judge, "if you plead
mot them guilty, Gail the witnesses, Mr..
| CLERK"
The fret on the stand was the arrest
ing officer. II found this man in East
Los Angeles" said the blue-coated de-
fender of the peace. Il was told he was
begging, and so | brought him in"
II only asked for something to eat and
chance to work, I" suddenly exclaimed
the prisoner.
keep quiet" fro m the guardian OF
the court.
''Call the next Witness" said the
justice, with an impatient air.
The next witness was comfortable
looking citizen of East Los Angeles. II
he ever missed his three mea 8 day, or
even one of them, his appearance did
not indicate it. If the writer may be
allowed to make guess he would say
that the prosecuting witness was at
least a deacon, maybe an elder
in some church. Possibly his rank
is higher. Anyway the witness
ascended the stand with the air of q
citizen who intended to do his whole
duty to his state and his country, and
he even smiled as he gszed on the miser-
able wretch who had asked for food or
work.
s'Tell what you know about the case,
said the Justice.
"Why, this man came to my place
last Tuesday and asked for something
to eat. | saw at once he was tramp,
SO sent for the officer"
SIS that all ?" asked the Justice.
"That is ALL" was the reply of the
prosecuting witness.
Prisoner. have you anything to say ?''
asked the Judge.
"Your honor, | came here from Tu-
lare," said the criminal. II have not
stolen anything, or done anything that
could injure anyone. / only asked this
man for work and something to eat, and
was arrested"
The criminal sat down and the Judge
wrote for at least three minutes. Then he
said: "You are found guilty as
charged; you will appear for sentence
August 29lh."
The sentence will doubtless mean the
chain gang-that peculiar institution of
Los Angeles which makes even New
England, witch its memory of blue laws
and with executions, blush for US.
Robert Burns wrote in poverty cursed
Scotland over 100 years ago:
"See yonder poor, o'erlabored wight,
SO aoject, mean and vile.
Who begs q brother of the earth
To give him leave to toll;
And see his lordly fellow worm,
The poor petition spurn,
Uumindful though O weeping wife
And helpless offspring mourn"
But it has remained for the
state Of California under the ''starry
flag of freedom" to declare it crime to
even ask for the privilege of working.
Is there any wonder that cloud is ris-
ing which bodies no good for existing
conditions, and promises trouble for
those who think their possessions are