New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-14
RACK TO THE COUNTY JAIL.

Pleasant and interesting news comes from
Arkansas 1t seems to show that humankind
is looking ND morally In that nelghborhood. and
also throws a CLEAN of light on Arkansas cor
receive Institutions.
IT appears from the dispatch that a day or
two ago four men broke out of the county jail
at Eureka Springs. other men have broken out
OF county jails before. Indeed, 1t always seems
to be about the first thing man thinks OF "he'
ne finds himself shut up in a county jail win
the least weak point in bolt or bar away he nies
with the alacrity Of Master Villon's money 80
the distinction achieved by these four Arkansas
jalbirds must be sought elsewhere
II was early In the evening when they found
themselves free and there was ample time III
which to enlarge their freedom and place them-
selves beyond the reach OF searching jaiiers ana
apprehendng sheriff's posses. But these four
men had not broken out with any such inten-
TONS They knew they owed a debt TO society
and intended to pay IT. But they also felt that
they owed a debt to society in It's more re-
strcted sense, and that too, they felt they
should pay. dance was being given by friends
OF theirs that night and their plan vas to at
tend it, having received invitations and having
no previous engagement for the evening. They
were not the men to violate the rules Of good
society simply because they happened TO he IN
the county Jail. The dictum Of that high au-
thorlty that the first business Of mans
executors Is to that suitable replies are
sent to his dinner invitations was familiar TO
them.
SO these four Mcneil Betten, Virgo War
ner Harry Moak and Henry Anderson-re-
paired to their homes. put on their evening
clothes and went to the dance Shortly after
he
taller. one Ike Marshall discovered their alb
sence Mr. Marshall Immediately became ex-
cited He knew nothing of the social engage
ments Of his charges. nor for that matter. ~
ne 4 man at all conversant with the ways Of
good society. He Is a man who might omit
dinner call, or wear violet when a chrysan-
themum is the thing. So he instantly decided
that they had broken ont simply to escape and
after hastily repairing the hole through which
they had gone. he began vigorous search for
them. This he kept up all night. but to no pur-
pose Several times he passed through the
street where the ball was in progress and noted
the bright lights and caught the intoxicating
strains OF the dance music. but he didn't stop
He would have liked himself to join the merry
dancers, but duty would not allow him; be-
sides he had not been invited. This Is what
comes OF holding public office and having lot
"of miserable scoundrels IN your charge" he
said TO himself as he hurried on and asked
policeman on the corner II he had seen any
thing Of his men.
At daybreak the jaier was back at his jail.
tired out and discouraged. What was his sur
prise to see the four men approaching They
greeted him cheery, and asked II breakfast
was ready. He Disguised, and told them.
in the words OF the dispatch. that after the
way they had acted they could stay out" Then
he went inside and slammed the door But
they were not the men to be kept from doing
what was right. especially by man socially
their inferior. They held a short consultation.
decided which way duty lay and then forced
their way back into jail again Mr. Marshall
spoke his mind freely as he locked them in their
cells. but all to no purpose.
All OF which as We remarked in the first
place, is encouraging. II shows that men can
break out of Jail for other than the base pur-
pose OF escaping the penalty of their trans
gressions. and also that the civilizing influence
Of a nicer regard for social amenities Is maxi
ing more progress In Arkansas than many have
suspected.