The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1899-12-21

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the same class of criminals, allowing a
sufficient ratio per population in the
various institutions, we find that, in
these three districts, North, East and
West, that per cent of the criminal
population are total illiterates; % per
cent have had from one to three years
OF schooling; 60 per cent have had a
good common education; 8 per cent
have had a liberal education, while the
remaining 2 per cent are composed of
men with rare intellectual abilities.
But, should we add the criminal popu-
lation of the Southern states, the per-
centage of illiteracy jumps up to 20
per cent, thus causing our other de.
ductions to fluctuate accordingly.
Now the question is, il all men and
women had liberal education, would
it not reduce the amount of crime and
criminals proportionately [ think
not, for two good and substantial
reasons. First, no man or woman is
too ignorant not to know right from
wrong, an instinct inculcated from
infancy Secondly, the number of
criminals with limited amount of
education exceeds the ignorant class
two to one. So it will be seen that
education does not affect the so, called
criminal instinct materially. OF course
L do not oppose education; l would
hesitate twice before placing myself
on record against education in any
sense of the word, and only natural
born fool would do such a thing as to
oppose education. But what 1 do
assert is, that every man, woman and
child were educated, the so-called Grim
inal class would take advantage of it's
(education) opportunities and advan-
tages to bring crime to a scientific
standpoint, thereby making detection
almost impossible.
Experience has shown that there is
more crime committed behind the garb
of education, then there is behind the
rags of ignorance. Experience has
also shown that the amount of de-
lection and conviction in educated
criminals, forms only one per cent; the
other ninety-nine being the victims of
their own inability to defend them
selves. At the time of trial, or from a
lack of intellect to plan successful
crime, making detection as certain as
night follows day.
My criticism of this educational
theory would not be complete did I
fail to point out some practical as we'll
as authentic test This [ shall now
endeavor to do. Arthur Biglow has
just graduated from one of our lead
ing Universities. His father wishes
him to become fnancier, and looks
about for some reputable financial in
stitution that will insure the best re-
suits. Arthur has always born an
honorable name among his fellow men,
His character is above reproach, free
from all evil influences, and above all,
a good Christian. His father has
found an opening for his son in the
banking house OF an old friend. But
his old friend, the banker, has stipu-
lated certain conditions under which
he would accept the services of his son,
and these were, that his son Arthur be
placed under surety of $4,000, as the
position he was to Gil was a response
} BILE one. Why this surety when every
one knows that the young man is
known to be honorable and with rare
intellectual abilities?
What is true of Arthur Biglow, is
true today of hundreds of thousands
of bright and intelligent men and
women in this and other countries, and
the reason is plain. Education is the
strength of mans will-power as long
as he can say yes or no when occasion
demands; but the moment temptation