The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-05-08

gence who had been accustomed to
luxuries would never have worn such
snowy stone as that man had in his
tie. 1t was the essence of ignorance I
know what I'm talking about, for I
have moved in good society in my time.
Q. You seem to possess intelligence
and it seems a pity that a man with
such Intelligence as you possess should
become a common thief A. I was not
the business for the purpose of gaining
an easy living. The first crooked work
I did was in the city of Chicago. I
made considerable money al the bust
ness and always managed to dress neat
ly and for that reason it was an easy
matter for me to carry on my gofes-
sion.
c.. Do you consider it a profession?
A. Why, certainly.
Q. Do you mind telling me how you
work when you're in a crowd? A. For
instance, have this silk-lined overcoat
on my arm and it is very easy mat
ter to shove my overcoat up close to a
person so that my right hand can work
in the persons pocket, while the over
coat shuts off his view.
We'll" said the recorder, you are
certainly a most peculiar fellow. How
ever. I think it would be a good thing
for the community to get rid of you,
SO l will sentence
"One minute" exclaimed the prisoner
raising his right hand, and interrupting
the recorder; Just a minute. l have
something l wish to say before you pass
sentence" a.
We'll, / suppose you wish To-
Just wait a minute" said the prs
oner, again interrupting the recorder.
''Tm not going to appeal to you for
mercy. I've never done that yet md
I've been in good many of than.
When I'm convicted ! generally take
what's coming to me without a MUIR
muir. I've served good many terms
in prison and nobody ever heard me
make any kind of an appeal for lenity.
If man adopts thleving as profes-
sion, he must expect to accept trouble
that he may get into after he goes into
the business. Under the law you are
permitted to sentence me to 10 years
in states prison. 1t is now within your
power to do so. While ] do not appeal
to you for mercy, do wish to say that
I think the penalty prescribed by the
legislature is just about double what
it should be in case like mine. Five
years in states prison. in my judg-
ment, would be about the right pen
atty. Let us look at the facts of the
case. Here is man who violates all
rules of decency by coming out with
an ugly looking big diamond pin. He
evidently was some cheap clerk in an
east side store and he throws right in
the way of the professional thief a
temptation to steal the stone simply
for its commercial value and not for it's
beauty. Do you think it was proper
for that man to wear that diamond Fin
loosely in his tie in that way?''
You evidently believe in socialism,,
said the recorder
No, l don't believe in socialism in
the way that you have reference to it,
replied the prisoner but / do believe
that five years would be about. right
in case of this sort Society would
not be benefited in any way if you i'm
posed a sentence of 10 years upon ne
/ would be the only interested person.
you seem to be "a very bright man."
you think that you could make up your
mind to REFORM"
"A very ridiculous proposition" an
swered the prisoner. Il wish to gay
right here, your honor, that only one
out of about 100 criminals who come
here and tell you that they intend to
reform ever do reform. I don't believe
it's in me to reform, although such q
thing is possible l have known Of
stranger things than that. However, 1
wish to tell the truth. and in telling it
] must say that I really don't think
there is any earthly chance for me to
reform
"I'll sentence you to states prison
for term of five years at hard labor
said the recorder, and the notori GUS
pickpocket was hurried away by Dep
uty Sheriff Daniel Kelly. who took him
to Sing Sing.-New York Sun.