Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-07-10
HOW TO TREAT TRAMPs.

What TO do with tramps is one Of the
problems which has been a prolific source
Of theory and suggestion. The rapid in
crease OF the number OF tramps in this
generation is a phenomenon upon which
a vast amount of study has been expend-
ed. Since 1910 this increase has amounted
10 more than 235 per cent. or three times
the rate of the increase OF our population.
II Is manifestly impossible to ascertain
the exact number Of tramps in the United
States, but the last census puts II at IS, SS6.
That census was taken in June 1900. and
the army Of tramps has probably increas-
ed by several thousand since that time.
Prof. John ]. McCook. an eminent stu
dent cf sociology, who has given the sub
ject close study. estimates that tramps
cost the country more than $l1,000,OO0 a
year. while they produce nothing.
Up 70 this time no systematic effort has
been made to reform persons Of this class.
Prof. McCook proposes and argues
strongly in favor of applying to tramps
the system OF enforced occupation under
intelligent and helpful direction that has
been tried with such marked success upon
persons convicted OF misdemeanors.
He adduces figures to show that this
remedy has proved effective In 70 per cent
OF the cases 10 which IL has been applied.
The chances of doing something with
the younger tramps he considers very en-
eouraging in view of the results that have
been accomplished by institutions for the
reform OF youthful law-breakers.
The report of one institution of this
character as to the effects of reformatory
treatment In two hundred and six cases is
as follows:
Twenty-four have kept straight for five
years and over.
Twenty-Five have kept straight for four
and a half to FIVE years.
Fifteen have kept straight from four to
four and a half years.
Twenty-Five have kept straight from
three to three and half years.
Eighteen have kept straight from two
and half TO three years.
Twenty-six have kept straight from one
and a nalf to two years.
Thirty-two have kept straight from one
to one am half years.
Professor McCook considers this a show
ing that holds out strong reason for the
establishment OF reformatories for tramps.
I who should be as susceptible to reforming
influences as the inmates of the reforma-
tory referred TO It. He says:
Here. are tangible results. and It is only
necessary TO multiply 2O6 by $780, the as
certained annual cost of these people for
arrest and maintenance, to show how
important they are in dollars and cents.
A number of the men have found en-
ployment in the place and some of them
have been traced by me with the follow
| ing result: One establishment has seven
| for permanent places as statesmen, por-
l tiers clerks, etc, four of whom were
what I should call downright buns. and
six more for temporary jobs. None have
ever disappointed me- the proprietor says,
and he always sends there whenever he
wants a man. Another establishment
has found them part good and part bad.
/ A third has had a number and none of
them have gone back. On The other hand,
/ two other employers have tried in all
from eighteen to twenty-seven Of them
and found them thoroughly unsatisfac-
tory. This testimony is on the whole,
| corroborative Of the modest claims OF the
/ instftution-much failure. much uncer-
/ tainty but definite success sufficient to
pay for the effort and cost"
Prof. McCook. It will be seen, is not an
/ Ethiopian or an unreasonably optimistic
-eformer.
He takes the sound position that the re-
formatories of youthful reprobates do
quite enough good to Justify their exist
ence and TO encourage the establishment
Of other such institutions.
From the results and probabilities of re-
| tormatories OF this class he reasons that
/ the application Of their principles and
methods TO tramps would have at least
enough promise Of good results TO cause
the making of the experiment..