Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-08-16
ALCOHOLISM AND CRIME.
Hew Dr. hsAnricA Stern, Of New Yerk,
WonlA Deal with tho Criminal
Alooho lla

Judges Of criminals, prison wardens
and the police unanimously ooncede
that at Least 20 par cent of all perpe-
trated grimes are directly or indirect
ly attributable 10 alcoholism. This un-
usually large percentage applies prin-
cipAny 90 such ofsanAss "a the disre-
gard 81 the rights OF others and con-
tempo for law and order. and TO such
crimes Is assault, rape. disturbance
OF domestic peace, granddaughter and
robbery. for to ell OF these the
hahitual drunkArd seems to be par
tuclariy prone. Such misdemeanorA
are frequently committed In . mo-
ment OF passion, hence entirely UMPIRE
msdit&tsd, and so soon az the perpre-
traitor rega3nE his normal senses he Is
SEIZED With remorse- While the sober
man, II IL trus, Il also subject to sud-
den and Violent emotions, he Ia, never
thelesA. by exercise OF his Will power,
able 10 curb end oontrol'the impulsive
and Irrational Dictates OF his passions.
He Is we'll aware OF the consequences
awaiting him upon the preparation Of
crime. and. weighing them In his
mind, viii either abandon his project
or exert his utmost precaution while
executing II. While the sober man Is
master OF his impulses. the drunkard
Is a slave TO his emotions and pas
sions. At the slightest provooation
the inAbrSats may commit an assault
or even manslaughtex. and If an oppor-
tunity Offer itEerf. he may commit
moral delinquencies. "a rape, etc. But
- 4.
the result OF reconciliation or design.
OF al those convicted Of perjury, but
26 per cen& or 81 per cent. are addicted
30 alcohol, for pe<try IS based on
some subtle motive-eather love of
money or thu endeaRor 30 save another
from ponishment-tn fact. motives
originating only in the uAclouded mind
OF the sober. Furthermore, amongst
incendisries we find bat IS per cent.
are ALCOHOLICS. for Hrson Is premedi-
tated and usually exeSnted with dis
tinct purpos@in viev.
Aicehoi hAhdtuaRy used affects prin-
cipally the brain ana nervous system.
which lose their DoEu,aI degree Of re-
Sistancet their vitAyssy and healthy
activity are reduced. end general de-
terioraAnp of bEein and nerve sub
stance 81 The lnsVi4abks result. Mere
remote consequences ere general re-
Progression OF iatsllast, debased stand
ard OF morality. and complete or pan
tial ioAG OF wiz power. We need not
descend 20 The confirmed drHnkard to
find evidence OF general deterioration.
Even In the NADER form Of habitual
n la ArrA "a
tfons. Pho Asbitual alcoholic shows
signs OF prema&urs dsteriora&ADns his
! mind Il more or hssa inactive, his gen
eral besrAng s. un&aguiaed. his seuti-
men+s are mare vulgar. and his sense
| OF truthfulnAsS - deficient. Hia stand
ard of mOrAls - lowered. his love OF
family gOsduSlty- dSeatnes. and an In,
difference "a 90 ne .&otupe OF his off
spring becomes HppsrHAt Further
more, As develops Vssder and british
| afEeetSooa becomes kTibable, Jealous
and peov1sA. and oosGnately adheres
to his p~eeoDcefVSd tFrattonAl ideas
and notions. The ''oonbomieTy and con-
| gen&aIAy OF certain dFinkors Is virtual.
~ bat a spocles OF indifference, bat one
OF the pcOtean nEAnkeststiOOs ot
chsonAc sdcoholA2m. - "
TIE surS>s aOmpstAA~A
esTsnger-YOs ssSft tispe 4snSt1nWs
here. ooyou9 =.
WeS4sTneT-Hnax N the ease .ot bad
eharacteeA- WhSa q t0Aely good Ofta-
Esn geSs srNSsted toc snythipg, we al
ways -Iet tho law ts&an tts eocSee.
~~Fh@Afn eSoouraaAzaQ"
Yea Jon see s1 arsfAes jury oeaea-
w~ys be'depended unnn 20 hASg goSd
at.ee H. y So p sAaa"s.-R. Il
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