The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-12-11
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the judge turned on him and sentenced
him 10 a Gong term of Imprisonment in
the jail. On another occasion several
members Of the Washington Junior
League We're present during a Saturday
session of court. They were CONFUSED
with laughter at the odd seriousness OF
the boys a look OF panied surprise
crossed Tire face az the judge. SEEKING
his gavel he promptly demanded that
there be ''order IN the court"
Wholesome Reverence for Law.
There is a most wholesome reverence
for law, for the citizens quickly realize
that there is no trlfiing with its DEGREES.
There is AZ hope that pardon VIII be
forthcoming. The condemned is marched
of TO jail in a most peremptOTy man
ner. and IL the sentence Is the gang,
he soon cons the stripes" and steps OF
10 work for the republic with his broth
er Culprits. Those who are merely con-
demned TO the reformatory do not have
TO wear the stripes" A number OF the
sentences arc for money fines. which are
paid IN the currency of the republic.
The offenses against the law are not
limited 10 what are usually considered
legal offenses in the outside world. An
Offense against good manners is also an
ORense against the laws Of the Repub-
lie. Imagine the crowded condition OF
the Washington Jail If the citizens of
the National Capital were liable for such
Onenses. The Government would be
bankrupt in attempting 10 enforce such
a law. But the laws which provide for
good manners in the Junior Republic
have been prolific OF good results, and
visitors who make a trip TO the small
country community invariably remark on
the behavior OF the boys. Nor is 1t a
case Of good manners when strangers
are present. but the boys are compelled
10 act in a gentlemanly way at all times
or else be arrested and carried to the
jail.
Jail No Joke.
And the Jail is a very real affair Of which
the average citizen cares TO see as little
as possible. Barred windows. shacAles.
and bread and water have brought
many Of them 10 their senses. Any
citizen who Is caught violating the law
is straightway arrested by the police
and marched of 10 JAIL and there re-
until he il brought up for trial the fol-
lowing Saturday.
A case fo- assault recently came up in
court. The evidence was strong against
the prisoner, and he was sentenced 10
a fine of $3.50 or fifteen days IN the
Workhouse.
..wm YOU pay?" asked the judge
Haven't got it," answered the pris-
oner.
Fifteen days" said the Judge.
Next"
As IL CHANGED. the next prisoner on
the list was a little fellow charged with
laziness. and arrested as a vagrant. He
was convicted, and the judge announced;
Il 20 or three days IN the workhouse.
-Ain.t got il" replied the prisoner
with qulvering lips, but bearing up as
bravely as he could
The judge. relenting, said;
Paid Fellow Prisoners Fine.
rs there anyone here who is willing
10 pay the prisoners finer
There was silence in the court room
for a moment. and then the prisoner
who had Just been sentenced TO fifteen
DAYS. drew the money out Of his pocket.
Here Il IS" was all he said
The visitors who were present, de-
clared that any form Of government
that teaches boys such self-sacrihee and
rnanliness Is to be encouraged
Though the boys are arrested by boys,
tried and convicted by other boys. there
is a strong sentiment against tale-bear-
ing, even on the witness stand. One
youngster was arrested for being on
the roof. During the trial the prose
cutting attorney said 10 a witness Did
you see the prisoner on the rOof?''
''Well-e--I saw part OF him. was
the hesitating reply.
The Older Heads.
There IS, OF course. a power behind
the throne, a supreme court, 70 which
a final appeal can be made II the boys
md the problems OF government TOO
tough for them. IL Is a matter Of rec