Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-26
NO PICNIC FOR THE POLICEMAN
Holiday JubiIation Means Extra work
for the Bluecoat.

There was not quite as much of the peace
on earth and good will among men In that
portion OF the earth's surface included In
the limits of the city OF Omaha on Christ
mas day as that day of all days demands
1t is not surprising, of course, that there
should be an unusual amount OF petty law
lessness at holiday time, as every man with
tendency toward dissipation, and even
many without such tendency. ceases all re-
straint and takes occasion to go out with
his friends for what he terms a good time,"
which means the taking into the system OF
more of the liquid that cheers than will al.
low him to observe the laws of the land.
with the result that he is fortunate If he
does not spend portion of the Christmas
season behind the bars OF the police sta
ton, where he is given an opportunity to
sober up and later donate a few dollars into
the Golfers of the city's treasury. This is
the annual program for which the police
are on the lookout and make special prep
arations But It is not the plain. happy
drunk that gives the real trouble; he is
merely put away where he can do no harm
to anyone for few hours. The one most
10 be feared and watched for is the one with
the vicious nature, who uses the day and
time as an excuse for riotous action. who
not only drinks to excess. but engages in
quarrels, and carries dangerous weapons
which he uses recklessly, and deals death
or injury TO those around him. and also the
thief-the pickpocket and shoplifter who
ply their trades with increased vigor, iost-
ling among the crowds in the stores and
snatching what they can from the unwary.
These are the ones who are in evidence at
Christmas time as a menace to the publio.
and a source of great trouble to the police.
The season Of 1901 has not been an uu-
usual one for this class, although not a
day has passed or a week during which
ane or more OF these characters was not
nabbed by the officers and placed behind
the bars. Those who figure among the
plfering element are not by any means
always Of the professional class. Some of
them may perhaps never before have
stolen even as much as pin. but the piles
and piles of pretty things al the depart
ment stores which their pocket hooks have
been too slim TO get for them honestly.
have proved too much OF a temptation,
and in an unlucky moment, seeing no one
looking. then have taken something. only
suddenly 10 find themselves asked TO step
this way" and later have a policeman
take them TO the station. They may he
members Of respected famlles-a well
known mother perhaps. who tesrfully and
shamefaced. sends for her husband at his
place OF business To come 10 the station
/ and help secure her release. Fortuna tely
! for them, neither the police nor the news
papers are anxious TO publish their shame
! 10 their friends, and many an act of
/ petit larceny committed by a wife and
! mother thus is never known by any others
/ than the husband and those behind the
/ scenes" Zach Christmas season brings its
: fresh haul OF these amateur thieves, and
also OF professionals.
The police have recovered much stolen
property within the last week and have a
number OF the guilty ones awaiting trial
Christmas day itself was one OF consider
able activity at the Omaha police station
During the twenty-four hours forty-fvs
arrests were made, ranging from plsir
drunks to men charged with cutting Will