The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1906-07-05


There are some things that puzzle a
fellow who has been taught to regard
the oath or an obligation as a sacred
thing. The other day 1 was in the Ju-
venile Court for brief period. and dur
ing that time the oath was admins
tered to seven juveniles. Five of them
were ordered to hold up their hands
and take the oath at the same time.
1.-THE OATH" Now, the man who was
1t pronouncing in all prOba
ed in his sleep. through his sombrero-
any old way but an ineligible one. The
words OF what should be a solemn thing
were ratified off In q monotone under
tone, with absolutely no infection and
less meaning. One Of the youngsters
said when he dropped his hand when
the rest did. Gee. but can't that man
talk fast? What'ell was he a sayin' Off :?
Wat was we a-doin' of 1t for?" Now.
then, what good is an oath to a kid like
that when he doesn't even know what
has been said to him? 1t is a roaring
farce. 1t is criminal thing, because
he is expected to tell the truth, the
whole truth. and nothing but the truth.
SO help me, God" Now. suppose he
doesn't tell the whole truth? Suppose
he doesn't tell the truth at all? Sup
pose he stands there and simply lies
Can he be held responsible? He has
not heard, and so. Of course. has not
understood the nature Of the thing he
was holding up his hand for, and hear
ing the words so irreverently pron0unc-
ed. they have made no impression on
him at all. This sloppy don't-care-a-
continental OF administer
ing the oath Is common in all courts
from highest to the lowest, and isn't
worth shucks as q binding obligation.
That Is the opinion of this writer.
Think OF refusing a seat at the Presi-
dents table because you simply will not
conform to society rules and wear a
dress suit.
John Willis, OF Glasgow. Mont, was
invited by the President the other day
to take dinner with him. Willis de-
did not have dress suit.
"Oh, that needn't worry you at all, ;"
insisted the President.
"It makes lots OF difference, Mr.. Pres
ident," answered Willis. 81 know what's
proper even II don't always do the
right thing. Besides. I don't like dress
suits"
BILE Il you came In buckskin trousers"
was the cordial response Of the Presi-
dent.
I'm sure that's true" went on Will
lis. "but guess Til eat at the downtown
hashery where I'm bunking"
Willis and the President ranched to-
gether years ago and grew to be fond
of each other. ..
Thomas e. Waggaman is dead II he
had died three years ago he would have
died rich man. respected and loved
by thousands of people. but more espe-
cially by the poor. He lived three years
too long. Financial losses overlook him,
and then 1t was found that he had lived
systematic lie SO far as his wealth was
concerned, and that he had taken in
trust many many hundreds Of thousands
OF dollars from poor working women,
giving them no security but his word,
which up to that time had been un-
questioned, and when the break came
he had beggared them. 1t was one of
the most pitiful stories Of modern days.
He had been a trusted member of the
Catholic Cathedral Board, and had man
aged to make way with many thousands
of dollars Of the money to the extent Of
Gripping the work Of that vast institu-
ton. He had also got hold Of funds of
many Catholic schools and charities, for
he was trusted by everybody. and these
funds disappeared In the general wreck
These Catholic institutions got most of
their money back, however, but the
poor wash women, women who do jani-
tor work. who sell newspapers and who
live by the hard labor of the hands lost
their little hundred or two, and never
got 1t back. In some way Waggaman
did not happen to be pushed very hard
as criminal. and was permitted to go