The Springdale news., 1906-11-09

vlcted before him of drunkenness and setting them at liberty when they are Willing to sign the pledge This method Of treating drunkards was an experiment when Judge Pollard adopt ed 1t, but in his experience not more than two per cent of the men to whom opportunity to reform has been given In thlS way have violated their promi. seS, and he feels now that it's prac- ticability and success have been proven completely.
 According to the Arena Judge Pol. lard does not allow every man con- victed before him to choose between line or imprisonment and 1 pledge of total abstinence. Such victims of the drink habit as have lost their physical and moral self control to an extent in- dicating complete inability to leave liquor alone, he punlsheS in con- venient way When. however. mao of decent reputation. who has given way to temptation, comes before hIm charged with intoxicatlop. the. judge after conviction imposes a sentence equivalent to heavy fine or a period of imprisonment of considerable length. He then offers printed form of pledge to the prisoner. and if it is signed orders him to report to the court Gnce week during the time it runs.
 If the convicted mans employment makes it difficult for him to report n court hours the judge receives him at lis residence At these meetings the judge gives such advice and encourage ment as he can, endeavoring to awaken the self'reSpect and self confidence of the paroled prisoner When the ex pertinent began many judges, lawyers and policemen laughed at 1t and it's author. Now those who regarded it least hopefully are obliged to admit that good has been done iu many cases by this unusual procedure.
 A case used to illustrate the success rul working of the Pollard plan is that of a teamster who habitually drank up his wages every Saturday night and abused his family regularly. Finally bis wife obtained warrant for him and urged Judge Pollard to SC ntance him 10 prison, saving she would maintain herself and her three children by doing washing. Judge Pollard talked to the man kindly and became convinced that there vas some good in him. With the wfe's consent the man was released on slgn- ing the pledge and promising to fe. port to Judge Pollard weekly At the balance, had paid mortgage on his household goods had been promoted and gave every sign of becoming valuable citizen. He was discharged from his obligation to report to the judge and Is now supporting aud treat ing his family properly. Certainly term in the workhouse would have ac- eomplished no such result h this case. and there have been many like 1t. Judge Pouard is not weak senti- mentaliSt. however. Speaking ., the reformatory method be has adopted he says:
 ''In giving a defendant an oppor- tunity to sign the pledge always lm- pose a suitable fine for his otfense. l let him otf on his promise of good be- havior. with the distinct understand ing that If he drinks again he will have to go to the workhouse. The man who knows he is going to be sent to the rock pile for getting drunk will keep out of the reach of temptation.
 What they need is good, strong moral stimulant. l produce the pledge and give them chance to work out their own reformation. Then 1 back up that pledge with the law created by 100000 people. The chances are that the man who knows the eye ot the court k upon nm wherever he goes will stay at home evenings inste Id of lounging around saloons "
 Judge Pollard adds that virtually the man is enjoined from getting drunk. Government by injunction appears to have some virtues The conventional punishments for minor offenses are often illogical, and fre- quently do more harm than good.
 The Pollard plan is worthy of the attention of magistrates and judges in the inferior criminal courts, who frequently have hard work to make the penalty it the crime. -Editoral in the New York Sun, July l5, l906. Sells More of Chamberlain, Cough
 Remedy than Of Ali Others