The Washington times., 1907-08-11


1t on April 8. 1906. He is married and
resides in u beautiful home at Chevy
Chase with his wife, who was Miss
Kate Clark and three interesting small
children.
Adult Probation
In speaking OF the proposed adult pro-
baton system, Judge De Lacy said,
For minor criminals the probation Of
ficers Will ascertain whether or not the
accused may reasonably be expected to
reform without punishment II satisfied
that the best interests OF the public
and the accused will be subserved by
placing him upon probation such PRO
baton officer or assistant probation Of
ficer shall recommend the same 10 the
court trying the case. whether It be uae
criminal or the police court. and any
such court in the District may permit
the accused TO be placed upon proba-
ton, upon such terms as Il may deem
best. having regard to the interests OF
the public and his reformation
Each person released upon probation
shall be furnished by the probation Of
ficer with a written statement Of the
terms and conditions OF his release.
These probation officers are not TO
be active members Of the Metropolitan
police. but. so far as necessary IN tho
performance OF their official duties.
shall have all the powers OF police Of
ficers. Their records may at all times
be inspected by the chief OF police or
the District Commissioners
Judge De Lacy's courtroom Is sunny
and cheerful. The Judge talks IN q
quiet tone 10 the witness and every care
graceful as possible. This restores the
tone Of the children's confidence IN
themselves. and they tell their own
stories OF wrongdolng in straight
forward manner, persuaded by the coax
ing attitude Of the Judge that 1t VIII be
best for them. The court officers are
kind. and the children to be tried are
allowed TO play on a big porch at the
/ back before their cases are calico. ana
are not allowed TO hear other cases on
trial. The Judge always insists on tne
parents OF guardians being In court ano
will suspend a case rather than nave
a child appear without feeling that he
/ has friends present TO help him pear
the ordeal.
over the mantel hangs picture OF the
] Madonna and Child, and Il is 10 this
/ al meme
! the children are directed as they sit In
/ the seats Of the accused, listening 10
| The evidence against them That is the
lesson and spirit OF the Juvenile Court,
the mercy Of Christianity administered
/ by a Christian man.
! a family sauabble which bristled with
bricxbats 1hrown at each other by two
rival neighborhood families was edify-
J inr the SPECTATORS the other day. Tho
Principals were an Irate old maid on one
! side and three small frightened chill
dren, who had been throwing things al
/ the unmarried woman on the other' a
! fussv lawyer, with his clustering PO-
lice Court tactics, appeared, but he was
| outgeneraled by the crafty judge, who
was determined to get the children
story from them at first hand
! one small bov. when asked II he had
] helued his big brother. responded: NO
/ l looked over the fence and saw ne was
! getting the best Of IL, so 1 went back
| to picking peas.
The father had been involved IN Ine INC
] Traces and Judge De Lacy promptly
( fip,d him S2G as he said, putting the
blame where It belonged and dismissed
the children. the victims OF their fanliy
pride. which is a very good tning, cnll-
, dren f" he continued, but you must also
remember YOU are citizens, even as
Washington and Lincoln were cltlzehs'
and Il Is the supreme duty OF the state
to preserve peace in the community
I don't olame the children for these
ineghborhood Quarrels as much as l DO
the elders These are little citizens. ano
the Parents. should do nothing TO warp
1 thair young lives. The law Is the pro
lection OF US all, rules ever as all. anG
IL is the law. children, that protects you,
that enables you to sleep peacefully al
nights"
Explains Oath to Children.
Most impressively the Judge admin
listers the oath to children He tells
them the meaning OF it and constantly
reiterates that they must tell the truth
for they cannot break their given oath
Judge De Lacy is the great matrlmon-
ial difficulty adjuster, for under the new
law all non-support cases come under his
Jurisdiction. Many a happy family he
has reunited and he always tries tC
make the angry husband and wife for
get their troubles before they leave
court. Shake and make up" the bailifs
call IT.
He arranges for new rents, provides
for the payment Of alimony, and has