Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-03-07
CHANGE THEIR FACES.
Criminals Latest Dodge Is 10 Have
Their Features Attended by n Doc
F'rom the New York WorldD

(Fron the New York WOrldl
Expert crminologists who have made
the stigmata of degeneration their life
study, who can tell to a nicely what pos
sibilties for crime lie behind the mask
on which natures cunning hand has linn
desires. will be presently discounted by
the most amazing obllteration OF all
vicious signs and symbols that ever
translated vice into the outward sembl-
ance of responsibility. Heads of detect
i've bureaus. not only at the police head
quarters of various cities, but in those
private detective agencies which reap
annual harvests from the rich, whose
remarkable memory for known criminals
and perspicuty In the recognition of
guilt under the parade of innocence have
made them the dread of ali offenders.
old and new, will find themselves baffled
by a strange metamorphosis.
Tho next chapter in crminology will be
one of lost Identities. For the up-to-date
malefactor. the crook who takes a genu-
inc pride in his profession, and considers
himself an artist therein no longer takes
elaborate care TO cover his tracks. He
simply changes his face. He does not
resort to manifold DISCUSSES to evade tho
police He goes to a specialist and has
his features made over, and, secure
against detection. clothed in a new per-
sonality, he walks about the streets. his
opportunities for evil-dong multiplied
thousandfold
So steadily and quietly has this work
been carried on, so quickly has the "tip"
been passed, that it would astound the
authorities to learn to what extent the
famous rogues' gallery has been clev-
erly tempered with. Some of its celebri-
ties have completely faded out OF exist
cnce. Others remain only in that pizz-
liry half-likeness which is often more
deceivins than the change entire The
manufacture of new criminals out of the
old has. in fact. become one of the nee
essary tricks of the trade and here in
New York. in well-known establish
ment in the very heart OF the city. where
fashionable woman goes to be beautified.
and malformations or defects are re-
moved by the skilful hand Of science.
many local reputation for house break
ing and picking pockets has been wiped
out in half an hours seance with a lancet
and a syringe.
The doctor sees in the patient only his
case and asks no questions. The deli
cate nature of the operation insures the
strictest privacy. The thief or the badger
game notable has only to assume we'll
iitting garments and exhibit a sufficicncv
Of bank notes to he treated" In luXur-
ious quarters with only the white-capp-
ed nurse who assists the surgeons to
note tho disappearance of one facial trait
and the birth of another, the man or
woman whose photograph down in Null
berry street is damnng evidence OF
guilt is literally given another chance.
Curiously enough II Is the petit Grim
inal who has so far been most alive to
the gain to he hoped for in this exchange
of physical characteristics. Those who
work in crowds or though force OF
methods are for one reason or another
much In the public eye-vlz.. that OF the
police-have proved the most anxious to
lose their looks" The man who blows
up safe or holds up train has less
need. or thinks he has,
Some of them are we'll aware tina: the
surgeon who rearranges their features is
cognizant OF their calling. though the
subject is never mentioned between them.
He has been able to follow the careers of
few, and has learned interesting de-
'alls III 'he lives OF ms clleillS' onc thlc1,
who had done time" at various inter-
walls since his boyhood. In his moments
OF liberty was sport" OF dashing APP
pearance who frequented the race tracks.
In period of affluence he decided to re-
tire. His first investment In a new life
was $40 for the face of virtue, armed
with which he went out TO seek his for
tune In other fields.
Another. like the lesser hero in "A So
cial Highwayman." has become a gen
tleman's "man." And these serve to boil
ster up the doctors theory of natures
revenge for this Interference with her
rights