The Washington herald., 1908-02-09

walks through them, but Just as the gla-
ciers left them when they receded from
their utmost southern limits,
Social reformers are more and more
coming to feel that the prevention of bad
habits and the promotion OF good ones
among those classes which most need
philanthropic help must begin with the
children. You can do nothing better for
the children Of the city than help 10 re-
store In such measure as is possible those
opportunities for enjoying open air and
play, and contact with nature and the de-
light Of free movement, which our ances-
tors enjoyed and by which the character
OF the race was formed.
Judge Lindsey followed Ambassador
Bryce. In introducing the Denver Judge
Mr.. Cooley dwelt upon the good work
done by Judge Lindsey for the children
Of the United States. When Judge Lind
sey arose to speak he received an oya-
ton that lasted nearly a minute. His
address was delivered elOquently and with
much feeling His topic. Fairgrounds III
the prevention Of juvenile delinquency.
gave him the opportunity TO dwell on the
work Of the juvenile courts throughout
the country. The keynote Of his address
was that to abolish criminal tendencies
tive measures should be adopted He
upheld the public playground as one Of
the greatest aids in the prevention Of
juvenile delinquency.
Address by Judge Lindsey.
Judge Lindsey's speech follows in
part:
1t is no longer questioned that the
best method Of fighting crime is to begin
where crime begins, and tlat We must
look for relief through measures that are
preventive rather than punitive The fact
that We have rather followed the reverse
Of this rule in the past is only one of our
Inconsistencies.
In dealing with the problem Of crime
IN youth, we shall make progress lust
in proportion as we appreciate the alb
surdity Of limiting our remedies to the
court, the hangman and the jailer. I
recall some boys brought to my court in
typical kind of case. The troub,e had
started with the most natural thing in
the world. Their desire to play about
some building in course of erection where
men were doing things. and where some
thing was becoming a reality. They
wanted TO do things. too. Since there
vas not much else % DO, they helped
themselves 20 the lumber and the sand
from tie builders pile. The irate builder
appealed TO the police That dignitarv
swooped down upon the terrified culprits
The leader u the gang proceeded to veil
Jigger the bull" while every fellow
scattered. They saw in the policeman
only their enemy.
we do not have to go far to find out
why the boy is constantly guilty Of
lese majesty in his attitude toward the
policeman. When the youngsters are
caught the State Immediately proceeds 10
brand them as criminals. Perhaps the les
son learned was don't get caught next
time. We dealt merely with an effort
in a case like that A court could find
them guilty OF larceny and impose 4 SEN
tence. But did the State have a right 20
stop there? Indeed, should it have wait
Cd to begin there?
L say We rightly share with that boy
the power 10 make his energy construct
i've, rather than destructive. Yet this
merry-hearted lad has had to share ali
ot the responsibility Of a case like that
ask is it faiT-is il just2 The state fre-
Continued on Page 10, Column 4.