The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-02
HAS SPANK ANNEX
New York Juvenile Judge Tries
q New Plan.
Spankitorium Is Equipped With
Rulers and Straps. =
MOTHERS In SERVICE.
They DO Not Spare the Rod I'm
der Judicial Direction.
Judge Olmsted Thinks His In
nOvatiOn a Success.
MOTHERS In SERVICE.


No. 1 became an integral part of the
sted. who invented this new branch of
special sessions, ordered it shifted
from an obscure corner OF hallway
to room of its own. and gave direc-
tions that it should be adorned in be-
coming style. Two smart tables were
moved into it and several sturdy
chairs capable of withstanding any
strain were placed in strategic points.
Light and airy is Spankitorium No.
1. Its ceiling is high and its dimen-
sions, which are Is by 20 feet, give
abundant space for maneuvering.
Plain to the point Of severity are it's
furnishings, and not even the furni-
ture is padded. In one corner is a
square top desk. while the central
ornament is a long, shiny table. There
are straps and rulers lurking about,
but they are deftly concealed until
the time arrives for putting them into
commission.
Use Able Epstein in Test.
Able Epstein was the first offender
to test the new spankitorium. He had
been caught by a policeman at a NOV
ing picture show with his fingers,
which are very light, in suspicious
proximity to the pockets of several
frequenters Of the place.
The policeman who apprehended
Able was not prepared to prove
case of pocket-picking against him,
but he was of the opinion that the
boy ought to be sent out of the zone
of temptation. The mother said Able
was a good son and could have done
no wrong. for surely he was not alb
sent more than half an hour. Able CO.
see the pictures, and that he was ner-
vous and could never keep his fingers
still. anyway.
He always made gestures and NOV
ed about when he was interested. Mrs.
Epstein swayed from side to side in
a transport of grief.
"Only half an hour gone. merciful
judge she cried. Can one so good
become evil in SO short time? The
apple of my eye. Able is the good
son."
Punishment Up to Mother.
Don't tell me that" said the Judge.
.'Abie was seen trying to pick pockets
and he doesn't deny it. Now, II 1 let
him go will you punish him?"
-,
was the answer. I'll keep Able in the
house for two hours sitting on chair"
IF YOU sat in the chair and put Able
over your knees for about five minutes
it would be better. Now. then. will you
be fined or will you spank this boy?
II will spank him."
For what?"
For trying to pick pockets. then. at
the show of the pictures which shine
in the dark" she said.
Able, defiant and scornful, was taken
TO the spankitorium in the room above.
A probation officer kindly laid the
Young offender across his knees and
handed Mrs Epstein a ruler. Maternal
tenderness suddenly vanished, and with
a forceful, If not practiced, hand she
punished Able until the tears flowed in
torrents and his small thin legs writh-
ed In air. He managed to get one hand
free. and got it within range of the
rain of blows only to find that the move
increased his sorrow. Tears coursed In
channels down his cheeks. and his col
lar was high on his neck when Able
once more faced the court. His cries
had drowned out the roar of the eleVa-
ted. and he was still sobbing like the
sea about the Battery wall at low tide.
Job Is Well Done.
"I have punished him we'll" said the
mother. exhibiting the ruler shattered
at the tenth inch
court by obeying the order and you
really ought to pay for 1t, but we VIII
LET that pass" said the magistrate.
now then, Able, for what were you
punished? At.
"Hurts. eh?" remarked the judge.
.sTruly a dutiful mother: Now then,
vhv were you punished, Abraham"
For doing what the detective said
did" was the reply.
,,snted the Judge Now, then, if you
come here on such a charge again you
will go to an institution until you are
grown up
ing an interim, that this new system
will prove efiicacious! r,a,.,,,. 1uda.
O1mstead answered, something of
this kind used to be in ages past
MANY a homely lesson was impaired
by the school of the WOOD sned-
However, this is rather early TO gen.
eralize. The system under us new
euise has been working only two days.
think 1t will be satisfactory. I feel
certain it will be hit. 1
am quite sure, however, that the time
has. passed for the parents of unruly
children to be continually hololng up
this court as a bugaooo.
Tired of Being Bogie Man.
ct am thoroughly treu OF peing the
bogie man. Fathers who have little
or no control over their boys say the
Children's court will get them If they
don't watch out They hold up this
institution as kind of mysterious ter
ror. believing, I suppose, that their
offspring will never get here.
.sIf parents attended to the matter
of discipline a little more on their
own account the calendar of this
court would be brief and simple as
the annals of the poor. Lack of self
control and of force on the part of
parents brings children into the hands
of the police. So I am giving back a
little parental authority now and then.
This is merely declaring a dividend in
which the parents participate. OF
course, 1 do not order them to spank
ol,ildrar,. 1,aaral1r Si1Ucast