Arizona republican., 1909-11-29

ing of the only refuge for homeless women within the territory. On the occasion of his last visit here the i'm mates of the home weDt at his de- parture and when he saw Mrs Cole in the east he sent back the message to them that he was still praying for them.
 At the conclusion of Mrs. Coles ad- dress the choir sang "A Little Bit of Love" Mi. Crittenton's favorite song.
 The chairman introduced Chief Jus tice Edward Kent. 10 discuss the sub iect of the relation of the work of the homes and the bench. Judge Kent said in part. that Of the three branches of the government the greater power rests in the courts, though that power cannot he exercised until the machin- cry of the law has first been put in motion nor can the decrees of the courts be enforced unless hacked by public sentiment Many laws on the statute books are dead through lack of puhlic sentiment for their enforcement as for instance the laws against carry ing concealed weapons. Other laws that are not enforced as much as they should be and for the same reason. concern the illicit relations of men and women. The laws themselves are perhaps inadequate, and such laws as We have are not enforced through the ind ference of public sentiment in bri iging actions and through juries which fail % convict But whatever l.a haf whatever the conviction that the laws might be made better. the fact remains that the powers are not exercised and women are not protected as they should be. Ih this emergency such a sheltering retreat as the Crittenton homes is the only thing that can be appealed t0 in their protection. The home is not an institution to help the court, but an institution to do a work the courts should do but fail to do.
 He gave illustrations of the power ful effect of public sentiment when il is aroused as in the case of the move Inent against the white slave traffic at this time It has been found that the laws are insufficient and they are to be strengthened. This. he said. is not so much because the conscience has been quickened against the illicit re- lations of men and women, as be- cause if is form tf vice backed by a power which makes women do things not of their own choosing, a condition that appeals to the chivalry of all good Americans. however lax may be their morals.
 In this connection the judge spoke of the beneficial effect of law passed by the last legislature giving the court the right to suspend sentence where deemed advisable. It is not always advisable for the interests of both the criminal and the community must be considered. but in many cases it might be advisable and this power of dis cernment or common sense. lodged Tn the court he deemed one Of the wisest powers delegated to the court In many cases it might appear that sus- pension Of sentence conditioned on the defendants acceptance of the refuge of the Crittenton home would be most desirable. He also spoke of the merits of the juvenile court which not only, enables a better handling of youthful offenders, but in cases of Offenses against women where children result. recreant fathers may often be brought to at least a measure of justice by en- forced support of those who should be dependent upon them. The most re- grettable handicap is that too often the guilty man cannot be found.
 He spoke of the Crittenton home as not only a good place. but the only