New-York tribune., 1910-09-04

lesser offence than that with which he wa
originally charged. The object was, of
course, to secure the shorter sentence in
the event of conviction.
You should talk to the District Attor-
ney about that was the reply of the pro-
/ baton officer. But as soon as the attor-
ney for the defence had done this the Dis
trct Attorney himself went over to con-
suit with the probation officer and to ask
II she were willing that the plea should be-
changed as desired.
This case shows how much Importance is
attached to the recommendations Of the
probation officer, IT also suggests to a
! thoughtful mind that any probation officer
who might be open to money induce.
ments or other emoIuments might readily
enough be persuaded by the attorney or
the friends of a defendant to keep hack
Damaging evidence in order that a light
sentence or an acquttal might be secured
Further evidence of the weight attached
to the probation officers report-when the
officer Is Of the right stamp-was shown
IN the case mentioned. When the attorney
for the defence made his address TO the
jury II was interspersed with references TO
the probation officer in an effort TO dfscredit
FER evidence, and contained among other
statements the insulting innuendo that she
had gone to trouble to collect eyidence
against the defendant because she wished
TO secure notoriety in connection with the
war on the white slave trade" The Jury.
however, were not to be bamboozled by
this sophistry, and brought in a verdict
that will probably give the defendant ten
years, prison sentence.
One can readily see what laughing
stock in the criminal world the probation
system would become if probation officers
failed TO make honest and careful investi-
cations or TO render conscientious reports
The great value Of personal work by the
probation officer is apparent in estrange-
ments between husbands and wives.
Some time ago a young husband of twenty
three, who was trolley car conductor, left
his wife and went 10 live in a furnished
room. She caused his arrest for nom
support and he was ordered by the court TO
pay her a weekly amount. After several
weeks the probation officer went around 10
see the wife, who said her husband had
sent her no money. She had little girl of
two years, and the advent of another child
was imminent. The officer found that the
wife's mother was a member of the family
and believed that her presence had caused
the trouble between husband and wife. He
condition, TO effect q reconciliation. He
said TO the wife: Your husband wants TO
see you. but he doesn't want TO come here.
where your mother is. Tomorrow, at noon,
you go TO his room and he VIII welcome
you. And don't go with a long face. Meet
him half way, and meet him with kiss"
Then he went TO the husband, armed with
an order for commitment. He told the nus
band that unless he gave his wife money
within twenty-four hours he would be COM
mitted 10 the workhouse. Then the hus-
band began to inVeigh against his mother
in-Iaw. WELL" said the probation officer,
''go back to your wife and let your mother
in-law live somewhere else
The husband said he would be glad to IL
his wife would have him. She WILL said
the probation officer, and what is more
she is coming tomorrow to tell you So
You have been married only three years
It isn't so very long ago that you We're
mighty glad TO see that little wife OF
yours whenever you could get the chance.
Maybe you liked TO take her to the park