The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1911-08-17
Kansas Judge Explains
Penalty Pronounced
on Woman
IS IMMORAL
Court is Incensed by Her Evil
Influence Over Young
Boys

lola, Kas.=Gndcrneath the con-
trovcrsy between Police judge Smclt-
ger and the city commissioners as to
the proper punishment to be metcd
out to a woman who has been found
. guilty OF an aggravated offense
against society, lies the firm convic-
ton of the court that only such dras-
tic measures is he advocates will
solve the problem of social evil.
Judge Shelter is IL stern, radical
churchman, who frowns upon evil
alike in men and women This is
why he decrced that Mrs. Ella Reese
should don bloomers and serve time
on a rock pile.
He believes sentiment prevents the
influence the law should have. He
cannot conveive how a bad woman is
any better than a bad man and he
is convinced that until women arc
made to understand that they must
suffer penalties as rigorous as those
imposed upon men, no effective in
strument will be found to drive from
society t%rcacherous influences.
Ought to he IL Felony, the Judge Says
Mrs. Ella Reese was arrested by a
policeman on a charge of immoral
conduct. 1t was found that she had
been guilty OF illegal association with
young men whom, it appeared from
statements of witnesses, she had lur-
ed to her home. This was the fea-
turel that aroused the wrath of the
court. Viewing the case from a So
Geological standpoint the judge said
he was convinced that the defendant
had committed a crime which should
be a felony as it would be in case ii
had been committed by a man.
IF | had MY way" said he. in
passing sentence, 81 would send the
denfendant to the ~penitentiary,
where crimes similar to the one OF
which the prisoner stands convicted
are atoned. believe it is the only
solution of the social evil. They
said prohibition would not prohibit in
Kansas. For. awhile it didn't, but
since the law declaring the second
violation of the prohibitory statute to
be a felony was passed, ~bootleggels
are mighty scarce. 1t means now
that persistent law violation brings
a state prison term instead of a few
idle months in Jail.
"Tht court did not intend to en-
ploy cruel measures in Furnishing her,
but she is strong, and vigorous, able
to pay the penalty she deserves.
Shall sentiment excuse herr"
They Denouncc and Commend.
Mrs. Reese remained in Jail today
and no effort was made to take her
out to work on the streets. The town
is all excited about her case. Judge
Schneider is bitterly assaulted by
some who demand that he resign his
office. On the other hand many COM
mend his position. He was much
encouraged today by receipts Of a
letter from Maj. John NJ. Laing of
Kansas City, Mo-, in which the let
ter cites an almost similar case
which took place in Leavenworth
some years ago and in which the
public at first revolted and finally
commended the judge.
Begged by several sympathizers Of
the prisoner to issue a parole this
morning, the court refused: II will
absolutely refuse to grant the pris-
oner a parole until she has paid the
penalty for her crime" the court
said: eff the commissioners will not
allow her to work l guess | will be
unable to compel her to do So. But
L can keep her in Jail until she real
ICES that this law is for women as
we'll as men. l will not back down.
from,the stand | have taken" nj
Is ner unfortunate case the place
to start a radical reform by apply
ing unusual and harsh measures, it
is asked. The town divides. itself
when this question is answered, but
it is evident from the sentiment that.
Mrs. Reese will not be permitted to
go to work, on the streets. The case
may be compromised by sending the
prisoner to scrub the halls, floors and
windows of city buildings, but the
revolution which has started pre-
cludes the possibility of bloomers
and the rockpile.
?. 100 WANT TO