Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1911-10-30
JUDGE MCPHERSON TEMPERS JUS.
TlcE WITH MERCY IN SEN.
FENCING YOUNG GIRL.
SCORES HER EMPLOYER
FOR sMA.LNEss OF WAGES
Girl Convicted Of Embszzsrsnt Of
Postoffice Funds - Had Charge Of
Mails at Hooking and Received $3.50
Per Week - Small Wage Caused
Girls Downfall.

Ottumwa, Oct 30.-Seldom does the
court in the exercise of its functions
inject such touch OF human nature as
aid Judge Smith .IcPhersOn F'riday
evening when he permitted Lucy
Thomas to 90 home with her old moth
er ana allowed her tine TO be maae
raJ able on execution. He not only
made her punishment the minimum
imposed by law, but permitted its pay :
h.enl 10 DE n.aue at tAe convenience OF
as is Us al in Slcn cases.
The Jury in tAe case, hitch during
its hearing created mech interest,
retained 70 the co4rt room and report
ed the verdict Is Eui!ty OF eabez2le-
ment in the sum Of SIS. The court TOOK
occasion to say good word for In
spector John w. " eiburn and compli
mented the officer for his work IN the
case as one Of the best and most eff
Gent officers in the jurisdiction Of the
court. 1t was in addressing himself to
the convicted girl that the court show
ed touch Of human nature that found
ready welcome with those present in
the court room. He stated that the
penalty imposed by the laws was fine
Of a sum equivalent to the amount
taken. and from that to a term of not
exceeding ten years in prison. The
former was made the judgment OF the
court and he took occasion to dwell up
on the temptation. that girls and
young men are subjected to because
manhood is unmindful OF responsible
ties. He said in port:
No Exception to Sex.
I'm the eyes of the law. man and
woman must stand on the same ground
as to their responsibility, but most Of
us will concede greater consideration
for woman and it is but natural. 1t
does seem to me, however, that man is
inclined to disregard his responsibility.
and this case is an instance of 1t. Here
is little girl in poverty, and she has
been operating the postoffice at Hook
ing for the pitiful salary OF $3.50 per
week. not enough to keep her. Now
l do not want to say anything deroga-
tory of that postmaster, but I do not
think that he should ever have been
appointed. He is able to earn enough
each day to pay this girl for running
the postoffice, and he is one of those
who secure an appointment and farm
il out.
L have had many young men, bank
clerks and the like, brought before me
who are victims of the failure Of man
to fulfill his whole responsibility.
These young men handle tens Of thou
sands Of dollars each day and are paid
barely enough TO live on. no,w'thstand-
ing that they have this temptation con-
stantly before them. Such was the case
with this little girl. 1t IS a wonder to
me that more Of our girls do not 60
astray one way or another. because Of
the temptations to which they are sub
jected, and the small pittance paid
them for their work.
Miss Thomas. my judgment is that
you take your mother home or let her
take you home You have your living
to make and I will not make it any
harder for you than it is. II can be
OF any service TO YOU do not hesitate
to ask ne. Your fine will be the sum
you are charged with embezzling and
it's collection will be upon execution
Go home now and try to avoid tempta-
ton"