Albuquerque morning journal., 1913-04-03
SURGEON OR JUDGE.


Science. more and more. 81 carna
wrong opinions and correcting age.
long defects Gradually we arc com.
Il ms q nnacraiand that much " tho
lcfims for which our falis and penl-
icntlarles are maintained and our rsi-
ioNHss and electric chaifs are brought
into play n0n and then. may be- cured
hy the surgeons knife
I Discussing an article by Dr. Bowers.
The Washington Star aays
IL The snra sunday Magazine a..
lday is au article entitled FOR Judge
or sHffcqnf Hhieh calls for careful
consideration as the suggestion af "a
means ~ solving some phases Of the
crime problem and correcting On.
Wholesome tendencies on TIE part ~
some % the unforiunates Dr how
ers. the author advances the promo.
slilon that in many easos criminal
tendencies Gre the result n abnormal
physical conditions. IN some cases due
70 disease ana in others 10 mechan.
icnl inierferences with the free action
u the brain he instances cases
where surgical xiii has wrought cures
oi apparently hopeless conditions Of
mental deficiency ana also cases N
"ceessful medical treatment produc-
INK complete changes in the moral.
natures ~ individuals. fiis contln.
zion f. that 90 determining the daereo
~ criminal responsibility the courts
should have the ae.istancc ~ rcleni-
ism capable Vt lnlRlne the physical
deieefs " che defendant ana The po..
Hble meana ol their correction In
other words the SURGEON might rem
dcr an important service 10 the state
bf Intervening e. prevent tho anpl-
cation of Che purely punitive phases
u the law
bf. ho0ers' iden i not fantastic
On The contrary Il Is supported ln
urge measure IS known facts ana n
deserves trial IN some form Tor the
purpose Il lesstnlns the heavy
social waale represented ln the seu
fences of imprisonment Imposed anon
Offenders n b person "a physle.ly
deficient IN manner 10 AFFECT the
moral character. it is surely the dutp
of the state 20 seek To- cure rather
than merely 90 punish. Crime az.
eofdlns g pf Rowers. Is 4 symptom
ot d condition that ls possibly subject
~ correction II there Is brain
pressure due a. fracture Of the skult
ana the person becomes thief On "a
p'fomanHe. or develops cruel tenaen
ies the court before which the es..
Y brought whom finally crime baf
7'cn committed should have the ben
.ht e advice ag. specialists who cam
determine lhe deHrco of moral reanon.
Hniiiif nnd perhaps eHoct a cure
Many eaaee ef cfmo are brought
p'iefs our courts which turn In their
Inhl ISSUES upon the question ar in.
'ani'Y undcr The nfos,nf s,atem
nose ISSUES are loft "a jufg of av.
men fefore whom TIE opinions II -.
.h'''d experts are given ln often een.
uH'ns volume and detail There Is mo-
'sHnfaucc Of authority on either sIao
ihe defense hires lis esperts ana th.
prosecution eneasea ita own. ana the
"o sides present dlamotrlealis ap.
'o''d conclusions The star .las often
'FFfd That all such issues shonid be
elerfed g impartial scientific conn
missions named by the court ana ~
'f the opposing interests. Mr Row
'ig suggestion ia along the Same Hne
''"ohHh he goes further Ia his pro.
''sAi ana would have attached 10
very court medical and surgical ~.
''''s qualified 20 pass upon the onss.
l"h Ct physical deficiency In lu ran.
ion 10 moral SHORTCOMINGS ~
hioash Hufh q system mon who ara
'u" sent 70 prison ana boys who are
'Nt to fcfofmatorlcs could De pl..n
medical and surgical treatment esr
''''ns their bodily faults and inns
'7'pfine their neral balance soeie,v
'oula ne hcaw saluer h terms 4,
''tehFlip and order