Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-10-19

JUDE MacNkILLE that ne VIII De returned
to office for 10-year term, although his
name must go on the ballot in November.
Judge MacNeille has been a member of
the Municipal Court since November Is,
1914. He succeeded Judge James f. German
in the Juvenile Court some months ago. In
that position he has continued the human"
policy laid down by his predecessor, but
he also has worked out even more ad-
vanced theory of caring for child delin-
quents. He has had considerable success
putting his ideas into practice, despite the
all important obstacle that impelled Judge
German to resign-lack of funds.
The Cheaper Way All Around
The basic idea upon which Judge Mac
Nellie works is that it is cheaper to main
tain a large force of probation officers than
il is to support host of institutions for
mischievous boys and girls. Cheaper, too,
because the probation system he plans
II will minimize the number of adult Grim
inals 1t will carry its influence into the
home of the delinquent, make conditions
there what they should be and 80 prevent
the child from going to an institution where
he will learn more about crime than he
would the streets.
Judge MacNeille was born In this city in
1879 His ancestors were Philadelphians in
pre-Revolutionary days. and all his life has
been spent in this city. He was educated
in the public schools and at Central High
and studied law with Robert H. Hinkle He
was admitted to the bar in 1901. and has
been identified with movements of a public
character ever since. When but % years
old he fought the so-called big Four" pack
ing houses as the representative OF Phladel-
phia meat merchants. 1t was as a direct re-
suit of this fight that the Federal Govern
ment took up the case and instituted suits
against the Meat Trust. Most Philade-
phians know Judge MacNeille. however. by
his achievements in the two-year battle with
the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company for
trolley tenders that would afford protection
to human life.
Judge MacNeille went 70 work after spend
ing two years in High School for the simple
reason that he wanted to support himself.
He was in the roofing business. and when
work was slack he delivered circulars. He
also worked at night in a shoe store. and in
these ways saved up enough TO pay for his
legal education. He never found much time
to devote to amusement His only recrea-
ton now is in long walks. in which he has
covered virtually every mile Of the old wind
ing roads that run through the truck farm
sections Of South Philadelphia. He thinks
nothing OF 15-mile jaunt.
Studying His Problems
Since his appointment 10 the Juvenile
Court the Judge has spent most OF his
leisure time in a thorough course OF reading
up on the subject Of juvenile delinquents. He
has fitted up library in the basement OF
his home The Juvenile Court at present is
one of the busiest in the city. and it is
sometimes long after 9 o'clock before Judge
MacNeiile concludes his work there. He is
generally TO be found thereafter down In the
basement library OF his home at 1890 Skunk
street. looking up what other courts have
learned about erring children.
Aside from his desire TO see a real proba-
tion system established In this city. Judge
MaeNellle is an ardent supporter Of the
parental school and q tireless worker FOR
the abolition Of corporal punishment Of chill