The daily Nome industrial worker., 1917-02-28
PUNITIVE TREATMENT.

belieye in punitive treatment for any offender of a cruel or unusual na- ture. and there are certain acts con- sidered offenses which we would class as very mild infractions Of the moral code indeed. But we think that the protest of the City Attorney at the unusual policy of moderation used towards a certain prisoner Ill the custody of tins city, was exceed inglv well taken and we would very much like to call attention to the influence exercised by such a one to secure not only mitigation Of the sentence. but total dlscharge 1herefrom as well,
 Because the attention Of thls pa per has been called to the fact that such influence has been brought to hear upon this case, it may not pass without comment. We have from time to time noted that when mln- CTS come in froT the creeks, men who worked hard and toiled labor iouslv for every cent, they have, when they indulged not wisely but 100 well. been taken into custody and have had the book thrown at them" without more ado. Fine to imuoyerishment or jailed, there was no mitigation allowed. while the staff of the Fire Department rather than allow them their freedom for a aeetfng minute. packed the meals to them in their cells from the restau- rants. There was no delicate con cern that they be afforded proper access to the fresh air. ana that they be allowed the freedom ot the c.itv while indulging in the uneX- pected courtesy of a morning or an afternoon constitutional. There was none to run to judges and at tornevs to secure moderate punish ments for them, nor were there any 10 show exalted concern when the hand of an infexible law fell heavy upon them.
 II is only when the indecencies ot the life in the restricted district Cb- tain police attention, and they usually obtain that after complaints are sworn, not voluntarily, the cul- prits are the object of official soli- citude and the delicate constitution a subject of careful consideration. Then influence is exerted to eXoner- ate or to pardon; to permit the guilty one to go if he will absent himself a while, to keep the matter out of the papers, and to give these derelict ones as little publicity as possible.
 Nothing shows the scandalous condition of the Nome standards just like this. Any bird of prey in danger secures the potent influence of every corrupting power in the city, and not only mercy but abso- lute perversion of leniency IS sought to prevail.
 Time and time again the restrict ed district has been the cause oi disturbances in the life of Nome which were covered over and hidden under a mesh of excuses which lacked sincerity
 We understand that the city is to plead poverty to rid itself of an un- welcome prisoner. But why then should the city have engaged in the matter at all? If the city is too poor 10 preserve some semblance of de cent conditions within the restricted district. it is al least possible to SC cure the aid of the fedora! ofhclalS The United States Commissioner Court is able to handle snch case in competent manner. and We doubt not the influence that might elsewhere be exercised wcGld ind ,ittle but futility in the federal de- nartments. Moreover, if the city Is unable to endure the expense, why build those cells at all? And if they are the sanitary, healthy and com fortable compartments wbi,h tue city fathers have so designated them why is the two hours a day con- stitutional devoted to physical cul' ture and registration actually ne cessity?
 The Industrial Worker would de- sire to avoid being considered for one minute in favor of treating any person unduly harsly. God knows