El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1919-12-31
Crime Waves In America.

THE present crime wave in the United States is undoub
edly the baczwash Of Inasmueh the war re-
Gently ended the largest the world knew it
uray follows that the Of crime resulting from If
VIII be larger than any other crime known
Whatever blessings war may bring tie world it is an
unfortunate IacI that II bungs many curses Not the
least Of them is the crime carnival which usually lasts with
, ebb and flow throughout the readjustment period.
Of course, have crime with all Of the time Ger
tain facts should be remembered though by those who
think the world IS getting forever instead of better
The first Is that population IS increasing rapidly The
second Is that with the growing alertness of gath
fewer and fewer Of crime escape public notice
Crime isn't much product Of moral turpitude as
have been taught to believe Men may be wicked because
they commit crime, but they do not always commit
because they wicked Many a wicked individual has
never GU throat scuttled ship. But he may be
potential criminal
Committing crime, police authorities know is largely
matter Of opportunity and force Of circumstances When
social morale is low ebb, in the wake of war
people hungry people without assurance
Of having hunger satisfied On the other hand many
people have than they had before and spend
lavishy The prodgaty Of those who have plenty tempt
those who haven't much to do things which normally they
would not do.
These are times of tension too People are high strung
With uncertainty prevailing everywhere, people generally
have less regard for consequences hence less regard for
what they do large idle class and large class of drug
contribute to the nationwide spasm Of violence and
lawlessness.
Perhaps, also prohibition was too abruptly established
Admittedly good thing too abrupt application Of the
people VIII learn to do without liquor and feel they
better off But habits Of centuries can't be dropped in
The weaving must be permanent other excesSes
Of them than drinking, viii be resorted TO-
Finally, treatment Of crime and criminals has been
punitive rather than remedial We must learn IN America
to prevent as well as punish.
There Is too much pessimsm in FL Paso There should
be more "suTe Mixes" and fewer "oh, don't knows"
We have tried politicians and have tried college pro
fessos Why not Try business for president once?
The meanest man has been found He pTofiteered in
Christmas trees.
Statistics may be dry but in respect they resemble
a burlesque show Largely matter Of figures.
Those depOrted reds must have had a sony voyage
everybody agreeing With everybody else.
We have lots of Lincoln pennies out 10 LincoIns.
Judging by the number Of people dead from drinking
the stuff something VIII have to be done to conserve the
wood alcohol supply in this country.
One way to "bust" up the new married mems union
here IS for the wives to declare open shop rules
Mexico is said to be suffering from small coin short
age. What's bOtherng is acute scarcity Of things
small coins VIII buy.
To one whose Christmas cigars selected by fei-
iine gver it's easy understand why many swear
IF smoking around New Years.
The poor Mexican soldiers cheer up; Carranza IS
ending his picture to each one Of EN-
ImmOdest Bords admit Of no defence.
For DGnt Of decency Is Uanf Of sense
Earl RosoornHnoa-