The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-05-24
JAIL ONLY REMEDY
FOR AUTO THIEVES

The following article from a recent
issue of the A. 6. NJ. Motorist IS
apropos at this time. The GutomO-
bile thief is becoming a menace all
oUer the country.-AutOnObiLe Ed
tor.
Executive clemency is not so easily
obtained by motor car thieves as it
once was-at least not in Ohio. By
showing no mercy nor clemency to
this class of thieves-as no clemency
nor mercy was shown horse thieves in
the days of yesteryear-it will be pos
sible to instilI such fear in the hearts
Of the professional purloiners" of
automobiles that motor-car thievery
will be reduced to a minimum.
Baltimore and Maryland Judges
could impose sitter sentences than
they have been on those convicted of
stealing motor cars, but it is noted
that the courts are not dealing with
this new class of criminals as lightly
as formerly. When the motor-cal
thief is justly convicted and sentenced
to prison, he should not be shown any
clemency-he should serve his whole
|
example of; this will in the end help
to lessen automobile thievery.
Cite Case As Example.
| Apropos of clemency for this new
elias of criminals, the Ohio Motorist
tells of the case of a man convicted
for stealing an automobile and sent
to the Ohio reformatory. Prominent
politicians. the prosecuting attorney
who convicted the man, and State Of
hcials sought a pardon for this crimi-
nal.
The following letter sent by the
! Ohio State Board of Clemency to the
| prosecuting attorney is historic and
should be published broadcast:
This young man was convicted
of commercial stealing. 1t was
done with cleverness and persis-
tency, purely for profit. His Of
Tense was committed at a time
when the manpower of the nation
was being marshaled for defense,
when every red-blooded chap, old
or young. should have made the
response of a man, when there
was employment, with unusual
compensation, waiting, and en-
\
| blooded law violation at such time
was serious.
Ohio has been bedeviled with
auto stealing. Cleveland has had
| a bitter, costly experience. This
board cannot look upon cleverly
, planned and persistent stealing of
autos as light offenses. The prop
| erty loss is too large, the COM
munity hurt too severe.
) Must Learn His Lesson.
This board is unwilling at this
time to send back men who have
| so fagrantly violated the law.
Men who so violate the rights of.
others must not too easily escape
, a just penalty.
This young man has behaved
well and there is no disposition to
visit vengeance on his head, but
he and others must learn to keep
hands off other peoples property.
When that lesson has been learn
ed, we want the young man TO 60
home and offend no more.
This board makes a sharp dis
tinction between the case of
foolish ioy-riding youngster who
serves fayear and one who steals
for prdtt. Where the lure of speed
tempts an immature chap to ride.
and where no property damage is
done nor profit sought, the mini
zSn1m term with the cautiOnary
esSon and parole supervision oft
efASafs. But there is little to be
ba5dg4n palliation of cunning, re-
peated thefts, purely for profit,
and such offenders may not justly
complain if substantial service is
required before parole is granted.
Protection for the public demands
such service.
With best wishes,
Very truly yours
OHIO BOARD OF CLEMENCY.