The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1919-10-24
CRIME RESPONSIBILITY.

CklME N6SFONSAb1All I.
In spite OF an unprecedented wage
scale, in spite of the inability of emf
ployers to obtain sufficient help to
properly conduct their business, in
spite of the greatest era of good
times" that America has ever en-
joyed, never has there been greater
tendency toward crime. Mobs in
Washington, Omaha, Chicago and
even smaller cities and country ham
lets in the southern states, wantonly
destroying life and property, utterly
disregarding law and order, with
nothing but the lust to destroy upon
them; these are but exaggerated
symptoms of national disease.
Perhaps there is nothing unexpect-
ed in the situation. Every war of
American history has preceded a
wave of crime, which usually culmin-
ated in the organization Of master
criminal craftsmen bands. Not in
frequently, instruction and open de-
fiance to the federal government came
as the peak Of such activities.
So far, this year has proven dupli-
cation Of the historical fact that war
somehow stimulates that latent disre-
gard for regulation that so many per-
sons, in spite Of the civilized veneer,
possess. And we are today, here in
idaho, Canyon county and Caldwell,
experiencing an example of that ma
tionwide wave of crime In Bannock
county, we understand. 6s criminal
cases are on the court docket. Crimi-
nal violations Of the law have aver
aged one day there.
Here the situation is not Iruch bet
ter People are calloused to the
thought of death A murder is moth
ing. We have been thinking of or
ganized, systematic destruction of life
for years in terms of hundreds OF
thousands. The first question which
arises to the casual nearer when in
formed that murder has been per-
petated is somewhat of disappoint-
ment when Informed that only one per-
son had been killed. That, he feels
is mere trifle. not even worthy OF
Z mention.
- tits exactly that sentiment which
makes It possible to conrplacently
consider THE daily reports of crimes
as they are recorded in. the press
Rarely, if ever, do the. present law vio-
lators act through ignorance OF
thcughtlessness. Every crime appears
to be sponsored by a violation OF. the
laws of restraint. is ordinarily well
thought out. and apparently the work
of some one who wilfuily commits the
deed possessing full knowledge Of the
gravity OF his offense.
Something surely must be done
One thing is apparent even to the
most casual observer; crimes that arc
committed are largely the product Of
hands whose brain is not trained to
the duties and responsibilities OF citi-
zcnship. And the problem touches
many home in Caldwell If you
conservative business man, afflueni
citizen. whose property is leopard
lied by crime prevalence. doubt; take
time some evening-any .evening-to
look into Caldwell lounging resort
pool hall. Boys. irresponsible,
young. undereducated, can be found
spending their time and money there
Most OF them are parasites on
parental privilege.
We are not criticising the city. Law
and order are made and enforced by
public opinion. 1t is because you and
I do not care whether those boys
share the associates that they do that
they are permitted to remain there
1t is no secret that many OF them
are under age. But you and are re-
sponsible. Years ago. they faltered
and have not grasped again a firm
handhoid on passing events. Until
we as citizens whose success depends
on law and order, obedience to the
will of the majority. insist that those
boys from whom at least petty crimi-
nails viii undoubtedly be made in a
majority of instances. are given fair
chance. just that long will this fair
country be presented with the crime
problem which circumstances have
made acute today.
naNC RxyUT n yxyETK