Imperial Valley press., 1923-11-27
UTLEY,s PROPOSAL A GOOD ONE

The nronosed move on the part of District Attor-
ney Utley to hold the parents of minor choren lega-
ly responsible for their offspring is new ana stareg
departure that bids fair call forth much comment
here and elsewhere. :.
That it is splendid measure be denied by
none.
The pity of it is that it should be necessary.
That parents are morally responsible for their
childrens welfare is d fact conceded by all.
But the tragic fact remains that many parents OF
this community have far forgotten their Godglven
duty that the stern hand of the law may have to
be used to bring them to their senses
If some parents indifferent to their duty
and what ought to be genuine privilege the Jaw has
it in power to force them to recognize the fact And
that is exactly what Utey plans to do all through the
county. The young folks not being held up to
criticism or being blamed in the matter half much as
their parents 1t is deplorable condition when faith
and mothers will permit their children the use OF
the family and go about their own affairs entirely
indifferent to where those boys and girls spend
ing their leisure time, with whom they associatng
what amusements they seeking.
It is to be hoped that Utley will be invested with
the power he seeks. 1t may help clear up conditions
considerably at the border where minors go
unhampered the line to the dens and hauns of
MeXcall and it will also prevent the youngsters from
attending promiscuous dance halls where liquor is fire.
quently available
In Los Angeles and environs, the authorities are
combating the Child delinquency is
increasing at alarming rate and the juvenile courts
crowded with pathetic cases, growing out of the
axy of parents and the inadequacy of state laws pro-
tecting children.
Mrs. Minnie Barton, probation officer in that city,
in long interview recently points to startling facts
that are rendering juvenile departments almost help
less in coping with the situation.
She points to the almost unbelievable fact that
parents refuse to cooperate with the officials
when their children taken from public dance halls
or found in the act of committing minor offenses.
"They refuse to disclose the age of minors very
often, Mrs. Barton asserts. "They tell US they don't
where their children spend their evenings, and
defy to show them law that gives us the right to
demand information.
The two greatest evils the public dance halls
and the use of the family automobile
In other states there are laws giving the officer
right to demand explanation when parked automobiles
are found along darkened highways with minor occu-
pants. There is such in this state.
Mrs. Barton, who has had IA years experience in
juvenile work, also firmly believes that the parents
are the who should be hailed into court and held
clares that with many the only effective way of
impressing their responsibility upon them is to touch
their pocketbooks.
A ghastly situation this in our fair America when
parenthood can only be aroused when its purse is
troubled.
The menace stalks throughout the country-in
large cities in small hamlets. pessmist might al
most feel that the American home as an institution is
not only totterlng but already lies trampled in the
DUST But saner judgment prevails and we all know
that there countless of thousands homes scattered
and love in these troubous times.
But the prevalence of divorce and the increasing
rapid rate at which live have made the old-fashon-
ed home almost a rarity.
And until mothers and fathers wake I'D TO their
JOB IN all It's fulness and varied requirements we GER
tanly cannot expect the young folks to change the
course of their ways.