Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-10-12

of regeneration. This is the man who belong
in the anti-social group. He Is determined to get
even with society. Men of this group have long
criminal records, bad associates, vicious habits.
are lazy, drug addictS or chronic alcoholics.
"A short time ago professional burglar came
up for parole" continued Col. Sears "He had
been an expert burglar; in fact, stood at the ton
OF his profession The only naW in his other
wise perfect record as q burglar was the fact
that he had been caught and had served i've
sentences. He had been caught in the act of
manufacturing burglars tools while sitting IN
a wheel chair during his convalescence from .
serious operation.
Can the State expect much from an indi-
vidual like this?
There is another case recall which might
go to prove the old saying, Once q criminal,
always criminal This case came up some
three or four years ago. when the officials of 9
State requested the officials of another State to
forget detainer warrant which had been
served against man who was serving q term
IN the prison. The letters received included one
from the Governor Of the State where the SEN
tence was being served. The statement was
made that the man, while serving the sentence
mad had change of attitude; that he had
written q considerable amount Of music Of q
lighter vein which had brought him a large
profit. This had been credited to his account I'm
account amounted to many thousands Of dollars.
1t was further stated that on release this
prisoner would be given q position at q very
nigh salary with company producing popular
songs. Despite the fact that the man had q Long
record as q safe cracker and had served a num-
Der OF terms in prison, the board which received
this request was of the opinion that the evil
dence Of his likelihood Of success had been DEM
onstrated and conveniently forgot the detainer
warrant The man was released and assumed
the position offered him.
He had large amount of money from tRae
sale of his music; he had q Job paying him a
very handsome sum, but within six months he
cracked safe In rural community near his
place OF residence. He was clearly an individual
with defective mentality. He had enjoyable work,
was drawing high pay, had thousands of dollars
In the bank or in securities, and vet he went
back to his old trade!
Time and space are lacking to go deeply into
the causes of crime. It Is sufficient to saw that
lack OF respect for law, lack of parental super
vision and discipline in the home and a disre-
gard for the rights of others all play large
part. When we realize that nearly one-half OF
1 per cent Of the population of the United
states Is in prison at some time during the year.
we may gather that the situation is serious.
TT Is perfectly true that crime prevention
should be carried on in the home, the school
and In connection with the Juvenile courts hut
as far as those of us who have custody of this
large army of lawbreakers who have already
been convicted of serious crimes are concerned
we must try to prevent the recurrence of crime
by our treatment and supervision of the pris-
oners. We must also try to learn the reasons
why crime Is committed, and especially the rea-
sons for the recommission of crime.
GIN the old days the question. like marv
others OF the time, was very simply dis
posed OF. The offender was either hanged de-
ported or fined. Under these conditions there
was no prison problem. Modern civilization viii
not tolerate either the hanging or the deporta-
lion. Fines a rule, are unjust as the rich
can pay and the poor cannot
The second method is also simple and that
S to build high walls. supply plenty of guards
md sufficient ammunition, and for the term of
he prisoners confinement he will not trouble
he community. But 90 per cent of the prison.
Frs now committed to prison re-enter society.
no under such plan just mentioned Won NAV
De sure they will be better and more skiIIf,I
burglars, more daring highwaymen and more
Expert safe crackers.
The third and better way is the one which
We are developing in the State of New Jersey.
aeW Jersey CLASHES the prisoner according tn
lis mental, physical and moral characteristics
nth the endeavor to provide training and habits
industry which viii give the individual who
capable OF working and learning a chance b
e-enter society with sufficient skill and ability
cope with those who have made success a
nlngs where he has previously failed "a
(CopyriGht, 1907