The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1936-04-09

lined in the foregoing figures, I would
list as a first cause, the break down of
the modern American home. Disre
igarding for the present the factors OF
poor heredity and environment, (Which
factors are r-related) we do find
distinct let down on old fashioned
home teachings and discipline. The av-
erage parent takes his family life too
casually; is not on the job; in far too
many instances, sets his children poor
example, as to sobriety, honesty Of
thought and act, and of respect for law
and order, with the result that the child
has no anchor for his thought or
actions. There is a distinct modern
tendency, also, for parents to pass on
their duties to the school, the church
lin a diminishing way, boys and girl
Scout activities, Y M. c. A. organiza-
tons, ct cetra. Nothing in my judg
ment can take the place of well
ordered, we'll operated home; it has
always been the cradle of good citizen
ship, and doubtless always will be.
Our modern civilization bristles with
Opportunities for degrading the youth
OF the land. The perennial booze ques-
ton is still with us, and in more de-
grading form lin my opinion) than ever
| before. The beer business as operated
now in tbs state is farce; there is no
apparent attempt to enforce even its
regulatory provisions, as was witnessed
within the past month when the at
torney general was overridden IN his
efforts to close up some OF the pest
holes of the state. The old-fashioned
saloon, for men only, was less OF de-
grading influence than our present day
beer-halls that provide for and cater
to women and children The modern
rural dance-hall, with beer in connec-
ton. stands out as the one great con-
tributing cause for incorrigibility
among girls and boys of high school
| age. Local parents who are able to
keep their boys and girls away from
| these places are indeed fortunate.
Police Cooperate Fully.
! The police departments of this dis
trict, including the Great Northern
special officers, have given me the
heartiest cooperation, and working to-
gether we have been able to clean up
all criminal matters attributed to
Juveniles, almost without exception. It
lis our hope, that as a result OF prompt,
thorough investigation, in even the
most trivial cases, much good has been
accomplished 1t is our experience that
boy or girl offender against society,
/ is very much debated hero after
having been caught and questioned.
Such methods as we have used, we
sincerely believe will head-off more
serious crimes later; while successful,
unchecked petty crimes will definitely
lead to more serious attractions OF the
| law later.
| The writer has conscientiously en-
deavored to act in all cases, justly and
decently, recognizing that all these
boys and girls contacted as juveniles,
will in a few years be adults and that
the effect on them will be more or less
permanent The truth Of this state
ment is obvious. / have met dozens OF
middle aged men in these two counties,
who still recall their youthful contacts
with former officer DANES Lang) and
with respect. Looking backward, the
writer can see some results, several
situations have been successfully
handled there have also been some
failures Since this situation prevails
in private life, there is some comfort IN
the thought.
The court, as we'll as the county at
torneys. have furnished the writer much
good advice and council, and looking
backward, even critically, arm unable
to bring to mind a single instance
wherein injustice has been done.
Beyond Lawlessness Lies Chaos.
Since the aim OF any generation is
to promulgate good citizenship, and
thus pass on the torch of the good and
full life, we consider this work of real
significance, taking up as 1t does the
rehabilitation and reconstruction OF
Young lives which, for any or all reas-
ons, have gotten away from the ideal;
and in a humble spirit we approach 1t
and work at it; we rejoice at our ap-
parent successes and are troubled by
Iour failures, but the work must 60 on,
for if any one generation fails to pass
on the ideals and ideas Of good citizen
ship. self government must fail. Any
civilization manifestly lacking in re-
spect for constituted authority, is bound
to fail This idea, of the respect for
and obedience to constituted authority,
lis the ultimate aim of this department,
of the court as we'll as of the state
schools.
Beyond lawlessness lies chaos.
M. r. WOOD,
Chief Probation Officer.