Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 February 1906 — SPORT AND CRIME. [ARTICLE]

SPORT AND CRIME.

Cincinnati Enquirer: It would seem, casually considered, that there could be no possible connection between two things so far apart in their natures and purposes as crime and sport. As a matter of fact, they have come in this country to be very closely related, and in repeated, instances the difference between them has become indistinguishable. With all our talk of respect for law we wink at and tolerate its infraction to an extent unknown to any other civilized people. This is especially true in regard to juvenile offenses, on an easy-going theory that boys will be boys, and that anything they may choose to do under the name of sport, though in flagrant disregard of personal and property rights, should be considered mere ebullitions of youthful spirits. They may rob orchards, carry off gates and signs, break up fences for bonfires, deface and destroy school and college property, and if they are caught a reprimand from the teachers, or at most a fine and suspension, is regarded as adequate punishment. The result of this training in criminality makes itself only too manifest, and is what was to be expected when we come to the higher sphere of personal rights. There the transition is easily made from small larceny and destruction of property to serious felonies, like mayhem and homicide, committed in the name of sport, or “just for fun.” The basis of all criminality is lack of consideration for the rights of others, and nowhere is it more evident than in some of the intercollegiate games and in the hazing that still goes on in many institutions.

It has been repeatedly shown beyond question that members of different teams have willfully and dangerously injured and mutilated opponents, in order to win, their violence sometimes resulting in death, carrying with it the guilt of homicide; but so far there has never been a case of prosecution in consequence of violation of law from such base and contemptible motives. In hazing and intiations young men are often equally cruel and reckless, a large gang inflicting indignities and injuries, endangering health and life, upon helpless individuals, in the most cowardly and brutal fashion. Latterly public opinion has been roused on the subject, and there are signs that its effects are being widely felt. The college authorities are discussing the reform of football rules, hazers are being held to some measure of accountability for their acts, and at a leading university a boy who was caught mutilating college property, though not turned over to the law for punishment, was not permitted to graduate. The importance of dealing more severely and adequately with these socalled boyish offenses lies in the fact that if they are tolerated, and to some extent encouraged, on the part of the future citizen at a formative age, it is certain to affect unfavorably the development of his character and bring him to maturity without that reverence for the law and scrupulous regard for the rights of others which lie at the foundation of free institutions. Furthermore, the, nonenforcement of the law against offenders of the educated and well-to-do class cannot fail to be regarded by the masses as favoritism and injustice, and to produce deplorable results.

Young people wanted to learn telegraphy. Railroad and telegraph companies need operators badly. Total cost, six months’ course at our school, tuition (telegraphy and typewriting), board and room, s9l; this can be reduced. Catalogue free. Dodge’s Institute, Monroe St., Valparaiso, Indiana. Just received, 34 rolls carpet and one lot 9x12 feet fancy rugs, at the Chicago Bargain Store.