THE VALUE OF CRIME.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1552, 7 September 1905, Page 3

THE VALUE OF CRIME.

'To the Editor Gisborne Timea d

gi r ,_The question frequently asked of late in connection with recent exposures, viz, “ why was Dawson arrested aud not Mr Thos. Morrin 2” is so simple of answer to those acquainted with the justice of the law that it can only emanate from those of country pursuits, who breathe a clearer moral. atmosphere than surrounds the dweller in towns. Dawson’s crime lay m quantity—he did not take enough, for had he kept open honae in a large ana costly establishment at the expense of others for years, had he been trusted and honored in large commercial dealings, his departure would have been regretted and his return unthonght of. Theft in a small way is an offence against law and the community, but to defraud all and sundry to some purpose is permissable, pardonable, and meets the requirements of the law. The penniless tramp who sleepß’in an outbuilding, and takes some trifle to turn into eash for daily need, is a dangerous criminal who must go to gaol, but the known and trusted employee who steals, maybe a horse or money, well l is there not the olemenoy and loophole of the First Offenders Aot? That orime has a value is clear,arid dating baok in the writer’s recollection the Ancklata valuation of crime at any rate has been in favor of the highest tender. [Seve rai prominent names are here given by the writer.! Can anyone fail to perceive that criminal snobbery, pandered to by pernicious legislation, plaoes .the robber of widows, orphans, friends, and the publio generally, on a higher and safer plane than bis poorer brother in orime can occupy. ... ' - I remain, yours, etc., , , W. T. RAYMOND.