Show i I Too Tod Many Crimes 4 jl i 4 o- o UT UTAH AH during recent months has had more than her share of criminality involving offenses against womanhood Perhaps the trend will never be adequately explained but this does not require us to accept it com corn Ever since the end of the World war we have been warned against the dangers of f waning morals We were told that a period of license was at hand Prohibition automobiles and in turn haver have r been blamed for a disgraceful turn in morality Argument has waxed warm and keen as to whether the trend was general or confined to isolated cases none of which has helped us to a safe and sane conclusion Nevertheless the facts facts' cannot be ignored and these facts in Utah seem to reflect an increase in this particular type df of crime It Itis Itis Itis is not to be explained a away way by psychology despite th the fact psychology frequently attempts attempts at at- attempts at- at tempts to justify what we cannot explain There is only one way to meet the situation and that is by a determination to punish the offense in the measure of its seriousness Hardly a week passes but what complaints are made to the police authorities concerning the mistreatment of girls and young women by chance companions of the opposite sex Fundamentally of course the victims are to be blamed for laxity in making acquaintances acquaintances acquaint acquaint- ances and choosing their companions But even this delinquency does not justify the crimes which have been charged against men in this community We read of girls girls' being invited on automobile rid rides s only to find themselves taken to lonely spots where they are brutally attacked A young woman re recently recently recently re- re reported that she had been lured to a rooming house by a man who had promised her employment She complained that she was kept prisoner for days aga against her will willand willand and mistreated time and time again Irrespective of the psychological reasons for this condition society must deal harshly with the offense The s seriousness of the offense of of- offense is impressed upon our minds minds' annually when reports of mob law are compiled The negro resorting to this crime particularly in the southern states has no defense He can hardly command a fair and impartial trial Certainly the color line does not mitigate the offense and if the law is to maintain its dignity suppressing suppressing- mob temper and injustice tice it must punish this crime severely If I womanhood cannot command the protection of oJ- the courts and the respect of manhood in general we cannot hope hone to o escape disaster t I |