Page:Upbuilders by Lincoln Steffens.djvu/184



No,” the Judge replied, “all they lack is a fair show and — understanding.” And he gave the boys and girls a “show and understanding,” and they showed that they understood. He had to fight the doubts of their elders, but he believes in fighting. “The world needs fighting men,” he teaches. “Every good, great man was a fighter.” So he enlisted the children in his fight for a “decent town of decent kids,” by telling them how he was called foolish for putting faith in “bad kids.” But also he teaches that “a good example and loving service — these are the weapons of peace.” And this, likewise, the kids understood. The difficulty was to make their elders understand, but he was patient, and the children helped him.

A city official of high degree, exasperated by the outrageous depredations of a “gang up his way,” called on the Judge once to send to prison three of the boys that were under arrest.

“ Born criminals, that’s what they are,” said the official, and some of their acts were “burglaries.”

The Judge talked with the boys. He got them to bring in the others, and among them was the son of the official of high degree!

“Your son isn’t a born criminal,” said the Judge, “and neither are the others.”

He sent none of the boys to prison. The Judge