them has, in one or two instances, had much more effect with the deserter than the threat of a prison sentence.”  “Probation works very well and occasionally a prison sentence; but probation is better.”  These statements come from cities where probation work is well organized.  From another city where the probation officers are notoriously overworked, comes a pessimistic note:  “The theory of probation is fine, but the practice is poor because the officers have entirely too much to do.”

Probation is simply case work with the added “punch” of the law behind it; so that when it is at all well done it should have the more lasting results.  Probation officers and other social workers agree, however, that for certain deserters of the complacent type, an unexpected prison sentence is sometimes a very salutary dash of cold water.

After having tried one or two short absences, ostensibly to look for work and finding that nothing serious happened to him, Andreas Gorokhoff walked out one day and did not come back for five years.  During that time his wife’s relatives and the community’s family agency took care of his family while he led the life of a care-free vagabond.  He was ready upon his return to settle down again for a time; but the family agency and the probation department thought differently, and succeeded in having him sent to state prison for an indeterminate sentence of not more than two years.  He was released on parole for good conduct, returned home, went to work, and, during the four years which have since elapsed, all has gone well.

Good results may, and probably more often do, follow shorter prison sentences.

A man on probation for intemperance, broke it and deserted.  On account of the children’s keen feeling about the consequent disgrace, the wife made no move until urged thereto by the social worker interested.  Her husband was then arrested in a nearby city and brought back, much surprised at the firm stand his wife had taken.  He was sentenced to four months, served two, and was released on parole.  Since his return he has not been drinking and has been contributing satisfactorily toward the support of his family.

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The first step taken by Harvey Brand when released from the workhouse after a short prison sentence, was to stop in at a furniture store and order a green plush parlor “suit” on the instalment plan.  Harvey had never been conspicuously interested in his home before, and the district secretary and her committee were aghast at this new evidence of his irresponsibility.  The green plush was, however, the outward sign of an inner burgeoning, and it warmed the heart of Mrs. Harvey as nothing else could have done.  From that time, Harvey, with judicious encouragement over a few hard spots, has become a good family man and a regular provider.

The particular problem involved in the treatment of