The Cost of a Stolen Wheel
A newsboy's bicycle is stolen by a man under the influence of drugs, leading to a swift sentence on the chain gang.
James Thomas, who was arrested last night for stealing a wheel from John Watkins, a newsboy, was sentenced this afternoon to serve 30 days on the chain gang. Thomas is said to be a dope fiend, and while under the influence of the drug he took the wheel, which was standing on C street near Ninth, and rode away on it.
“Thomas is said to be a dope fiend, and while under the influence of the drug he took the wheel.”
The mention of a 'dope fiend' and a 30-day chain gang sentence highlights the harsh, punitive approach to addiction and minor property crimes in 1904. It stands in sharp contrast to today's evolving debates about criminal justice reform and the treatment of substance abuse.
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