After diagnosis of the deficient cases, the next natural step is that of observation. Our observation, covering only a short time and therefore not very dependable, and perhaps of only slight suggestive value, has shown that these mentally deficient delinquents, while under discipline, seem to be inclined to commit only offenses that may be called neglects, and not offenses that are vicious in character, unless some one of a stronger mind has inspired the more vicious deed. The great number of their failures are failures of omission, due to lack of apprehension. They fall below the standard because their minds are below it. It is also most apparent that there is need of a special method of treatment of the delinquent who is defective. There should be a separation of him from the normal. His mind is slow. He does not grasp instruction as quickly as the normal, and to subject him to the same standards under the same rules is inhumane. In discipline he is seriously interfered with by those who are bright and yet wilful, and who make him the butt of their jest. He cannot be taught the same subjects that can be taught to the average mind. It is a waste of time to undertake to teach him more than the simplest rudiments of the lower grammar grades. In work he is most successful in that which is purely methodical, in which there is little intelligence and initiative required. He can rise very little above the laborer, and to expect him to be a real mechanic or to try to train him for such will only mean failure, and the reformatory system that recognizes these limitations will certainly be most apt to succeed. The reformatory needs to be most discriminating in dealing with this class when they are dismissed. The character and influences of the place to which they are paroled is a vital matter. These delinquents amid evil surroundings, or in the hands or under the influence of unscrupulous people are most dangerous. Unhesitatingly and almost without knowing it, they become the tool of the vicious. They are like the weather vane, which sways instantly in the direction of the power that is exerted upon it. The best people, those who are interested in helping the unfortunate and who will seek to carry on through the years the work which the institution has but begun, ought to be sought to help them when these individuals are dismissed from the institution. If this class is wisely dealt with, a percentage of this by-product of humanity, large enough to make it worth while, will be changed from mere animal things into individuals of value in the world. CHICAGO’S VICE COMMISSION [EDITORIAL REPRINTED FROM NEW YORK EVENING POST, APRIL 10] [During the first week of April a remarkable report was issued by the Chicago Vice Commission. The editorial of the New York Evening Post of April 10th on the Chicago report merits reproduction in full.]