Being apparently broad-minded on the subject, |
the Congressman does not confine his measure to the ;
Aleutians, but he suggests certain islands in Hawaii1
and San Clements off the California coast. How- j
ever, he admits, “I like the Aleutians best because I
the mercury never drops below 12 below zero nor
goes higher than 70." That, indeed, is a high recom
mendation. Even outlaws should be kept at the
right temperature, preferably warm.
But let us quote Congressman Kenney further and
get the full scope of this magnificent picture. He
says:
“Three months after the bill become a law sale
crackers would be raising reindeer and bandits breeding
rabbits. The policing system could be managed with a
few fast boats to prevent escapes. I would not want
the prisoner pioneers to become soft but alter they
had proven their ability to cope with nature in the
raw the Government could let them have a radio
and perhaps a washing machine."
Ah! There is a masterful thought. Just think ol the
slogan possibilities for the underworld: “Doing a rub
] in the Aleutians," or “tuning in for a stretch with
| the bunnies." And yet again, the G-men "measuring
' the boys for a washing machine.” Ben Hecht at his
best never dreamed of such a scheme to bolster, shall
we say, the slanguage.
