The Yakima Herald

While Operator S. S. Purdy, of the depot, was luxuriantly in the soft smiles of the fair ones at a dance at Switzer's hall on Christmas eve some one walked off with a fine beaver overcoat belonging to him. No trace was obtained of it until last Thursday when H. L. McKelvey wired from Spokane that "Speck" McGlothlen was there and had admitted that he stole the coat and sold it, together with other stolen articles, to parties in Tacoma. On telegraphic instructions the chief of police of Spokane arrested young McGlothlen, but Prosecuting Attorney Snyder refused to proceed in the case on the grounds that the prosecution would cost too much and there was no money in the county treasury.
McGlothlen was consequently given his liberty. This is a serious state of affairs as it seems to practically offer immunity from punishment to evil doers.