Litchfield enquirer., 1853-09-08
INFANTS RIGHTS.

We, the inditerS, members of the ln- fant Society, being fully determined on our own account, and in behalf of the ris. ing generation, to cry aloud for reform in the system 0f management tO which we are subjected, both parental and profession al, which is often uncivil and unmedical. h. Therefore in consideration of the fact that we are fOrcibly brought into this existance without being consulted even in regard io our feelings, tastes or wishes, do we set forth, herein, what we claim to he our srights' and resolve, that unless they shall be granted to us it will hereafter be useless to cry peace, peace, for there shall be no peace:
 First--We claim the right to draw from that fountain which Nature has pro- vided tor our sUsienance, and which is con- ceded to be the only source fr0m which we { can derive the materials for vigorous growth. The too common practice of cut ting off our supplies from ihis source 10 avoid the necessity of attendance on our wants, we regard as unworthy Christian mother, and inhuman.
 Second We earnestly protest against the partialty exhibited by our mothers in nnrsing lap dogs, and making parlor c0m- Danions of them, and take them out riding on pleasant days, while we are turned over 10 be nursed by Bridget, and kept week af- ter week confined to the house without cveD an airing. s g9aR
 "Thrd-We claim as right place in the parental bed, and deem ita very poor excuse for tncking US away with the nurse, lhatour mother comes home from parties. and the opera, late al night. which would be likely to disturb us if we occupied her room.
 !" Fourth--We are opposed 10 medicine, which would seldom be required if we were properly nursed by our mothers and Other- wise cared for, and we have no disposition to take it IS substitute, and especially do we raise our voices against the practice ol many nurses, who secretly keep bottle of paregoric, or G0dfrey's c0rdial, and force down our illroais a dose in the evening, SD that we cannot disturb them at night. FIith--We appeal most feeliDg;y against the practice ofen for fashions sake of dipping us into cold water every morn ing, and sometimes morning and night. It gives an unnecessary shock 10 our sensibii- ities, which may be avoided by substituting the tepid sponge, which we are willing to submit to, so far as cleanliness requires.
 Sixth-Whic we are ofien deprived of our natural nourishmeni, NC are over fed wilhunwLolesom food by way of compen- sation. With ihis practice we become disgusled, and throw up, which the nurse seems to consider an indication for sone- thing more 10 fiil ;he vacant space, and thus we are stuffed from day to day, which exci'es not only our stomachs but ouItlems pers, and we get the credit of being very 'spunky.'
 "These, and many other abuses to which we are subjected, deprive us oi the ability to grow in health and strength, as nature intended we should and consequently about half of us get sickly and die before we are old enough 10 take care ot onr- selves. Believing that of alI righis the righis Of infants are first in importance. we appeal 10 universal manhood for reform in this matter, by establishing for US a better system of maternal government; and that we may he elevated 10 proper position in the socis. scale, and no longer be deemed unwelcome burlhens 10 be ashamed ol.