The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-02-13

Madam:-I have observed with pleasure that
"a. +. W. has taken up the very important sub.
iect of youthful discipline, and / trust | shall
not be intrusive If again attract the attention
of the readers Of this valuable journal TO express
my belief that feminine corporal punishment
is not general, although ] read with regret 1t is
occasional; and for the honor of governesses it
is to be hoped that the logging of a young lady
of fifteen is an exceptional case. The question
proposed by the father OF the young lady who
was obliged TO submit to SO degrading a correc'
ton is both natural and gentlemanly, as equally
expressive of disgust and forbea1ance. The
pernicous effects of whipping and inspIr-
ing terror by putting children into dark
closets have already been ably and admi-
rably deprecated, and / am astonished that
any enlightened person can be found to advo-
cafe either. II is certainly lamentable proof
that we are yet, in the nineteenth century, very
ignorant, for the end and aim OF all education is
to prepare us Tor future life. Are we to tame
the rebellious humors of our boys and girls as
we do Our horses and dogs? Is the lash to sup
ply the place Of reason, tue strong to battle with
the weak, and applause to follow the exhibition
of matured anger, and may be of Incidence or
revenge? Surely every refined ana enlightened
mind must decide against so unequal and
cowardly contest. 1t is extreme meanness, lit
ueness, and wickedncss to fight or alright the
young, and q master who practises or permits
either (however learned) disgraces himself
thereby, and proves that he is not proper
person to be intrusted with the care OF then.
reader OF this journal remarks that all our
public schools practise whipping from the sixth
form upwards, and that no complaint is ever
made. Are there no reasons why complaint is
withheld? Why are boys sent to public schools?
Undoubtedly, to fit them for the various condi-
tons of this life; but is there no higher point
to be attained than this for the education of
many of those who will one day take the lead
If not, fear we are learfully ignorant of that
great book which teaches us very different
lesson. 1t Is not possible to make good man
by violence, and true greatness is goodness"
A young person beaten into submission will
secretly dislike the inflictor, and deceit will
usurp the place of sincerity, and probably,
every other noble feeling.
ITO be, aud not to SEEM" ought to be the
motto OF every school-room. Fighting corrupts
and endangeTs both the heart and brain of the
unfortunate delinquent, and l believe many
cases Of insanity and soitening of the brain may
be traced to this disgraceful cause. Every one
is aware that terror alone has been often fatal
to persons of matured age; and how Is it posi-
BILE to suppose that ii can be less injurious on
the tender minds and bodies of the young ?
Fighting of any kind, at anv time, and IN any
place Except in the case of selfdetense or in
the defense of ont's country ought never to be
tolerated in any civilized nation ;and Testament
morality" must form the basisof every scholastic
system before England can truthtully boast of
being as happy as she is prosperous; and then,
and not until then, will education become
complete and beautiful reality, instead OF an
imperfect romance and fearful hypocrisy.
r, T.