Montgomery County sentinel., 1877-12-14
Shall we Establ Whipping Post

Mr.. Editor Several of your late editorials
have been interesting as evidences of desire
on yonr part TO promote the real interests Of
our county. There can be no doubt but that
Montgomery is rapidly advancing in material
prosperity and preparing 10 take place among
her sister counties TO which her location, cli-
mare and general advantages entitle her. Our
past Agricultural Display was the fines! ever
exhibited within her borders, and rivaled il
it did not excel. any within the State There
is more interest felt than ever before in all
that is essential TO advancement. This is
shown by the increased attention paid 10
roads schools, lectures and social gatherings,
and by the friendly and cordial feeling eX-
hibiied among our people, breaking down TO
great extent the barriers OF political and
sectarian differences. 1t is of vital importance
then that every step we do take should be in
the right direction and not necessitate retro
grade movement at some future time.
These thoughts are suggested by your
editorial in the issue Of December the 7h,
which contains several truths, but concludes
with recommending the re-establishment of
the Whipping Post. il is subject we'll
worthy of our careful consideration, for many
intelligent persons are beginning 10 believe it
would be beneficial, and il is necessary TO ex-
anime it in all its bearings. Will IL accom-
plish the desired result without bringing with
it greater evils2 Would not the effect upon
those ordering, innicting and Witnessing
the punishment be painful hardening and
brutalizng2 Is it not like the petulant
parent who finds it easier 10 smack an erring
child than 10 labor for its perception of wrong
doing and regret for the act? Is it in keep
ing with the nlghtenment of the age? lagree
with You that the present method of dealing
with petty offenders seems 10 be both expen-
sive and Intellectual Some method must be
devised 20 abate what has become burden
upon the taxpayers and a mockery of justice.
Surely The wisdom OF the time can devise
some means of accomplishing the desired end,
which will embrace both reformation and pun
ishment.
| would suggest that one step in the right
direction would be to make every one who
has 10 he supported by the State or county,
excepting the insane and sick or aged, y earn
his subsistence by properly directed labor
Each Congressional District might establish
at some convenient point Work House, prop
erly secure, where those serving out sentences,
or awaiting trial, (uness the time before hold
ing the next session of the Court was short,
could be kept at hard labor. The well-be-
haved could work upon the farm and public
roads under suitable escort, and the rest ne
employed upon manufactures that would COM
pele as little as possible with outside labor,
aud vet yield revenue. The present county
buildings, with n little modification, could be
admirably used as Work Houses for the tramps
who are beginning TO infrs: us.
The above is merely a hint as to plans that
might be devised 10 accomplish the result re-
qutred at less expense and with more efficacy
Would we not, as people, look upon such
a means of protecting society with more saiis-
faction than in thinking of the poor wretch,
ignorant and oftimes needy, writing under
the lash, applied sometimes with vindictiye
cruelty q?
Believing that an interchange Of views upon
subjects of public interest is beneficial, take
the liberty of laying the foregoing before
your readers.
HENRY G. HALL0WELL.