New-York tribune., 1902-03-11
A SIMPLE WALKING COSTUME FOR EARLY SPRING
ON SPARING THE ROD.
PUBLIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATION DIS
CUSSES THE WHIPPING OF CHILDREN.

Is II worse 10 spank another woman's child than
your own" asked the president Of the Public Edu-
cation Association at the meeting yesterday. apro-
pos Of members assertion that NO person has a
right TO whip another woruan's child" A discus
sion on corporal punishment had been brought
about by an incident related by the speaker Of the
day, Mrs. a. J. George, Of Brookline, Mass.
Mrs. George was asked If corporal punishment
Is permitted in Massachusetts schools, and replied
that State laws do not refer 10 il, every city and
town making its regulations
In Brookline the practice was discontinued some
years ago. she said, but IL been found
sary 10 resume II IN a slight degree" The adrnis-
sion created stir, the president, Mrs Schuyler
Van Rensselaer, had just stated that Frederick
Olmsted. the landscape architect, told her that he
had selected Brookline for his home. because It IS
the most civilized place IN America" a member
heard to remark, sotto voce: IF the cream OF
American civilization can't get along without whip
ping the boys, how can New-York which is the
mud, expect TO do it?'
Animated arguments followed some advocating
the moderate use of the rod others denouncing
II in any and every degree. One quoted teacher
as having told her that he had whipped a certain
boy every day for six months. and the boy lived TO
thank him for il. Somebody asked what became
OF the boy, and the answer was. He went on the
police force" The president told the advocates
OF whipping that this horrible example should be
warning.
. Mrs Georges subject was The Home and the
School" She said that in Brookline the condi-
York as there the best life is represented in
the schools. IN all places, however. the home must
seek TO work with the school and to strengthen the
influence OF the teachers.
NO school can be higher than the average OF
the homes represented in it, she said "One or
the difficulties experienced by teachers is the lack
Of home cooperation. Sometimes this takes the
form Of allowing children TO pursue social pleas
ures for which they are not old enough. Inc glr4
or boy sits Up late at theatre party and has to
work harder 10 keep the pace in school, and when
he or she breaks under the strain it is called
1.-The result Of modern education"
Mrs. George asserted that high salaries should
be paid in order to secure teachers of high culture
Tor every grade. the best is needed nowhere
more than al the beginning Of school life. She
urged that social attention should be palQ 10
teachers by the families OF pupils as many or them
come from distance TO the city and nave no
social ties. thus narrowing their outlook upon he
Mss Caroline i. Lowell. secretary OF the aSSO-
eat.On. gave 4 report Of the work since last Oc-
sober Size called attention 10 the Inadequate ac-
c0mmodauon provided for many OF the kinder
Eartens, which, she said. are often IN Dady ghled
and III ventilated rooms The report showed that
The committees on art in the public schools have
Gone 4 great deal Of work. and noted the increas-
Ing interest in the Topbs school. started by the
association, In charge Of Mt. Willard.
Mrs. w. x. Draper reported that the buildings
Wards Island, UnoCcupied since 1895 are being
prepared for the minors committed TO the peni-
1Wenty-One years Of age VIII be transferred TO that
place. They will be instructed in ordinary school
branches, and a trade school Will probably be
started future These changes are
largely the result Of the associations efforts
Mrs. Van Rensselaer, briefly reviewed the work
OF the society since IT'S formation.
concert IS to be given in aid OF the association
and me city History Club the evening of March
=, Al Carnegie Hail