The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-10-11

several separate inquiries. The first Of
ent report, by an actual examination of the
schools in Massachusetts, in which this in
struction had been given. The results.
which first appeared in a report made to
the Massachusetts, State Board OF Educa-
ton. are urged in the report as leading to
several conclusions all pointing to the in
adequacy of 1.-The system under examina-
tion;" that the term scientific temperance
instruction is a misnomer-the two essen
tial elements of scientific study, observa-
ton and inference being necessarily lack
ing; that the results in accurate knowl-
edge are measer and out OF proportion to
the time devoted to the subject: that many
false impressions are left in the minds OF
the students; that physiological details are
not suited to young children; that the senti-
ment of the school is sound. i'm that the
conviction that alcohol and tobacco are bad
things TO use is universal. but that the
strength Of this sentiment does not depend
on the amount of information acquired:
that where exaggerated ideas of the effects
of stimulants have been gained there is
danger of a reaction as a result OF after
knowledge.
ject letters were sent TO superintendent
and principals of thrty-eight cities and
towns in Massachusetts, representing $780,
900 children and about 1000 teachers, COW
ering. that is, something more than a quar-
ter Of the total number OF public school
population. In answer to the question:
What are the results of this instruction.?
Twenty-eight per cent thought the results
excellent. medium or good and ~ per cent.
considered them little, none or bad. Forty
one per cent, however, looked with GER
tain degree of favor on the disciplinary
value of the work, although the greater
number of 80 per cent. took the opposite
position. This, of course, represents only
the one State of Massachusetts; but so
slips, containing a series of questions, were
later distributed by DR.. Bowditch and Pro-
fessor Hodge TO school teachers in New
York. where the law providing for temper
ance instruction is especially stringent.
as well as in Wisconsin and Massschu-
sets, where the law is much more moder-
ate. In answer TO series of questions the
jority of teachers in each instance de-
clared themselves opposed to the present
teaching of alcohol physiology as promoted
by the department of scientific temperance
instruction; TO the making OF such instruc-
ton compulsory by State law; to the zap
proved and Endorsed" school physiologies;
and finally to the results OF such instruc-
ton as being bad instead OF good. although.
in regard TO results. opinion in Wisconsin
appeared to be evenly divided.
ON A WRONG BASIS.
1t is apparent. says the report. in con-
clusion, that there has been grated upon
the public school systems OF nearly all our
States an educational scheme relating to
alcohol that is neither scientific nor tenn
perate, nor instructive. Failing TO observe
the distinction between the Numerically
opposite conceptions of use and abuse
some of its advocates have not hesitated to
teach our children that the terrible results
Of a prolonged use OF alcohol may be ex-
pected to follow any departure from total
abstinence. The success attained by the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union TO
secure the desired legislation may be read
lily explained by the sympathy sure to be
felt by all intelligent people for any sincere
attempt to combat one of the most gigantic
evils of modern times. . That the
originators of this educational scheme were
honest in their intentions there is no reason
TO doubt. but they have violated sound
principles Of pedagogy In forcing subjects
upon the attention Of children at an ase
when their minds cannot possibly be adapted
TO comprehend them, and have shown them
selves absolutely Indifferent TO the oemor-
alization Of our educational system resulting
from forcing teachers TO give instruction
in a way which their experience has shown
them to be i'll adapted 20 accomplish the
ends in view, and from compelling children
to memorize statements sure TO be contra
dicted, by the experience Of their later
lives"