New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-09
NO CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.
III. Boyer Makes Impassioned Protest
Against It

Edward II. Boyer. principal OF Public School No.
q. was one OF those who helped to bring about the
abolition OF corporal punishment IN the public
schools OF New-York. and the recent proposal o,
the PRINCIPALS Association OF Brooklyn TO restore
u provoked imprisoned protest from him at a
meeting OF the Mothers Club at the Tuxedo yes
terday afternoon
Mt Boyer prefaced his remarks by saying that
for SIX years he had not opened his mouth IN any
public gathering except on one previous occasion
before the same club
Since the infusion OF Brooklyn superintendent
ana BrooAi principals into this town I have
ooeyed ali the orders that came to me and said
nothing, he SAD. But when IL IS proposed
restore corporal punishment to the schools Of New
YORK must speak. This is the twentieth century,
and IN the middle OF the nineteenth corporal pun
ishment was abolished IN the schools OF New-York
For thirty-six years we have had peace and 7
thought had fought this fight once for all. But
an ready 10 step the front and fight il over
again. If necessary"
Mr. Boyer then went on tell how he began his
1 crusade against corporal punishment. At eighteen
he took a place public school IN New-Yorlt.
The brute at the head Of the school," who is long
since dead. attempted 10 punish a little delicate,
trembling boy IN his presence.
But he never reached the third blow" said 8Ir.
Boyer. FOR had the rattan and, though my own
bread and that OF other members Of my family de-
pended on It. vowed never to teach another day in
the public schools long as the rod was in them
urged Its abolition in every saloon and club and
Sslurcn IN new NOTk. and though there more
churches and clubs and saloons in Tew-Torlr than
there were then. ready 10 visit every one OF
them before will see. corporal punishment re-
stored. For thirty-six years Il has not been used
In New-GorG or the thousands and thousands OF
New-Hork boys who greeted Dewey on his return
from the Philippines had ever felt the lash
ana they Will never feel it, whatever tyrants may
rise 10 crush Us TO the earth.
II corporal punishment is so necessary, II is
urged, the men OF New-Iork ought TO be the worst
IN the world. But thew We have bad men
az New York Il he
IA the world Corporal punishment makes not
men like this but il makes towards and liars. 1
used 10 lie ike a trooper when boy. and any
boy who doesn't lie 10 escape the lash Is n fool To
do right from fear OF punishment is not virtue The
boys IL No 81 taught TO 90 right because II IS
Tight. and 10 fear nothing under heaven.
The reason teachers whip little boys IL because
tlle boys are not big enough 70 whip them. When
they set bic enough do s they let alone.
We don't fog the man who beats his wife almost
10 death, Yet little child may be whipped II he
drops book comes late 20 school
In conclusion, AR Boyer said: by all the sacred
ties that bind your 70 you ! beg OF you
protest against this return 10 barbarism before It
Is too late"
Mr. Boyer's remarks were warmly applauded. al
though some Of the women expressed dissent after
ward Mrs T +. Cook said that she thought II
yival Of corporal punishment would not even have
been thought OF. She also mentioned that before
the repeal OF the Corporal Punishment law in
Brooklyn little girl OF her acquaintance had
been made III for three DAYS IN consequence OF hav-
Ing been IN adjoining room when such punish
ment was being administered.
March took place at the opening OF the meeting
and Mrs. a. Hcnsley. Mrs Horace =. Deming and
Mrs r. a Benedict were named for president IL
+ probable that the first named will be elected.
has ser,d three terms. ana cannot be reelected.
was tho only nominee for first vice-president.