Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-06
FOR A WHIPPING POST
DISCUSSION OF THE ADAMS BILL
sTIRs UP THE HOUSE.

Representative Adams of Pennsylvania,
author OF. the bill introduced in the House
yesterday providing for the punishment
of wife-beaters at the whipping post,
sprang a surprise on his colleagues today
and delivered a fifteen-minute eulogy OF
the whipping post and the cat-o'-nine-
tails. The Notifications bill was up IN the
House, and Representative Adams OBJ
tanned fifteen minutes time to talk on 1t.
Instead. however. he devoted his atten-
ton to the whipping post problem and
talked at considerable length on that
subject
Representative Adam Bede lounged down
the aisle with his hands in his pockets and
took up position near Mr.. Adams as soon
sentative Baker Of Brooklyn grew red in
the face and nearly jumped over the desks
trying to get near to the speaker. MT.
Adams spoke of the whipping post in Della
ware. claiming that its record there Is alone
good and sufficient proof of its efficacy as
q punishment.
Only one state, and that Delaware, Mr..
Adams declared, has had the courage to
take wffe-beaters to the post for punish
ment. The correction. he insisted. had had
most wholesome and beneficial effect, and
had proved itself to be a corrective and
preventive measure that was worth adopt
ing in the District of Columbia, where the
local conditions were such that some
form of corporal punishment was needed to
deal with certain class OF the population
At the suggestion Of Representatives
Gaines of Tennessee. Mr.. Adams agreed to
amend his bill by providing that any man
who hits woman shall be whipped at
the post.
rs it because the gentleman Is a bach
eior and therefore immune from punish
rent that he so earnestly advocates this
law?" asked Representative Bede.
mot at ALL" replied Mr.. Adams, after
the uproarious laughter Of the House had
fore can discuss the question Of the whip
ping post from totally disinterested point
of view"
He added that the only class OF persons
who could introduce such legislation was
the single men, because they are not in
the married mems trust :,
Mr.. Gaines Tenn.) interjected the remark
that II the bill did not provide for whip
were not their wives, it ought to. and he
volunteered himself to do the whipping.
which ELECTED much laughter and applause.
Mr.. Baker then turned loose on Mr..
Adams, having previously nearly exploded
in his effort to keep quiet up to that point.
With bristling hair, waving arms and every
gesture denoting the most intense and pas
sionate earneStneSS and sincerity. Mr.. Baker
whole scheme of brutal and degrading pun
ishment and incidentally all those bold
enough to advocate and urge them.
Mr.. Bakers fiercest attacks on the
Adams bill for the establishment OF q
whipping post were received by the House
with enthusiastic applause.
eff you are not in favor Of Furnishing
wife beaters at the post" inquired Mr..
Adams, may l ask whether you are an
advocate Of wife-beating."
NO" shouted Mr.. Baker in a voice that
made the skylights rattle. and, continuing
IL. the same tone, neither am In favor OF
your bill" Great applause).
Mr.. Adams time then expired and the
Notifications bill was again taken up.