The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1911-06-16
AND THIS COMES FROM RED WING.

AND THIS COMES FROM RED WING.
Friends of Mr.. Whittier, the 'pro-
gressive" superintendent of state
training school who found it neces-
sary to invent continuance for the
flogging of boys, have contended
that in Red Wing, Mr.. Whittier is
looked upon as a model official.
The following from the Red Wing
Free Press indicates that his re-
moVal would not be entirely un-
satisfactory to that city:
"In the opinion of the Free Press,
there has at no time since the Gull
minatiOn of the state training
school investigation been any ques-
ton as to whether or not Superin-
tendent Whittier would be obliged
to vacate his position. The only
question has been, and is now, one
of time and manner of deposing
him.
"The investigation. no matter by
whom instigated nor by what motives
inspired, resulted in attracting
public attention to the fact that
more or less brutality was exer-
cised in handling the young who
were placed in charge of the institu-
ton. And the public will not stand
for brutality especially toward the
young. = II
"The Free Press does not believe
that this move was prompted by
animosity toward Mr.. Whittier per-
sonally, of whom the public knows
but little, nor toward his assistants
of whom it knows still less. We
believe the movement is actuated
by general desire to have differ
ent methods, based on different
principles, employed in the manage
ment of the institution, and that it
is for this reason that a widespread
demand for a change in the person.
mel has sprung up. 49,.
"We hear great deal about this
demand being based on mere senti-
mental grounds. Well, what is
wrong with it on that score? Is
sentiment a thing to be despised?
Isn't it sentiment that prompts to
deeds of valor, of heroism, of noble
ment the chief element of religion,
and finally, isn't it public sentiment
that governs the world?
"Whether actuated by sentiment
or not, the fact is simply this, the
people want the management of the
training school Invested of it's right
to fog the children that are sent
there. They want this, because if
the system is permitted they are
| not sure of it's falling into proper
hands for application. They know
that very often it does not. They
believe now that their attention
has been called to the matter, that
the ANTICIPATED and barbarous meth
cd of training the young by brute
force should be superseded by more
civilized means@just as it has to
a very large extent in the case of
the public schools and in private
| homes. - -... .g.....--. 49,
"The removal or retention of Mr..
| Whittier is a small matter in COM
parision with the principles invol-
| we'd. 1t is case of eliminating the
system of flogging from the train
| ing school, whether Mr.. Whittier
| and his subordinates are eliminated
with it or not. And as Mr.. Whit
tier has admitted his inability to
handle the school without employing
the fogging system, it is but natu-
raj that those who want other meth
DDS introduced should demand that
he make room for some one who
will bring about the desired change.
And that he will have to do so is
only a question of time"
Thus in calm, temperate language
a representative newspaper in Mr..
Whittier's own city has given the
facts in the case and time, we believe
will vindicate the prophesies made
by the Free Press