The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1912-11-21
LACK
OF Education is Assigned as
One Great Cause of
Crime.

p
uuence OF Education in the Proven
ton OF Crime was discussed before
the Congress OF the American Prison
Association by Dr.. Daniel Phelan,
president Of the American Association
Of Prison Surgeons and. surgeon Of
the Dominion penltentiary at Toronto,
Can. The old saying that an ounce
of prevention is worth pound of
cure said Dr. Phelan, in opening his
address, is trIte but very true. In
regard to the crimes which become
daily more prevalent in the world
and which constitute veritable mem
ace to society. much thought has been
given to deyising means whereby they
might be lessened.
"The criminal tendencies come
from heredity, environment, the al
mosphere in which they have been
condemned to live, and from other
and equally seB-eyldent sources. but
since education or early training has
much to do with the prevention OF
! the multiplication OF those who lead
irregular lives in the world. have
selected that particular question as
the subject of my brief investigation.
AS the lack of proper education is
the cause of large percentage OF
crime today, conversely, the en-
enlargement of suitable education
must necessarily tend to the diminish
in gof the number OF those enemies
OF society who are present so FREE
quently amongst us.
1--WE all know that the Impressions
made on the young mind are the most
lasting, and WELD the greatest in
tiuence in shaping the future life OF
the individual. 1t is generally con-
coded that the only way the state can
deter permanently the malefactor
fro mthe commission of his evil deeds
is by educating him, for the weakness
of the will power fthe youth who is
afflicted with evil tendencies can be
strengthened by training and suitable
education, the main purpose of which
is not to enlighten the mind by means
OF a proficiency in certain studies;
rather is it to prepare the individual
ito live in society. to awaken in him
favorable tendencies to action, in
tellectual incentives to goodness, and
the highest sentiments Of moral oh
HGation. The germs OF moral lnsan-
lily an dalso of crime are no doubt
developed early in life, as the youth
passes through nervous and irrit-
able state incident to his growth and
development, and is consequently
more emotional, impulsive, and viii
full during that critical period. Early
education should therefore, be G-
rected towards correcting the Inherit
ed and anti-social impulses.
THE state has 1t in its power to
greatly improve conditions; to es-
tablish means by which proper in
struction can be given on certain
lines, and suitable training given TO
the mind, the will, and the. moral
senses. Philanthropy has vast field
wherein to exercise its beneyolence
an dts endeavors; remembering, how
ever that the education which aim
at. pointing out as a heans of making
the good citizen, is especially one of
moral as well as physical training,
and not the cultivation Of the mind
alone. An individual enjoying such
an education is worthy OF the best
consideration of his fellow man.
Take poor. neglected youth, in.
clined to evil tendencies, and alive
with ungovernable passion, and light
up for hi mthe torch Of knowledge
and touch the hardness of his heart
If such is possible, even as Moses
struck the rock and the water gushed
forth, and you will perceive the
transformation. II he has a spark
of goodness in him, his mind becomes
clearer, the feelings more tender his
aspirations more elevated, his ycarn-
ings more in accord with the inherent
nobility Of mans disposition, and his
conduct more in harmony with the
fundamental principles OF social we'll
being. His cruel. heartless desire 10
prey upon the Affections and suffer
ings, as well as upon the property
and rights. yes. even upon the lives
of others, are at least for a time en-
aced-he locks upon life with other
eyes and other aspirations. This is
merely a portraiture Of the effects
which education would likely have
upon one who was possessed OF the
finer feelings but who had no oppor-
tunity for their development. This Isl
the early training which is ones best
friend and suppott-this is the early
education which 'chastens vice, guides
virtue, gives fresh aspirations to the