New-York tribune., 1912-04-07

until the problem of the subject matter and
methods of sex instruction and the age
at which it should be given have been
worked out. and teachers have been pre-
pared to do this teaching wisely and ef-
fectively.
Asked If he was satisfied with the result
of the twelve hundred inquiries, DR.. Nor
row said:
This practically unanimous Endorsement
Of the teaching of sex in schools and col
leges is a revelation and surprise Seven
years ago scarcely an educator in this
country would have had the courage to lift
his voice in favor of such a radical innova-
ton upon our established system of educa-
ton.
The Board of Education OF Washington
has made sexteaching mandatory in all the
normal schools of that state. No student
in one of these schools can apply for
certificate or diploma who has not com
pleted full course in this department.
"A collective investigation, which is now
in progress, but not yet completed under
taken by a committee Of the National Edu-
cation Association, shows that in 1888 schools
and colleges in this country personal and
Sex nNSltilt Is tuu6HN' i'N
subject is reported as required in 50,
elective in l5 and in SC there was no spe-
cifc reply to the question. In IS schools
classes are separate: in %, mixed. Physi-
cal examination is required in ST.
The chief impelling motive to the organi-
zation of this movement was to protect
the innocent members of society. There is
abundant statistical evidence to show that
so per cent Of the deaths from inf1ammatory
diseases peculiar to women, IS per cent of
all special surgical operations performed on
women. and over 80 rer cent of all work
done by specialists in diseases of women
are the result of gonococcus infection.
"rHE SINS OF THE FATHERs.'
THE effects of these diseases" said DR..
Morrow ARE not measured alone by the
danger to the life and health of the mother,
but are still further manifest in their dan
ger to the offspring Fully. so per cent OF
the ophthamia which blots out the eyes
of babies. and 20 to % per cent of all blind
ness. is caused in the same manner
"A large percentage of all children in
fected die before being born come into
the world with the mark of death upon
them Those that finally survive-one in
four or fve-are the subjects Of degener-
ative changes and organic defects which
may be transmitted to the third generation
"Such are some Of the undeniable AMI
scientifically demonstrated dangers OF a
class of diseases, apt'y designated as the
Great Black Plague. whose ravages have
always been covered up and concealed from
the public There are some facts which it
is more dangerous TO conceal than to eX-
pose.
Although these diseases have their chief
source in that irregular commerce between
the sexes known as prostitution. they ar
introduced with appalling frequency into
the family, and the chief burden of suffer
ing, disease and death falls upon pure WON
en- and innocent children.
Probably the dominant feeling excited
is one of surprise that these abuses against
the innocent and helpless members of So
ciety should be possible, and the great body
of humane people in this country remain
Indifferent to their significance, ignorant
of their existence, even.
Ignorance is the cause, and at the same
time the explanation of this indifference.
Men carry these infections into the family
because they do not know; women suffer
iii health, sterility and mutilation OF their
bodies because they do not know; the saw
ing hope Of the situation lies in letting peo-
pie know. Publicity of these evils. educa-
ton of the public to their significance, are
the prime indications.
THE Importance of this enlightenment is
emphasized by the fact that this danger to
the family and society has always been
covered up and concealed.
Social diseases furnish the most con-
spicuous example in human history OF an
evil which flourshcs I'm disguise and dark
ness. and which owes its chief potentiality
to the very obscurity to which 1t has been
relegated by traditional prejudice.
This social pestilence has been for CEN
turies installed in our midst-poisoning the
sources of life. sapping the foundation OF
our national vitality and vigor. ravasing
the home and family-whle society behind
its 'sevenfold veil of prudery and false mod
esty.' refuses TO recognize its existence
Physicians have been censured, and per-
haps with some justice, Dr. Morrow be-
leyes. for their silence in regard TO mat