Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-04-14
Delinquency

attack. At best, we will be
worried with 1t for several
more years.
A very great part of the de-
linquency problem will have
to be settled by the police
and their attitude has got to
be tougher. The courts, like
wise. must adopt a sterner
attitude. There is a great
need for a parental respon-
sibility law which now has
the approval of j. Edgar
Hoover. The Federation of
Civic Associations rejected
this proposal several years
ago and. for some unknown
reason. many other groups
interested in local affairs
share that same opinion.
l hope the day is not too
far distant when there will
be a groundswell Of public
opinion that will join me in
the following:
More disciplinary power
for teachers in our public
schools: Adequate discipline
OF children in the grades and
prepare them for a salts
factory career in junior high
school where so much vandal-
ism and vicious conduct are
now plaguing us.
A parental responsibility
law which will hold the
parents financially respon-
sible for damage done by
their children: Parents who
happen to be on relief should
be denied such relief until
such time as they. with the
assistance Of the teacher. are
able to control the conduct
of their children.
No free lunches should be
given to any child guilty OF
misconduct in or about
school.
Delinquency has one cause
lack Of discipline. The
confusion comes because OF
the multiplicity Of facets OF
our society where discipline is
lacking. Juvenile delinquency
is not a primary social dis
order. II is secondary to
adult delinquency. With so
many delinquent parents and
with our teachers forced into
delinquency by ruling OF the
Board of Education which
forbids corporal punishment.
the children can't help being
delinquent. Fortunately, not
too long ago, one Of our mu-
nicipal judges stated from
the bench that a teacher had
the right to use whatever
force was necessary TO main
tain order in the school. I'm
fortunately. this statement
did not receive the wide pub
licity it should have and.
therefore, did not spread to
the grass roots Of our COM
munity where it is sorely
needed.
We have pussyfooted long
enough with scientific APP
proaches to this problem ana
IL is high time that we use
more common sense.
C. Herbert Marshall. NJ. ID.
$50
In a very eloquent letter in
The Star of April 9 the Right
Rev. Msgr. John O'Grady dis
agrees with a statement by
]. Edgar Hoover on juvenile
delinquency. While Father
O'Grady's announcement OF
adult cooperation in the
problem is highly commend
able. it is extremely unfortu-
nate that he is not too clear
on the rightful place OF
Judges in our legal system.
Except incidentally. it is
not the function of judges to
reform anybody. That is the
Job of religious and social
workers. Our legal system is
set up TO administer the will
of the community as ex-
pressed in law. swiftly and
with Justice. Thus law be-
comes a deterrent to crime.
Undoubtedly those who are
punished. whether by fine or
Imprisonment. are bitter and
feel hurt. Undoubtedly some
of the offenders. whether
guilty Of speeding or assault,
will repeat the offense. For
most people. however, pun
ishment or the fear OF 1t Is a
deterrent. On the other hand,
history. including that Of our
present day. shows that If
laws are not rigidly enforced,
disrespect and noncompli-
ance will increase even
among those who normally
are lawabiding.
Henry Gales.
The Rt. Rev. Msgr. O'GraJy
and few other gentle souls
may be shocked by, FB1