Excerpt from The Evil Tendencies of Corporal Punishment as a Means of Moral Discipline in Families and Schools, Examined and Discussed: In Two Parts; Part I. Objections to the Use of the Rod; Part II. Substitutes For, and Preventives Of, the Use of the Rod

It is not contended or supposed, that, cm parents or teachers who use corporal punishment use it indiscreetly, unjustly, or cruelly; 011, that none who use it act conscientiously - t'ar from it. It is fully believed that many parents and teachers do it from a conscientious sense of duty, and with a full conviction and realization of the fact that, Thott God seest me and also, that many stop to reflect and consider of what manner of spirit they are of; but, still it is believed that, as generally practised, both by parents and teachers, it is productive of more evil than good results. \vhy has the attention of Congress and the British Parliament been called to the use of corporal punishment in the armies and navies of the two countries? Because it was found to do more harm than good that it was subject to great abuses, and consequently, should be abolished. It has never been stated that all ofiicers have flogged their soldiers or sailors unjustly or cruelly - no one believes it. Why were public executions abolished in this State? Because it was believed that they had a hardening, degrading, and dc moralizing influence. But no one we? Believed or supposed that all the com munity would be injured by them. Why have a great many benevolent ladies and gentlemen pledged themselves not to use alcoholic drinks? Because the evil to many families and individuals had been so great that for the good oft-ftose they would not use it. No one ever believed that all would become drunkards who used it, or that they would use it to excess. So are we to look at corporal punishment - its evil results - its abuses - its cruelties - as practised.

The morals of every community will be and are, either good or bad, just in proportion as the rights, the happiness, the comfort, and the character of each individual are respected and regarded by the others. Certainly kindness, mild ness, and persuasion will tend to this happy and desirable state of society more than the infliction of corporal punishment, and harsh and unkind treatment.

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