CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN THE SCHOOL ROOM.

SEIFERT

Posted By: David (email)
Date: 3/7/2004 at 20:49:36

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa
Saturday, March 24, l877

'Burlingame,' in the last issue of the Patriot, eases his soul upon the question of corporal punishment in the school room, and writes a very sensible article, though it contains some inconsistencies. He thinks that playing the game of tag in violation of the teacher's orders deserves punishment, but that thrashing a young lady, sixteen or seventeen years of age for it, is not a reasonable punishment. That is to say, he is in favor of the law but opposed to its execution. Precisely! Now will he tell the people why, if it is a reasonable rule to abolish an innocent game, corporal punishment for a violation of the rule is not equally as reasonable does he suppose a little five year old's back is less sensitive to the gentle influence of a hickory withe, than the Venus like shoulders of a young lady of sixteen? We rather think that the gallant philosopher makes a distinction where there is no difference. Either abolish the barbarous practice or administer the gad to all a!
like.

There is trouble, as usual, in the public school, but the trouble that now afflicts the school is more serious than any difficulty that the board have had to meet for some time. The election of directors being over, the process of decapitation which we predicted some time ago would follow, has been commenced on DORSEY, the high school teacher. For some time there has not been a very fraternal feeling between him and Prof. RUSSELL, the principal. Vague rumors were afloat that charges would be preferred against DORSEY, but just what those charges were, no one knew. The rumor culminated in MR. DORSEY's being invited to appear before the board on Thursday night at the school house, and show cause why he should not be discharged, "or words to that effect." DORSEY appeared, not only by himself, but also by counsel, Col. Bartholomew. The board appeared also in full state, and arranged themselves around the table with a stately dignity that forcibly reminded the spectators of !
the trial of Sir Walter Raleigh, for treason -- only DORSEY didn't look like Raleigh, and the board of Directors didn't look like Raleigh's judges. Charges of uncertain meaning were read by the Secretary against DORSEY, to which he demurred. The Board overruled his demurrer, and decided to quash his attorney, which they did. DORSEY kept filing other papers in the case until the Board got so confused that they didn't know their functions from a Louisiana returning board, and DORSEY and his attorney got so indignant that they didn't know an indictment from a subpoena, and amid the most profound feeling of intense disgust, the Board adjourned until Saturday night, when the case will be formally tried. In view of the hard feeling existing all around, among both patrons and teachers, our opinion is that the strife will only end upon the retirement of both DORSEY and the principal.

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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
February l9, 2004