Iowa
Old Press
Maquoketa Excelsior
Maquoketa, Jackson co., Iowa
July 15, 1892
School Teacher Charged With Whipping Student
P. A. King, teacher of the Esgate school, whipped Hersh
Miller's boy a few days ago. Hersh made complaint and King was
arrested and had a preliminary hearing before Justice Edwards in
Farmers Creek township Tuesday. County Attorney Kelsey was sent
for to attend to the prosecution; Wynkoop & Carman appeared
for the defendant. The "club" with which the boy was
whipped was exhibited and proved to be about the thickness of an
ordinary lead pencil and about two feet in length . The defendant
was not held. County attorney Kelsey informs us the prosecution
had no case. We hear that considerable bad blood is up in the
neighborhood and that there came near being a free-for-all fist
fight in court during the preliminary examination. We know
nothing more concerning the facts or merits of the case. We
believe there are times when a judicious use of the rod is
wholesome in the school room, but that its use, if used at all,
should be the exception, rather than the rule. The teacher is
certainly out of pocket one month's salary, if not more, because
of his prosecution. Our laws need remedying very much in regard
to the commencement of criminal proceedings. If the complaining
witness was obliged to give bonds for the payment of costs, when
no cause of action is found, our justices and lawyers would have
less to do, our taxpayers would have fewer burdens and innocent
persons would not so often have to pay out hard earned money to
clear themselves of false charges.
[transcribed by K.W., November 2014]