ARE BABIES MORAL?

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 395, 2 January 1909, Page 11

ARE BABIES MORAL?

■ "We do-not expect paternal feelings in a . child of five," says Dr.: Woods Hutchinson, in' the October' "Woman's Homo Companion. "Why, then, should we expect any other-of .thoW- race-regirding impnlsesrwhich 'we:term, •morality'? • Even to appeal to 'the .'belter feelings', of a child of eight or. ten is often .- '••^d^' ; 'M^irratibial;^aij'.the, celebrated ■ apos- , in the fine frenzy • of his peroration: whirled, upon' ; ,the;; judge-,.with'.the-,thrilling . ; appeal, ; 'Sir-r. \vas.you.iver a mother?' /.To.appeal.to a child's better nature, while .excellent m V moderation; often does, littlc.moro than anako a hypocrite out of biin before, his. time... . "Ho has got your' hair,, and his moth'er!s eyes and voice, and some of your little, tricks of manner—and temper—now, and ho is, just as safo to' develop -your, l superb .self-control aid civic. devotion- and ca'nsidGrationfor oth- ' ers if -you 1 will'.only ■ riyo 'him-time-rand -set. him a good example/ -Meanwhile' preaching to him; that -ho-, should: possess qualities will expedite matters precious little, and,; unless backed up by example,, not at all.' ltemomber that life and growth of all sorts-are but a 5 response to' environment, and new responses can only occur as opportunity is af-. forded for them."