Library Collections: Document: Full Text
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The Segregation Of Defectives
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| 22 | We have assumed that the degenerates in receiving proper care will always be an expense to the taxpayer; but it is by no means necessary that the ratio of expense, which has hitherto been usual in institutional care, is to continue. It is to the colony plan that we look for proof that a large proportion of those who most sorely need the motherly care of the state will cheerfully earn their own living when that care is given with a modicum of brains. It is to this fact we look with most satisfaction in urging upon the conference and through it upon the nation, the claims of those for whom we speak. There are many examples of great economic success in our own country and others in Europe. But the plan is at its beginning. The best arranged of our colonies are only a few years old. They have a great future of development along economic and other lines before them. | |
| 23 | But even though there should be no economical development such as we hope for; suppose that the cost of wise and humane care should remain at what it has been in the past for the few who have been protected, should that be a reason for the continued neglect of these uphappy people? We do not think so. Some of us believe that while the teachings of the Carpenter of Nazareth have in them the most sublime, spiritual signficance, yet their chief significance appears when they are applied to the common affairs of life. Some of us believe that those who have been given strength and wisdom, those of us who enjoy the sweet serenity of home, the gracious influences of culture, the peace of order and comfort, those who have been allowed the great responsibility and given the high dignity of leadership, owe something to the weak, the helpless and the sinful. Some of us believe that the "little ones" of whom Jesus spoke, are, for every man, those within his influence who are younger or weaker, or more sinful or more suffering than he. And when we organize our governments and conduct our public affairs in such a way that the feeble and helpless are not protected from the assaults, or the temptations, of the wicked, then we have caused the little ones to offend. And it would be better for us that a mill stone be hanged about our neck and that we be cast into the depths of the sea, unless we have done all that man may do to abate the evil and the wrong, to protect the simple and the helpless. The good mother state may wisely take into her care the weaker as well as the wickeder of her children and keep and control them that the family may be well. | |
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ALEXANDER JOHNSON, Chairman, | |