Page:Labour and childhood.djvu/81

 The moral imbecile is often clever enough, and outstrips every one at school. Then one day he may put all he learns to a terrible use. There is reason to think that certain chambers are missing in his otherwise well-built brain. As the teacher cannot create these chambers, it seems vain to bring fine furniture in the shape of good precepts. Perhaps one day doctors and teachers will know what to do. But to-day, the doctor can merely point out why society should protect itself. It is proposed that finger-print registers should be kept of all children who have had to come before a children's court—that is, before a body formed to deal with the crimes or serious offences of the abnormal. The fact that they are known would act it is hoped much as a conscience acts in the normal person.

It is pleasant to turn from these markings and finger prints that betray, to the tools and hand-work that reveals! Pleasanter to know that it is the revelation, not the betrayal, that is common. The betrayal is comparatively very rare. It is a promise and a prophecy, not a betrayal, that is in the work of the average man.

Of course it is not always fairly offered. It may be hindered or withheld for good reasons. Still, it should be there, and one day every educator will