Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 January 1885 — Are Baby Shows Immoral ? [ARTICLE]

Are Baby Shows Immoral ?

Paris, which has at unexpected moments the most extraordinary spasms of morality, has forbidden baby shows, on purely moral grounds, and the only Parisian paper in this city oondemna baby shows in general. Bat why should baby shows be condemned? Why should not paternity be publicly praised and its fruits admired ? What is there in the world more beautiful than a healthy baby ? Whv should there not be a decorous pride in motherhood? Why should there not be a pleasant competition in the production of the handsomest and healthiest ohildren? What is there immoral in the exhibition of that which is the evidence of a noble duty rightfully performed? Why should mothers not be encouraged to lead lives that will insure fine offspring? And what more practical way to encourage them than to bestow public favor upon the finest children? Immorality, indeed! The great immorality of our time lies hidden behind those squeamish and fashionably weak women who are afraid to bear children and ashamed to own it. —New York World.