Why does mr.covey not take Douglass to the constable to be whipped?

Mr. Covey does not take Douglass to the constable to be whipped because he is determined to maintain control over Douglass through psychological manipulation rather than physical punishment. Covey aims to break Douglass's spirit and instill fear, believing that public punishment would undermine his authority. Additionally, Covey's approach reflects the broader system of slavery, where the threat of violence serves to maintain dominance without always needing to resort to it. This method ultimately backfires, as Douglass's resistance and defiance empower him.