The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-08
Tho CITY NIennrerie.

London has its Geological Garden, and Paris
its Jardin des Plantes, where you may find the
animals of all quarters of the globe, well-kept
scends these foreign capitals, inasmuch as the
four-footed beasts have possession Of the entire
city. To be sure we have but few real mon
keys or elephants at large; but our streets
swarm with cattle, and hogs Of every degree
hold despotic sway over all the thoroughfares,
as well as the magnificent avenues and wide
commons Of the capital Of the United States.
Seriously, we think if there is one public
nuisance which more than another deserves to
be abated, it is the running at large of animals
Of all kinds within the limits Of the city. In
many parts Of the North, especially through
out the whole of Massachusetts, no comnoners
are allowed, and any animal found running at
large is Immediately shut up in the public
pound, from whence it can only be liberated
by the payment Of a considerable fine by the
owner. In Newport, X. l., we notice at a
town meeting lately the same law, excluding
animals from the streets, has been carried by a
large majority. The late Mr.. BIDpLE made
the calculation that it cost the farmers of the
United States more than fifty millions of dollars
annually TO fence against "commoners." And
whatever may be said in the country at large,
there can be no question that in cities the run
ming at large of animals is source of great
discomfort and inconvenience to thousands for
the benefit Of few.
Whatever may be urged in defence of coms
running at large, no one can offer any good rea-
sons for this unlimited license Of the suinisI,
multitude. A hog is the most disgusting and
filthy of animals, rendering it almost impossible
to preserve decent condition of the streets
when he has unlimited range. Where he can
not deface, he destroys; and any one who will
take the trouble 10 examine his revolutionary
dwelling propensiies will see, thai not con
tent with getting his living peaceably at the
public expense. he tears up all the green turf
by the side Of the streets, and in a single hour
destroys the whole area of smooth turf that is
the delight Of our many small propretors. A
single good working hog will root up more
grass in day than will maintain a COW for a
week!
Of lop civilization, and a semi barbarous condi.
ton Of the public manners and morals, this
making community system with all the hogs
OF the city. We are, in fact, but one degree
removed from those who live in the same room
sty with their pigs; and this. too, in the capital
Of the United States. The disgust which any
respectable citizen Of decent well regulated
city at home or abroad feels and expresses, al
this our condition of things here, is, we may rely
on it, not much less than that which we should
feel on entering the poorest howell where pigs
and persons live blssfully and harmoniously
on the same garbage. Every man who has
given the subjecta moments serious reflection
must perceive that both public morals and civil
lization can only improve by the maintenance
of cleanliness, decency, and good order, to all OF
which this making pig garden Of our streets
is most decidedly opposed.
IS there no Elm the City Councils to take
stand against the tyranny Of the hogs7 We
learn that, not content with the tree range OF
the highways, the owners Of some Of these ami
mails make bold (under cover Of the nighl) to
tear down portions Of the fence that enclose the
public grounds, and thus give their docks and
herds richer pasturage. We call the attention
Of the Chief Of the Police 10 this condition OF
things. IL the laws Of the city are too weak to
enforce any degree Of good ORDER il will be worth
while for Congress to inquire whether some
more summary punishment cannot be found for
these wanton destroyers Of public property.
Supreme Court OF the United states.