The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1855-02-01
TUESDAY FORMING. FEBRUARY /, isss
LION BATTING.

We have Gatnered some very curious &C.
counts about two extraordinary Lion Bait
iuss with Dogs, in London, so late AZ July,
1896. Against the brutal exhibitions, there
was much said-even the Times. then very
potent. but much more SO now-brought its
batteries to bear against Mr.. Wombwell, the
Keeper Of the Lions; but that "Tunderer,"
which now causes the Government to swerve
from its intentions, could not then deter the
Snowman from his purpose. Mr. Hoare,
celebrated and humane Quaker, addressed
him letter. demonstrating against the cruel
scenes; but MIR. Wombwell was not to be
cheated out Of the guineas he had paved the
way for, by series of puffs, which render
him worthy of being regarded a great pro-
totype of Barnum. The Mayor of London
was appealed to, but declined to interfere.
The letter of Mr.. Hoars is so characteristic
Of the Quaker, that we think it worth copy
ing. Il is addressed. as we said, to Mr..
Wombwell, the Keeper of the Lions:
"FRIEED have heard, with . great de-
gree of horror, of an intended fight between
= lion, that has long been exhibited by thee,
consequently has long been under thy pro-
lection, and six bull dogs. seem impelled
to write to thee on the subject, and to en-
treat thee, believe in Christian love, that
whatever may be thy hope of gain by this
very cruel and very disgraceful exhibition,
thou wilt not proceed. Recollect that they
are Gods creatures; and we are informed by
the Holy Scriptures, that not even q sparrow
falls to the ground, without his notices and as
this very shocking scene must be to crafty
s-sk - ol<x eli N fnfr
bling-for it il asserted that large sums OF
money are wagered on the event of the con-
test-it must be marked with divine displea-
cure. Depend upon it, that the Almighty
will avenge the sufferings of his tormented
creatures, on their tOrmenters; for though He
is God of Love, He is also God of JUS
toe; and believe that no deed of cruelty
has ever passed. UNPUBLISHED. Allow me to
ask thee, how thou wilt endure to see the
noble animal thou hast so long protected, and
which has been in part the means of supply
ing thee with the means of life, mangled and
bleeding before thee? 1t is unmauly, it is
mean and cowardly, to torment anything that
cannot defend itself-that cannot speak to
tell its pains and sufferings-that cannot ask
for mercy. Oh, spare thy poor lion the pangs
of such death as may perhaps be his-save
him from being torn to pieces-have pity on
the dogs that may be torn by him. Spare
the horrid spectacle-spare myself the suf
ferings that fear will yet reach thee, if thou
persist-shOw a noble example Of humanity.
Whoever have persuaded thee to expose thy
lion to the chance of being torn to pieces-Or
of tearing other animals-are far beneath the
brutes they torment; are unworthy the name
of men or rational creatures Whatever thou
mayest gain by this disgraceful exhibition
will, fear, prove like csnker-worm among
the rest of thy substance. The writer of This
most earnestly entreats thee to refrain from
the intended evil, and to protect the animals
in thy possession from all unnecessary suf-
fering.
The practice of benevolence will afford
thee more true comfort than the possession
of thousands. Remember, that He who
gave life did not give it to be the sport of
cruel man and that he will assuredly call
man to account for his conduct towards his
dumb creatures. Remember, ALSO that COW
ards are always cruel, but the brave love
mercy and delight to save. With sincere
desire for the preservation of thy honor as a
man of humanity, and for thy happiness and
welfare, l am thy friend, s. HoARE."
This feeling letter of the Quaker had no
effect on the lion keeper. His skin was toe
thick to be pierced by the pen sharpened by
the keen sympathies of Mr.. Hoare. He
looked at his preparations, then at the lion,
and cast glance forward to his profits and
shook his head. The pain of the lion was to
be WombwelPs profit, and between agony to
the animal and lucre to himself he did not he
state. We copy from the Times and Morn
ing Herald an account of the comba. which
took place on the Goth July;
For several months the country has been
amused with notices that fight between a
lion and dogs was intepded, and time and
place appointed. This enabled the exhibitor
toreap golden harvest by exhibiting the lion
that was to be baited at two shillipgs ahead.
but the light WAS postponed so long, and
people had so often been disappointed, that
they began to conclude that the affair was a
hoax, and the magnitude of the stake OF
500oi, said to be at ISSUE was so far cut of al
reasonable calculation, that the whole was
looked upon as fabrication, and the maio
rity became incredulOus on the subject
WOmbwell, the proprietor, may be excused
tor his proficiency in trickery; but we think
him unaccountable as man for his excessive
crueltyin exposing poor animal that he has
reared himself and made so attached that it
plays with him and fondles him like spaniel
that has never been taught to know its own
powers, or the force of its savage nature
to the attacks of dogs trained to blood and
bred for fighting. The lion, now five wears
old, was whelped in Edinburgh, and has been
brought up with so much seftness that it ap-
pears as inoffensive as a kitten, and suffers
the attendant of the menagerie to ride upon
its back or sleep in its cage. Its nature
seems to be gentleness itself, and its educa.
ton has deprived it of all savage instinct =
Nerois said to be one ofthe largest lions ever
exhibited, and certainly finer or more noble
looking animal cannot be imagined.
The dogs were opened to the inspection of
the curious on the morning of the exhibition
for the moderate fee of shilling; and a
rough-coated, game-keeping, butcher-like,
honest, ruffianly person from the North an
nounced himself as their ostensible friend, on
the occasion. Eight had been brought over
originally; but by mistake of locking them
up TO sether on the preceding night, they had
,ailen out among themselves, and one had
been KILLED entirely; second escaping only
WIN Inc loss OF an ear and q portion of one
cheek The guardian of the beasts being re-
buked for this accident, declared that he
could not have supposed they would have
fought each other; being +" ali on the same
side: SIX. however, remained in condition.
Is Mrs. Heidelberg expresses it, for the s.rnn'
counter" The dogs seemed to be crosses a Is
the bull and mastiff; but were small; one he.
ing less than 80 lbs, and the largest not being
over so. ss'As
The place chosen for the exhibition wa.
the yard of large factory in the centre Of