New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-03-16
PROTECTION TO ANLlfALS.
LECTURE BY NR. BERGu.

By BIZ. BLhtIus
Henry Bergh President of the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty TO Animals, de-
nyered lecture last evening before the Union League,
in the Club theater, upon the "Orgn, Purposes, and
Progress" OF the Society which he presides The
Chair was taken by VIM. H. Fogg, former Vce-Presi-
dent of the Union League Club and there was pretty
full attendance Mr.. Bergh said:
Up to about Eve years ago there did not exist as far as
am aware, In any parto our country single statutory
law the protection from cruelty OF inferior animals
Up 10 that period portion Of heavens creatures
was regarded by tho law simply a. property,
and placed the category OF persons inanimate and
insensate effects Conscious OF the demorazng and cruel
consequences Of this defect In our legislation,
humbly undertook the initiative in reforming It,
The nodus operandi Of this difficult If not dangerous
undertaking was extremely simple. At the top OF sheet
of paper brief appeal behalf OF the treated
animals and n request that the Legislature would pass
suitable laws for the prevention Of cruelty then pre-
scented myself TO OF the most prominent men Of
NewYork l obtained their signature then went TO
the legislature and during that session the first nti-
tuition OF this kind on this side OF the Atlantic was
caled into being. meeting was then called, which
was :presided over by Gov. Hoffman, officers OF the
Society appointed, and had the honor Of being
elected President Having then established the SOci
ety In suitable quarters went out to raise money That
IA one of the most difficult operations nave ever hecn
called UNION 10 perform; and venture 10 say that the
courage have displayed In this department. If exercised
upon the field OF battle, would nave placed me IN the
EaH " however that should state mat money is
not wanting; we have received most liberal assistance
and the future of the Society is amply provided for
The next point then was to attract the notice Of the
public, but my previous experience taught me something
In this direction. I had published little book, which
was tremendously abused by some OF the newspaper
critics. went to the publisher, and showed him the
articles He began to laugh and clap his hands i
thought this adding insult to injury But ne SAID NOT
at all The next best thing to merted applause down
right yirulent abuse The only fatal thing would be for
he press to say nothing at ALL" SO In regard 10 the So
ciey. ! said "Notoriety 10 wanted; yes that's what's
the matter" Laughter and appausel So on looking
down the columns OF the paper saw the announcement
OF the arrival Of schooner, loaded with turtle az
Ter for first class sensation" boarded that schooner
descended into the hold. On their backs lay hundred
turtles half dead with thirst and Starvation me blood
still oOzng from their wounded fms, where the holes had
been made and the ropes run through them weeks be
fore The CLASSY eyes Of these wreches betokcnod not
only their physical but their intellectual suffering for
their tears were even then falling upon the sanded deck
arrested the Captain and the entire crew. took them
10 the T0mbs surrounded by motley crowd OF lOafers,
rufians. and-female women. lLaughtcrl The day FOL
lowing morning paper devoted six columns TO an ae-
count OF the trial; and 10 the funny fellow who wrote
that account have always felt grateful for II at once
placed the Society before the public, ana let them know
that there Society for the defense Of the inferior
animals. -, -,
OF the most important by which public attention
was diverted from its selshness 10 an object which
my conscience told me was one intimately connected
with humanity and civilization. OF course, had diff
cuties 10 contend with, and even threats but felt
strong In the justice OF the work thaI lntmdat9h
only made me more Tesolute Alter the public
came 10 reflect upon the subject there came over
them a conviction that IL Il wrong 10 inilict cruelty
upon animals, and they began TO wonder that cruelty
had been tolerated long. The work has greatly ex
tended itself upon this continent Twenty-Five societies
located m I6 States of the United States and In Canada
have been established. and their number is continually
Increasing. The lecturer then some instances OF
great cruelty practiced upon animals ABROAD, out con
cluded by expressing himself hopefully Tor the move
ncnt for projecting dumb animals In the future. vote
of thanks was accorded TO the lecturer