New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-11-07
Henry Hcrsn, ihe Animals Friend.
TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN.

E Among the Americans who through thci
achievements have won fame and recognition
in Europe, many are found whose claims tC
I such distinction are infcrior--it is not saiG
with any intention to bclittlc their merits
to those Of The man who is the subject Of
E these lines a man endowed with rare persc-
verance and seli-sacriiicing love, whose great
heart enshrines an inexhaustible treasure OF
bencvolcnce and sympathy for every living
creature, who, thanks to his uncommon prac-
teal skill, with comparatively small means
has obtained truly astonishing results in his
chosen sphere of activity. lflIenry Bergh's
name is not as familiar in Europe as that of
many an American author, politician or ora
tor who is entitled to the honor of star of
the second or third magnitude at the utmost,
it is mostly owing to the fact that those to
whose welfare he devotes his life have neither
influence nor public organs, nor even Ian
guage to express their gratitude to their
friend and protector, for Henry Bergh is the
founder and President OF the american So
ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ami
mails" and one Of the greatest benefactors of
animals that ever lived.
Henry Bergh belongs to a family of promi-
nent standing in the State of New York. a
liberal education and the possession ola large
fortune opened TO Jim all the higher enjoy
mens derived from art and literature, which
cheer and embellsh life. About twenty
years he spent in travels and became ac-
quaintel with nearly all parts Of the globe.
He was appointed United States Consul in st.
Petersburg, and afterwards succeeded Bayard
| Taylor as Secretary of Legation. IL was
during his sojourn in Russia, and, perhaps.
partly owing to the sight of the cruelties
there inflicted on animals by barbarous,
half-ciyilized people, that his thoughts and
feelings turned chiefly on the wrongs of ami
mails, and that he made their wel-being, and
particularly the prevention ofcruelty to them.
the main object of his life, which he has pur-
sued ever since with untiring fidelity and per-
severance. He returned to the United
States, and in the year 1866 organized in
New York the abOvc-named society, the
first of its kind in this country, where, until
that time, animals did not enjoy the least
legal protection, and had no rights that men
were bound to respect. His social position,
his wealth, and the benevolent object to
which no kind-hearted man could refuse his
sympathy, leveled his path. Many of the
richest, most prominent, and influential men
in New York became members of the society,
made donations, and gave their support to it.
The society was Incorporated and the police
| nj, of 1,cnoco1 in al 10
case of cruelty with the needed energy.
Bergh is the animating spirit, the life and
soul of the whole organization, its head as
well as its most indefatigable worker, who
does not disdain to enter into the mnutest
details, always present and ready whenever
his interference is needed, unconcerned about
the enmities and vilficatlons he often has to
encounter. A faithful co-worker and assistant
he has in Archibald II. Campbell, the Super
intendent of the society, who shares his de-
votion in the cause and is serving it with the
same zeal, so that Mr.. Bergh himself once
declared he would not know how to continue
his labors successfully without Mr.. Camp.
BELLS untiring assistance.
After having organized the society, Bergl
awaited himself of all his influence to secure
in the State Legislature the passage of a Sc
ries of bills drawn up by him for the protec
ton of animals as the only means to On.
counter cruelty theoretically. Many OF
the measures that he advocates were
adopted, others were defeated, OWNS
to the indifference or brutality of the legisla
| tors. Though far from perfect in this respect
| credit must be given to New York for being
one of those States provided with the mos
efficient regulations for the prevention O
cruelty to animals.
, In a city as large as Ney York, wher
, thousands of horses are daily used on tn
v city railroads, in omnibuses, and other vehi
cles Of every description, it is the horse frs
of all animals that constantly claims the pro
lection and intcrposition of the animals
friend, for, though the most valuable ant
indispensable helpmate of man, he has t.
- suffer more from his masters selfshness
ingratitude, and lack Of consideration, tina
y any other creature. Overlooking of the cit
= cars, which furnish accommodation for abou
It twenty-five persons, but arc crowded dali
|
- driving sick horses unfit for work, or the hol
n rible ill-treatment, of which especially th
Irish are guilty, who in brutality and cruelt
;. Guido all other nationalities represented here
ii are the wrongs which mostly require M
Bcrgh's interference, who at any moment
ready and willing, at the sacrifice Of all pc
sOnal comfort. 1t has occurred that
stopped long rows of overloaded cars fl
d hours, notwithstanding the rage and threa
lie of drivers and conductors, and tho vexatio
= of the passengers. He has organized a spe
!, T. ial corps of detectives for the protection
animals, who by day and night keep watt
/; in the streets, in order to interfere in al
Is case of cruelty, and to arrest the offender {
II the spot whenever necessary. In the cour
j, =" of year from three to four hundred cas-,
at are usually tried, and frequently Mr.. Berg
T. who himself is a member of the bar, can
u, seen in the court-rOOms. There are prob
- bly, few men who do not dread law sui
and the majority will rather suffer slig
c. wrong or loss than undergo the annoyan
I'd o. emit tho morn birbly thorofnro tbo a,