National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-06-20
THE DOG QUESTION,

To the Editor Of The National Republican:
SIR: In your excellent journal OF Monday, 18th
inst, you publish an article on unmuzzled dogs,
in which you state that the war on the CANNES
has begun, and that under the direction Of the
Board Of Health the poundmaster, Samuel Elm
stein, commences the annual raid upon unmuIzled
dogs running at large in Washington and George
town, and we hail the day of deliverance." Day
Of deliverance, indeed why didn't we have
day Of deliyerance last year, and one in each Of
the years preceding that2 "In former years, ("
you say, 'this service was under the direction Of
the mayor" To my mind this is a mistake. No
sir, the catching and tmpounding Of dogs origin,
ated with the Board of Health, about three years
ago, and neither Of our former mayors had any
thing to do with the originating or practicing Of
that modern PickwicktaD movement
For the last three years, every summer, the
Board Of Health has wasted great deal Of we'll
paid-for time in discussing the dog question, and
they have regularly promulgated their edicts
against unmuZzled dogs running at large. Last
year not only the Board of Health, but the Dis
triet Legislature consumed much time on that
subject All unmuzzled dogs were to be caught
and impounded; and didn't we see throughout
the whole summer the pugnose, the bull-head,
the long the bob-tail and all other kinds Of
course we dbl natural result of ridiculous
system. 1850
paper pronHRctdmentos regularly issued by the
Board of Health on the subject Of dogs, would
naturally be led TO think that the streets of
w Washington, Our1lR inc summer season, are oOu1-
plstely cleared Of unmuzzled dogs, and that the
lives of the citizens are secured in the enjoyment
Of perfect immunity even from the slightest ap-
prehenson Of the horrors Of hydrophobia appear
Ing in their midst. What are the facts? Why,
prior to and even since the Board Of Health came
Into existence the streets, avenues and byways Of
the city have swarmed with unmuZZled dogs,
running at large during the summer months and
numerous cases of hydrophobia have occurred.
Notwithstanding the time consumed by the Board
Of Health and the Legislature last year. on the
subject Of prohibiting unmuzzled dogs running
ut large, It is well known that during all Of last
summer, even under the intense rays Of hot and
rolling sun of the cheated term, unmuzzled dogs
literally ran riot through our city. Where you
would see one or two muzzled, you would meet
with ten that were not muEZled.
This catching and impending Of dogs regard
40 thoroughly PickWickian as DIR. Cox's ideaof ex-
terminating the flies by chemical process. 1t is
only calculated to amuse and afford hilarity and
sport TO motley gatherings of,disorderly boys.
Rather than one human life should be rendered
up victim to the terrible horrors Of hydrophobla,
II would be infinitely more humane to kill every
dog in Washington without single exception.
Now, would suggest, for the preservation Of
the lives Of our citizens, that the police be eu-
powered and directed to shoot down all unmuZzled
dogs found running at large, and that the police
take note Of the locality where the animal is
killed. There should be q horse and wagon in
readiness at each police station and &C. should be
the duty Of those in charge to 20 at stated hours
TO the places Indicated BY the police, and gather
In the dead animals for immediate interment
Yours, respectfully, R.