The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-02-16

The Detroit Tribune OF Feb. 10Th says Our
Lansing correspondent IN his letter published
last Saturday, gives succinct summary OF the
provisions OF the bull introduced by Senator
Burleigh for the revision and consolidation Of
tho game laws OF the State. The measure is an
important one, and il was prepared by gath
ering OF gentlemen representing the various
associations for the protection OF game which
exist in Michigan. Its formal introduction in
the Senate has been accompanied by the pres
entation to the legislators Of an address pre-
pared by subcommittee OF the Game Law
Committee of the State Specimens Association,
which exhibits with 80 much clearness the ne
cessity for the proposed amendments that we
publish it as a matter OF public interest. While
those who find sport in hunting and fishing APP
pear as the active agents in this request for
new legislation, the people in general have
decided concern in these aspects OF the sub
ject
l. 1t is clear that the pablo interest demands
the perpetuation OF the different species OF the
game BIRDS fishes and animals OF our State,
and that their pursuit, whether for sport or as
means of livelihood, shall be so regulated as
to prevent their extermlnstion. On this point
there can be no difference Of intelligent opin-
ion, and game laws form part OF the legisla-
ton Of every law-making people.
2. The public has an interest, not so gener-
ally recognized as In the above case. but IN our
judgment very clear, in the encouragement OF
sportmanship. The killing OF edible creatures
is universally recognized as not involving cru
city, and the capture of game, with its health
ful excitement with its stimulus to exercise,
and with it's tendency to bring man into closer
contact with nature, is an important contribu-
ton to the physical vlgor OF the race. Those
civilized peoples among whom hunting fishing
and the affiliated sports are popular, are uni
formly hardy, long lived and self-reliant. The
teachings OF experience IN this respect are plain
and natural, and the legitimate encouragement
OF such source of vital power is wise as a
matter of state policy.
3. The inadequacy, IN some important re-
spects, OF the existing game laws of Michigan,
Is clearly set forth in the address OF the Game
Laws Committee referred TO. Especially aston
ishlng to the public will be the figures therein
given as to the annual slaughter OF wild pigeons
in this State during the breeding season. such
destructive butchery, marching by rapid strides
toward early determination, should be prohibit.
ed. With the facts as to the steady decrease OF
the stock Of deer IN the unsettled portions OF
Michigan the public are familiar, and the desi-
rabihty of some check upon tue killing of this
animal is we'll understood The address easily
makes out clear case 10 favor OF further leg.
slaton.
! 4. Thorough inquiry has convinced us that
the gathering OF gentlemen at Lansing last
week was a thoroughly representative enc. The
leading associations Of eportsmen in all parts
OF the State sent as delegates one or more oil
their prominent members, and the names OF
those in attendance gave weight to their pro.
ceedings and conclusions. These gentlemen
coming from all parts Of the State and some
OF them representing the sectors especially az
fected by game laws, wore unanimous in their
final action, and fully endorsed the new bill
and the accompanying address. This fact in
itself constitutes important testimony to the
merit OF the measure. The provisions Of the
bill strike us as judicious and effective (altho
we co not pretend to speak with any expert
knowledge in the matter), and it is notewor-
thy fact that in it the rights OF landowners. as
against hunters and sportsmen. are fully recog.
nized and rgldly guarded.
We have no hesitation in commenting a
| measure, 30 wise in It's aims aud so responsIbly
| endorsed. to the favorable consideration OF the
| Legislature,