Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-10-30
Mr.. Angell's Address.

George T. Angel, of Boston, President of the
Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty
n Animals delivered an address at the State
House last evening" to II large and apprecla-
tive audience His subject was "The rela.
ion of animals that can speak to those that are
umb"
His attention was first called to the subject OF
'ruelty TO animals by the abuse of favorte
horse belonging to himself and by other like events
occurring in his immediate Reighborhood
l. there a heaven for animals =? Many people
believe that there is spiritual existence for ami
mails. Agassiz was firm believer in this theory.
TO those who love animals, it IL a pleasure to
believe that there is another existence for them.
Cruelty to animals is unheard of among the Chi
nese and in India. Animals are treated better in
Europe than in this country Horses, for in
stance, are driven without check rens and other
harbarous appurtenances. Horses pulling
Dad up hill want, and need to lean forward, but
the check-ren prevents it and brings injury to
the animal. More profitable to let horses rest
one day in seven Experienced men have decided
this question beyond dispute.
Most countries in the civilized world have
nrganzed societies for the prevention of cruelty
N animals, and many eminent men and women
are enlisted in the work-kings, queens and
mobiles In this country twelve years ago there
was not such society now there are over
seventy of them 1.-THE speaker then gave an in
eresting account of some of the earlier societies
and persons connected with them. He cited many
benefits already resulting from these organza-
tionsl The cost OF the work In Massachusetts il
very small in comparison with the cost Of chari-
table work reg lrding human beings.
Why do animals need protection? Because
many of those which are transported across the
country to be used rs food have heen abused
tnd -treated rs to be diseased and unfit for
food. Yet they are sold in the market Purchas-
ING Of resi- onsibe men will not remedy this evil,
because even reliable dealers apt To he de-
eived. Any way of stopping of this cruelty? Yes,
by providing suitable cattle cars, giving animals
plenty of room; also by affording opportunities
for the watering and feeding of cattle during the
journey Railroad corporations will provide such
AIRS aud such facilities when public opinion de-
nands IL,
Mr.. Angel spoke strongly against the method
II Strengthening now pursued lie thought there
was a remedy for this He advocated killing with
a heavy rifle ball. as the most mercifu way OF
oing IT, lie claimed that the European methods
II Strengthening were far ahead of those pursued
in this country. The treatment of animals before
killing affects the quality of the meat aud thus
the public health Is many times endangered.
Fish should be killed as soon rs caught their
value as food ia thus much enhanced
vs. to birds, man could not exist without them
they do an nlmen'e deal OF good in protecting the
crops; birds should he pIotechd, especially the
smaller birds. He advocated legislation In their
lavor
The TRADE against dogs was referred to- Il Is
claimed that they kill good many sheep The
speaker suggested remedy for This which be
thought would work well, viz: when a dog has
killed sheep, put the Sleeps pelt on the dog
and make him wear IL few days; II will proba-
Oly cure him OF killing sheep. The services
which dogs have rendered mankind are beyond
com utation The speaker here gave several
Instances where dogs had saved life and earned
the lasting gratitude OF man, They are indeed
the friends aud companions OF man.
What Is the remedy for these wrongs against
animals? Prayer first, II You will; but works
nust be added Every state should have so
ciety which would alfuld protection to animals
But OF more Importance than the question Of law
Is that of humane education. This consists In
mparting TO the children such knowledge as will
lead them 10 treat dumb animals In kind and
gentle manner. Cultivate the hearts of the chill
dren by teaching them kindness TO animals. This
is the beginning Of moral perfection, and the
child who is kind TO dumb creatures will be a
god citizen. Every step In this direction tends
10 elevate the soul and prepare 1t for the domin-
ION OF him who proclaimed peace on earth good
VIII to men. There Ii something for every body
TO do In this work
ln conclusion, MIR. Angel earnestly urged the
Organization of state society, and offered TO
contribute to Its financial support He desired
lnht some mtmDcr Oh tue Vermont Nkfldtutc
should move resolution asking the Congress OF
the United States TO provide for the better trans
portatinn OF animals.
The address throughout was exceedingly inter
esiing and Instructive, and can not fail 10 arouse
IN the minds OF all who heard il kiudlier feeling
toward the brute creation Although an hour
aud half was consumed in it, delivery the
speaker held the close attention of the audience
a. the end. The applause with which his lusta-
tions we've received, aud the heartiness with
which the vote OF thanks was given gave abund-
ant proof that Mr.. Angels lecture met with APP
proval In the hearts Of his audience.