The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-07-29


Pigeon-shooting in time Of peace. pre-
pares the on-shooters to defend our
country should it ever be attacked by
hosts of ferocious pigeons. 1t rs general
ly supposed that the pigeon is a HARM
less and inoffensive bird, but who can
tell what depths of ferocity Turk beneath
its smooth aud plausible plumage. The
pigeon Is large enough and strong enough
to seriously hurt the eye of any human
being into which it might insert its
pointed beak. We should be in nice
position were an army of innumerable
millions of pigeons to suddenly fall upon
us and begin to peck our eyes ont.
While we heedlessly ignore the POSSIBLE
ity of such a calamity, the brave and
prudent pigeon-shoOters are preparing to
meet it. They are acquiring the skill
which will enable them to defeat an in
vading host Of Infatuated pigeons, and
by familiarizing themselves with killing
the birds, are gaining III courage and
steadiness of nerves. 1t Is all very well
for US to sneer at these noble men while
we apprehend no danger, but should we
ever be OH the pointof being overwhelmed
by pigeons. how gladly would we call on
the gallant pigeon-shooters to come to
our rescue.
Then, again, pigeon-shooting is use
full preparation for men who think OF
adopting the butchers trade. To the
ordinary man the killing of animals as
trade has no attractions The pigeon
shooter, on the other hand, becomes so
accustomed to the sight Of blood and
death that he actually enjoys taking the
,,f hs,Jo nd
for the pain which he may inflict Thus,
the bird butchers are fitting themselves
to adopt trade by which they can earn
an honest living and live useful lives.
Other sports, such as rowing, cricket
playing, or bicycle-riding have no such
educational influence, and to compare
them with pigeon-shooting, which fits a
man 60 become ali honest, useful butcher
of pigs and calves, would be grossly un-
fair.
Moreover, pigeon-shooting greatly i'm
proves the financial condition of the
country. 1t is the occasion of unlimited
betting, and even if we are so strait
laced as to disapprove of betting, we
must admit that it puts money III circula-
ton. Now, political economists assure
us that when money is briskly circulated
trade is prosperous. The noble pigeon
shooters are thus improving the condit-
ton of trade, increasing the financial
prosperity of the country, and, in short,
doing q great and holy work. And these
are the men whom silly sentmentalists
are ooarsely reviling!
Excellent in most respects as pigeon
| shooting is, it is not beyond the reach of
improvement. Could men or children
be substituted for pigeons, the sport
would grow in interest and in value. If
! it is amusing to kill bird, it must be
much more interesting to kill man, and
if geon-shooting prepares men to de-
fend themselves against an Invasion of
pigeons, men shooting would prepare the
sportsmen To defend their country against
All invading army of Europeans. Why
should not oil criminals sentenced to
death by our courts be given over to the
| sportsmen to be shot Mt from traps at
their annual meeting? Why should not
| orr Government, III the Interests of manly
| sport, make an agreement with all other
! Governments to take their criminals off
| their hands and to present them TO the
! Sportsman Association? The sports
men assure US that it is not cruel for
them to kill twenty Thousand birds, be-
cause it is not held to be cruel even by
Mr.. Bergh to kill birds for the market.
There would, therefore, be no cruelty in
killing men who. if not shot by sports
men. would he hanged on the gallows
Could the pigeon he allowed to
| kill babies just old enough to creep.
the very topmost height of sport would
be reached, bnt as in the present artificial
state of public opinion babies are uu-
available for sporting purposes. the least
we ando is to supply the pigeon shooters
with criminals. -NeW York Times