The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1885-03-27
OLDEST SOCIETY ON EARTH.

A Vegetarian Professors Humorous spceci
Changes Going on In the World.
| IChicago Times
The Vegetarian society of Great Brit
ain appears to DO making excellent
progress At the last annual meeting,
recently held in London, large mum,
Der of distinguished men and women
were present and took part in the pro-
ceedings The president, Professor
Mayor, of Cambridge university, de.
livered humorous and highly instruc-
tive speech. lie stated that the order of
vegetarans was not only tho oldest of
any on earth, but that it was the most
extensive.
1t had its origin in Eden. The emil
nent ancient feruvians and MeXicans
were all members of it, A majority of
the people of India, China, and Japan
are vegetarians. Among the old-time
vegatarians were tythagoras, 2eno,
Socrates,s Epicurus, Seneca, and Plu-
tarch. Tha Roman porridge-caters the
Persians of Cyrus, tho Greeks of Leoni-
das, the Swedes of Gustavus Vassa, the
miners of Chilli, and the Hudson bay
trappers ate scarcely anything but veg
etables, endured privation, withstood
hardships, and gained the admiration
of the world. Converts were being
made from all classes. Men of wealth,
who had stuffed themselves with roast
beef and buildings Astounding in animal
fat till they were laid up with the goat,
were forced to confine themselves to II
vegetable diet, when they usually re-
gained their health. People who conld
not obtain money to procure meat were
obliged to live on vegetables In the
majority of cases they were soon salts
fed with the change.
The speaker referred to Professor
BeketoIf, rector of st. Petersburg uni
versity, who declared that the future is
with the vegetarians. The reason was
plain. Ten vegetarians could live where
a single meat-eater would starve. The
time was soon coming when the popula-
ton of many countries could not be sup
ported if any considerable portion of the
land was devoted to raising animals TO:
food. Animal substances were fast be-
coming displaced by those made Of
minerals or vegetables. Geese were
once kept partly for the purpose Of sup
plying large quilts for making pens. The
metal pen has driven out that made
from quill Not long ago, millions of
skins were wanted every year for max
ing parchmtn Mt. Paper made of veget
ables has superseded parchment lor
almost all purposes. Gutta- percha and
In liza rubber were fast taking the place
If leather. Feathers are no longer nee
,ssary TO: filling beds. Brushes are
made without bristles, and the best
combs are made from other materials
han horn.
Tallow was no longer needed for max |
ng candles. A much better article
'ould he manufactured from para!iine.
Animal and fish oils were not employed
or filling lamps. kerosene has taken
heir place The streets and buildings
we're nov lighted by gas made from
:oal Gas. electricity, or mineral oil
would furnish the light OF the future.
Gutter is giving place to fruit jam and
vegetable oils. Vegetable substances
ire finding their way into cheese. Even
animal rower was being superseded
Horses made of iron and drawn by
steam were transporting most of the
assengers and goods in all civilized
countries. Gas, wind, water, steam,
nd the tides were being called into the
ervi of man. Even the saddle horse
vas fast being displaced by the bicycle
md tricycle. Cheap and rapid trans
has rendered it easy to bring
he vegetable products of one country !
o another. Horticulture is making |
most rapid progress everywhere. The
rt of preserving vegetables was being |
,rought to a state of perfection.