The Monitor., 1888-06-08
One Band OF Mercy.
Rest Cottage, Nay Il, 1888.

told the young folks at our regular
meeting that the next monthly meeting, the
week following. would be devoted to the
subject of kindness to animals, and that |
wanted them to think up any facts they
had known which showed great intelligence
i'll animals, or any incidents about animals
that would be of interest | also selected
a few recitations, including one on the sim
funess of robbing birds nests another on
how dog saved child from a burning
house, etc, etc, and gave these ont to my
best little speakers.
Then remembered that Evanston was
the home of the third largest Mastiff in the
United States and at once determined to
invite LEO to sit on the platform during
my meeting. His owner, young lady to
whom he was deyotedly attached, gladly
promised to bring him.
The day came and over one hundred
eager boys and girls were in their places.
We had our opening exercises usual,
and when they were over, Leo and his kind
mistress entered the room. The delight of
the children knew no bounds, and for
minute or two they applanded his appear
ance OH the scene. Then | talked to the
children about the Band of Mercy, when
and why it had been organized, told them
of my early knowledge of Mr. Geo. 4.
Angel who had taken me boat riding on
Charles river when | was a little girl, ap-
ala1 10 fn Ia
ing creature with kindness, and closed by
saying that this magnificent dog had heard
there was to be a meeting of this kind
where the boys and girls were to organize
for the protection of dogs and cats, birds
and beasts, and so had come to show how
glad he was, and that shonld now intro
duco him. At word from his owner he
came to the platform with adignified tread
that a member of the Supreme Court might
rejoice to attain.
told the child rem of his cold water
principles and that he could not be induced
To taste strong drink or tobacco, and he
| was Immediately voted in as a member of
| our Loyal Temperance Legion and decorat-
ed with bow of blue ribbon on his collar
| Next came our program of statements
| from the children about wonderful things
! they had heard of animals and the recita-
tions prepared for the occasion The
children stood close beside the dog while
reciting, and it was a beautiful sight when
| a little girl would turn coniidentially to-
ward this huge dog twice her size, and
placing her little hand on his head, pro-
cced to plead for kindness to those who
cannot speak for themselves.
After the program, one of the boys NOV
ed that we organize a Band of Mercy, and
this motion was quickly seconded and en-
Enthusiastically carried. The simple consti,
tution and pledge Of the Band were read
and adopted, and all who signed the
| pledge were presented " ith a certificate of
membership These certificates, as well
as constitution and varied helps. had OBJ
tanned from Mr.. Geo T. Angel, of Boston,
Mass.
A president and secretary of our Band
were appointed at this meeting and deco
rated with the gilt star badge of the So
cicty. Tho young folks were impressed
with the Thought that they must now en-
ter on active service for the birds and AMI
mails around them, and after brief adj
dress from friend, the happy children
went their way to be more thoughtful in
the future of their dumb friends. Anna
| Gordon.