The Portland daily press., 1889-04-11

Reform in the relations of men to dumb
animals is making rapid and powerful
progress throughout the civilized world
Humane Societies and Bands Of Mercy are
constantly increasing in number and in mem-
bership. Never was there more complete
proof of Shakepeare's definition of Mercy,
1T blesses him that gives and him that
taxes than is afforded by the records Of
these associations, during the short time
that they have existed. Sympathy and kind
ness to animals are not less beneficial to the
man who protects than to the creature pro-
tected. The care Of horse, COW, even of
canary bind, is responsibility, an educa-
tion, a test Of character; and draws out the
justice and tenderness which are among the
divinest qualities of mankind. Animals are
good friends, faithful. forgivlng. responsive
to kind treatment; and the companionship
Of horse or dog can lead into no bad ways
or teach i'll lessons. There is no more direct
manner Of fitting boy for his future re-
sponsibilities in life than to give him the
charge of calf, a lamb or kitten to make
him answerable for its welfare, and teach
him to study its nature and its needs
Figures attest the worth of humane edu-
cation: Among nearly 1000 children taught
kindness to animals in a Scotch public
school it has been found that not one has
ever been charged in any court with crimi
nal offence. M. de Sally, an eminent in
structor in France. who made humane teach
ings an important part of his work, has
VIZ itten; II am convinced that kindness to
animals is the beginning of moral perfec-
tion, and that child who is taught humani-
ty to them. will in later years learn to love
ais fellowmen." OF about 1000 prison con-
victs questioned upon the subject only 12 had
had any pet animals during their childhood.
Cruelty to dumb creatures is, in most
cases, the result of thoughtlessness and want
Of sympathy. The reform of cruelty must
be effected by the education of public senti-
ment, and to do this general and generous
effort must be made. The Portland s, p G,
Ain common with similar associations in
other citles-has the satisfaction to find that
IN course OF the past few years the condition
OF dumb animals Is greatly bettered. 1t Is
no longer fashionable to carry a whip, and
cheerful word Is the general substitute for the
rude shout thatis an offence to the fine
ear OF horse. IL is understood that to
chase COW with sticks and stones Is To dis
tress the animal and render her milk harm
ful to the children who depend upon it for
food. 1t has become so unpopular to NAL
treat harmless creature that a policeman
lew days since was reprimanded and dis
missed from the police force of Portland be-
cause he had kicked a little kitten off the
sidewalk Civic justice is never more esti-
mable than when it protects the least among
its dependents. and the defense of that kit
ten was no slight sign Of the right govern
ment of Portland. The fearlessness of doves
and sparrows In our streets there is an
Italian saying, "as good friends as doves and
sparrows') is a testimony to the gentle man
hood and boyhood of the city.
Much has been done toward the improve
ment Of public feeling toward dumb animals,
and this is encouragement to believe that
much more can be accomplished. The use
fulness OF the Portland S. p. @. A. is limit
ed only by its means, and it may be safely
guaranteed that every dollar entrusted to It
will be well spent. At present Mr.. Wing is
eanvassing the city for subscriptions to the
5. T. Q. A., and it Is hoped that the public
VIII contribute cordially to this object, which
means protection to the dumb animals and
the increase of human sentiment among
men.
Mr.. Wing will also receive subscriptions to
q monthly journal, Our Dumb Animals, pub
l!shed IN Boston by President George T.
Angel OF the American Humane Education
Society. 1t is delightful and profitable pa
per for every. member of a family, from the
Oldest TO the youngest, and containing
sketches, poems and Illustrations of excel
lent literary quality. The editor excludes
from lis columns the narrowing stories of
cruelty, OF which so many must come to his
knowledge; and selects with rare tact such
reading matter and pictures as will enforce
In the most attractive manner lessons of hu-
manity and mercy. The price of subscrip-
tion to Our Dumb Animals is fifty cents
year, and it would not be easy to find read
his subscription lists should receive ready
welcome and support