Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-17

spised. During the past year the receipts of
the society were S6,615,5S. which, however. in
clpdes bequest Of the late Miss Helen II. Gif-
ford OF New Haven, Conn.,. amounting 70
Sun building on F street.
rHs OFFICERS.
Judge Macarthur. ous Of the early presi-
dents, is now an houored vice president of the
society, and he continues to be. one Of the most
jealous and earnest members. The efficient
president Is Mr.. A. 8. Pratt. who has been for
years identified with charitable and phiian-
thropic work in this District The society has
found in him the enthusiasm combined with
practical sagncity which has given force and
effort TO the work which IL being carried on
with so much success. The others are as fol-
lows: Vice Presidents, Hon. Arthur Macarthur,
Hon. VIM. 3. Webb. Rev. u. Il. Shipper. Mrs.
William F.. Chandler, Mrs. A. L. Barber. Mr.. II.
F. Blount, Rev. DIR. T. s. Hamlin, Rev. William
A. Bartlett, DID,, Mrs. Florence Murray, J. g.
I. Upper, Mrs. Hugh McCulloch, Mrs. E. C.
Halliday and II. Sidney Everett: corresponding
secretary. Walter ). Pratt: recording secretary
Mrs. NJ. 4 Poet; financial secretary, Mrs. II.
b. F. mcfarland; treasurer: Edwin N. Trucll;
executive committee, A. 3. Pratt, i. NJ. Truell
secretaries. Mrs. f. c. Halliday, Mrs. A. J.
Chapman, J. B. 7. Upper, Mrs. Florence Mur-
ray, Miss Harriet Loring, Mrs. T. b. Hood.
Mrs. II. p. Randolph, H. b. +. Mcfarland,
Mrs. Martha A. Smell, Mrs. B. p. Mimmack,
Mrs. F. Cairns and II. Sidney Everett.
HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY.
On the 2lst of June, 1870. the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the Dis
trict was incorporated by Congress. The first
president was Theodore F. GatcheII. At that
time he was a member Of the board of police
commissioners and was able to give material
assistance in the prompt and effective enforce
ment of the law. There was, how
ever. no general interest manifested by the
public in the objects and work Of the society.
and when Mr.. Gatchell left the city in 1878 his
successors, Mr.. Fox and Gen. Graham. found
the society without support or encouragement,
and in spite Of repeated efforts made by these
gentlemen and others its active operations
1881. the well-known philanthropist, Mr.. Geo.
T.. Angel of Boston, visited the city.
and owing to his efforts and the inspiration of
his zeal the society was revived. Hon. Arthur
Mac Arthur. who is now retired as judge of
the Supreme Court Of the District was chosen
president, and the society entered upon a new
era of activity. special meeting was held in
December Of that year and the expe-
diency OF adding to the scope Of
the work of the society by including
the protection of children was considered.
Various meetings were held and committees
were appointed to consider the matter, but it
was not until February Is, 1885, after more
than three years of patient and untiring effort,
that Congress passed the act for the protection
of children. Eleven days after the President had
attached his signature to the bill President Mac
Arthur issued an address calling public meet
ing to be held on the 9th of February In
this address it was stated that up Ito the pres
ert time there has been no statute law in the
District bearing in the remotest degree on this
subject" namely, the protection Of children.
The meeting was largely attended, and it was
then decided to change the name of the society
to the one which it now bearJ