The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1900-04-04
THE TOY GUN.
Morristown Jerseyman.

MVrElsloMn Jerseyuun.
In this town last week, quite accident
ally, small boy injured the eye of his
young companion by the discharge from
an air gun. What toy to place in the
hands of q thoughtiess child Every
thoughtful person would be thankful to
have this fearful "toy" prohibited by
law. Recently we read the following arti.
Gle written by a well-known humani-
tartan EFT seems astonishing that any
parent can give into the hands of child
toy that is as dangerous as small re-
volver. Armed with this means of de.
struction, and with small ability as a
marksman, the child becomes an active
element of danger to every one in his
neighborhood. Many accidents to other
children have already happened from the
use of air-guns, and the lessons of cruelty
that the boy himself receives and gives to
others in shooting at birds, cats and dogs,
arc countless and evil in results. To
kill for tho mere sake of killing, to wound
aud inilict lingering, agonzing death on
harmless and inoffensive creatures, is a
certain way to learn brutality aud in.
difference to suffering that is sure to end
In crime.
Legislation that will place the air gun
on the list of articles whose unrestricted
sale is illegal is much to BIO desired, and
effort ought to be made at once to obtain
1t. The much abused sparrow has friends
among natura lists who declare him to be
a useful insect. eating bird, while others
declare h ian pest. If it Is decided, how
ever, that he is nuisance and must be
exterminatcd, let the work be given to
some responsible person who will sss that
tho birds arc kills. 18th as little suffering
as possible. A bounty for their heads
ought never to be offered, as 1t gives liber.
ty for ndscriminate slaughter. The re-
cent experience in Illinois resulting from
such course is ample proof Of its folly.
1.-THE Humane Journal of January, 1909,
published in Chicago, says of it, MANY
cases of eyes partially Or wholly destroyed
by air guns were reported by surgeons in
the first fortnight after the bounty was
offered, and between 1000, 600 sparrows
or 10000 boys armed with air. guns any
sensible two-eyed person will choose the
sparrow every time"
Ralph Waldo Trine says, "As a pa
rent, would put into the ohild's hands
no air,guns or instruments or weapons by
which he could iniliot torture upon or
take the life of birds or other animals.
Instead, would point out to him the
great service tho birds are continually do
ing for us in the destruction of various
worms and insects and small rodents,
which, IL left to themselves, would 80
multiply as literally to destroy practically
all fruit aud plant life. would have
him remember how many lives are en-.
riched and beautined by their song. |
would point out thoir habits of industry,
their marvellous powers of adaptability !,
their insight and perseverance,. Therefore,
| would teach him to love, to study, to
care for and feed them" Instead Of
weapon, buy the child an opera glass
and a birdb book, and the world will be
tho better for your child"
A law was passed by the Rhode Island
Legislature June, 1902, prohibiting the
use of air and spring gunR, and any con .
trivance arranged to discharge missiles, as
well as of ordinary guns, etc., In high.
ways and on private property without the
consent of owner