The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-10-26
DOG AND CAT, A CONTRAST.
Agnes Repplier, in Life.

Agnes Repplier. in Life.
If any OF us be disposed to doubt the de-
moralization of the dog through too close
an intercourse with man, have but 30
consider how in every land he apes his
masters national peculiarities, and how in
every great city of the world he assumes
the especial characteristics OF a citizen.
John Knox and Francis the First were not
more distinctly alike than are the self
righteous collie of Edinburgh and the lib
ertine poodle OF Paris.
II is sad to an animal surrender it's
broad and splendid freedom to become a
little four-footed Scotchman or Celt, but
this maleability explains the affection which
man, the egotist, feels for his imitator. A
dog in Paris is so busy being a Partisan
that he quite forgets to be a dog. He con-
scientiously adds his share of noise TO the
noisiest city OF the world. but he does this
in unison with the internal cracking OF
whips and the multitudinous cries which
ascend in a triumphant discord TO heaven.
He loves to be driven rapidly through the
brilliant streets. he quivers with excitement
over the throbing intensity of life he yelps
shrilly at all passers-by In the exuberance
of his emotions. and anything like coli
lision thrills his heart with JOY. When he
is indoors he lives In nervous tremor lest
he should miss something that is going on
outside. A shop dog rushes 10 the door
every few minutes, looking anxiously up
and down the street TO assure himself that
nothing unwonted is occurring The re-
sponsibiliiy OF being well informed on every
point enfeebles his constitution; but, like
the cavalier. he covets only few tumultu-
Gus years.
Not long life by the fire"
When he sits at his masters feet in front
of a cafe In the golden afternoon, ne
watches the crowd with quick apprecia-
ton, and with an air which is at once
dissipated and intelligent When he drives
In the Bois. no point of interest escapes
him. He is OF the world worldly and OF
fashion fashionable. But take him 10
church. and he is instantly aware of his
devout surroundings. have seen fox
terrier left on the broad steps OF the Made
leine. while his mistress recruited her piety
within. AT once he composed himself into
an attitude OF respectful attention. his
head turned to the great closed doors. his
looked like little Christian dog couchant
on an old knightly tomb. and he never
stirred from that admirable pose until his
owner came out and reclaimed him. lie
knew what was due to the sanctifed nature
of the spot.
In sharp contrast 10 this amiable adapta-
biity Is the superb indifference OF the
Partisan cat. who Is as unmoved by frivoli-
ty as by piety, and who never appears con-
scious OF her encourage. She drOwses for
hours in the glittering shop windows. un-
mindful OF the beautiful things about her,
and uninterested in the crowd outside.
Caresses and cOjolery she endures with
scornful composure. She plays no part in
the turmoil Of Paris life: she does not even
seem aware that IL Is going on about her:
she Is untouched by its startling and DOM
inant characteristics Her spirit may be
sojourning in Arabia or Hindoostan. She Is
never French for moment and never
bonnie Catholique. Notre Dame Possesses q
cat which dwells perpetually within the
sacred walls The Madeleine has superb
resident Ansora. Both these beasts are az
purely pagan as were Pashts pussles by
the Nile There is at least one animal able
TO resist the insidious influence Of hu-
manitv