Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-25
National Committees Work.


known to the public.
National Committees Work
Among the many important duties of the
national committee is the assistance of the
several state societies in securing desir-
able legislation in favor of bird protection,
and in defeating attempts OF selfish people
to have amendments passed Whlch VIII
weaken the effects of good laws at present
in force. The committee, In its annual re-
port warns the bird-lovers In the states
which have the model law to have their
law committees look out for attempts or
this kind. 1t suggests that the best way 10
watch legislation is to have placed al the
capitol. some reliable person. preferaoiy
bright newspaper reporter, and arrange
with him to furnish a copy OF every piru
bill that is introduced. The law committees
can then determine whether the bill Is pene-
ficial to bird protection or not. and the So
ciety act accordingly. The national com
mittee, having had wide experience with
legislatures. speaks with authority, ana Is
always ready and willing to assist the
Audubon Society OF any state where ad-
verse legislation is introduced Mr.. William
butcher, the enthusiastic chairman or the
committee. is always on duty, and he Is
pleased at all times to give advice and as
sistanCe to those who may be working IN
the interest of birds, either In this country
abroad. His address is 30 Manhattan
avenue. New York; il you are a bird-lover,
it may be well TO put that name and address
in your note book now: you never know
when you may need "A little good advice
concerning the best way to protect some or
your feathered friends from injustice.
Shotgun Your Protection.
Among the many good results arising
from the work of the national committee Is
the protection of many colonies OF sea birds
which breed at different points along our
coast. and the consequent increase in the
population of practically every colony pro-
tected. Not long ago these helpless birds
and their eggs were considered the legitl-
mate plunderer of every plume-hunter and
hunter who chose to visit the breeding
grounds. Wherever the Audubon society
has gained a foothold however the would
be bird-destroyers find themselves con-
fronted with warning notices against Tres
pass and massacre, and, unless they take
the hint. they are apt to meet loyal and
determined wardens who have sand enough
to enforce the law, peaceably II possiple,
but with the assistance of shotgun II
necessary. Such man is Guy NJ. Bradley,
who. in the good LAUGH Audubon re-
Gently purchased by the society, Is con-
tinualy cruising among the keys ana
islands In the extreme south of Florida. or
patrolling on foot the swamps and ever
glades of that wild region. His work is
lonely, sometimes dangerous, but he per-
forms it faithfully, and it may be some sat
isfaction to him to know that his loyalty 10
the cause of bird-protectiOn is understood
and appreciated over the length and breadth
of these United States. Charles G. Johnson
keeper of the sand Key Lighthouse sla-
ton, is another good warden, who looks
well after the interests of the gulls ana
terms which breed near his station. He and
his assistant prevent any landing on the
breeding ground during the nesting season,
and they will not permit shooting at any
time. AS a result, these birds have had a
very favorable year. Benjamin Peacon Is
the name of.the warden appointed To guard
the birds nesting on Dry TOrtugas during
last season. He resided on Bird Key, and
reports satisfactory increase in the number
of terms which nested there. These and
other good men are employed as wardens
by the national committee. which has &C
complished wonders considering the COM
paratively small sum of money II has so far
had at its disposal. But as the interest in
brd-prOtectiOn increases, and the good
work of this committee becomes more gen.
orally recognized, it is hoped that there will
be funds enough to provide for the pr0tec-
ton of every colony of breeding birds upon
10 nf prtb Arna