Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-04

birds and the other was the restriction as
to season. The new bin. 1t will be seen.
prohibits the killing of both wild birds and
wild animals and the prohibition is to be
continued instead of for only certain por-
ton of the year
Mr.. Thomas. in speaking of different fea-
lures of the bill, said that section had
been inserted with view of giving suffi-
Gent authority to the police in restricting
and preventing the use of firearms. This
section provides that the Commissioners of
the District of Columbia are hereby au-
thorized and empowered to make and en-
force such usual and reasonable police reg
ulations, in addition to those already made
under the act of January g. 1887, and the
joint resolution approved February 26.
1892. as they may deem necessary for the
regulation of firearms, projectiies. expio-
sives or weapons of any kind in the Dis
trict of Columbia Under this provision it
was pointed out. the firing of guns, pistols
and other weapons may be absolutely pro-
hihited.
Chase of Swimming Fowl.
Mr.. Thomas also explained that section 8
had been Incorporated in the bill for the
purpose of preventing the wanton chasing
of ducks and other swimming fowl In the
waters of the District by persons cruising
about In motor boats. He said many in
stances had been reported in which motor
boats were driven with great speed after
swimming fowls for no other purpose than
that of having fun at the expense of the
poor birds This section provides as fol-
lows: That no person in the District of Co
iunpla snail at any time hunt, pursue or
needlessly disturb any wild duck goose or
other water fowl on any of the waters of
the District of Columbia with any boat
propelled by any means other than oars
under penalty of $40 or Imprisonment in
the workhouse for not more than six
months, or both. for each offense
Mr.. Thomas said he was sure that the
people having property interests in the
country, who are, perhaps, most affected by
the measure are heartily in favor of 1t.
Mr.. Bells Emphatic Endorsement.
Mr., c. ]. Bell. who has a summer resi-
denee near the city. one of the active MEM
bers of the Washington Audubon Society.
was emphatic in his Endorsement of the pro-
posed law. He said: You may put me
down as being heartily in favor of this or
any other proper bill for the protection of
our BIRDS 1t is matter in which the need
p is evident 1t is one which appeals with
especial force to those persons who either
reside IN the country all the time or who
stay there part of the year They are
well aware of the necessity for more eff
clent laws Tor the protection of the birds
ne lnolscrlminate Strengthening of birds
by the pot hunters should be stopped The
constant shooting carried on by these per-
sons IN the country districts has become a
great nuisance There is danger in it both
TO property and life. apart from the consid-
grafton OF the improper killing of birds.
Frequently the hunters start fires in the
woods and after warming their hands leave
the hres burning, not caring two straws
what damage is done by the possible spread
ing of the flames These hunters are nv no
means careful of the direction in which they
snoot They are just as likely to miss as to
MT, ana although this is fortunate for the
birds 1t may be very unfortunate for any
person who may happen to be near by Yes.
the country residents are very much in
favor of this BILL
Approved by DR.. Harlan.
Dr. Walter S. Harlan president OF the
Game and Fish Protective Association of
the District, announced his approval of the
measure in no uncertain terms. In his com
ments he said Il consider the bill as pre-
scented remarkably satisfactory 1t is clear.
concise and comprehensive. 1t is Just what
tne great majority of the people of the Dis
lrlct most interested in the matter desire.
BY It's provisions adequate protection Is af-
forded to all birds that are worth preserv-
ing, while distinct exception is made
against the pestiferouS English sparrow
The principal aim of the measure is To
prevent promiscuous shooting. Complaints
are continually coming in of the careless
ana dangerous shooting practiced by pot
hunters, many OF whom are boys more or
less irresponsible, who invade every piece
of land where there is a likelihood of scar
ing up q bird. These depredators go sneak
ing around barnyards and gardens, shooting
boldly into the yards of country residences
and IRE their guns with dangerous reck-
lessness.
Residents are terrerized by the constant
hrlng on their premises. No part of the
country surrounding Washington is exempt
from the nuisance. AT the Columbia Golf
tlub grounds, for instance, 1t is frequent
experience to see eight or ten hunters
skulking around in the underbrush | firm
iy believe that the property holders In the
country almost to man will favor this bill.
me Dill does not interfere in any par
tlcular with the game market, and ii does
not place restrictions upon the sale of game
In fact, practically all laws heretofore an
pllcable for the protection of game remain
in force
Mr.. Glover Favors a Rigid Law
Mr. c. c. Glover who has summer resi-
dence outside the city limits. when called
upon by Star reporter, expressed his
views on the matter in positive language
am heart and soul in favor of the most
rigid law for this purpose" he said II
dont believe gun should be fired in the
District of Columbia. The District is now
SO thlckiy populated and so subdivided
ehat there is no place for cunning. Guns
can't be fired Lere without violating per-
sonal or property rights. The bill could
not be made too strong nor could a law
oil the character, once on the statute books,
be too rigidly enforced"
Mr.. Glover deplored the inadequate pro-
lection now afforded to the birds in the
District. He said he was ready to do any
thing in his power for the preservation OF
every kind of bird here except the Eng
lisE sparrow He considered this bird A
pest which should be afforded no protec-
ton.
Effect of the Bill.
DR.. William P. Young, secretary of tho
Game and Fish Protective Association, said
he did not care. to express his personal
views on the BILL but he referred to the
fact that the measure has the Endorsement
OF the game and fish association He
supposed that the BILL If passed, would
have the effect of making the District a
game reservation such as exist in other
parts of the country. He suggested that
che of the results would be to make the
birds and animals tame and gentle. W
Young referred to the added prominence
which the measure had received on ac-
count of its having the active support or
President Roosevelt.
What tuberculosis Is.
From the Reader Magazine.
Isn't it about time for the general public
to know what NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
really fS