Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-26
DOCKING HORSES TAILS.
Movement for It's Abolition in the
District Strongly Urged.

'The humanitarian friends of the horse in
New York made determined fight before
the legislature of that state this spring to
pass the anti-docking bill said gentle
man from the metropolis interested in this
laudable work, to a Star reporter in an up
town hotel last evening.
..ITp to the very hour Of the casting of
the vote we were confident of victory. The
bill was beaten, however, by a single vote,
and although we were much disappointed
at the result, yet we are encouraged at the
strength the advocates of this measure dis
played, and we will renew our efforts next
session with vigor and the hopes of ultimate
success. 1t was hard to be beaten by so
narrow a margin.
II understand the sentiment among the
humanely inclined in the District of Col
umbia to be very strong in favor of the
passage of such a measure by Congress,
and 1 trust the fight we are making in the
Empire state will find It's reflection in this
community. L understand that The Star
has strongly sustained this sentiment from
the outset, and those in favor of an en-
barge upon the barbarous and unchristian
practice are fortunate in having so pow
erful a friend at court.
Were Congress progressive and charit-
able enough to pass such a measure 1t could
be most satisfactorily enforced in the Dis
trict 1t would be less difficult here to put
into force the system of proposed regfstra-
ton than In large community like New
York. Such reforms in the practice of cru
city upon animals, however, come only af-
ter long and persistent effort and agitation,
and only through legislation which imposes
a penalty upon those who are guilty of this
relic of savagery in the mutilation of mans
best friend.
But il was only through organization
that we accomplished so much. It costs
scarcely any money and but little time TO
perfect such an organization of humani-
tartan forces, but 1t requires considerable
patience and energy and surely the end
sought is one of the most worthy to which
Individuals may direct their attention. 1t
seems to me that it would not be difficult
to effect such an organization among the
Christian people of this city. But some
few individuals a society must take the
initiative, and, once the project is inaugu-
rated, keep steadily at it through the vari-
Gus committees in Congress. m a deter
mined effort to secure a vote. This is what
we most earnestly sought-a vote; and it
was secured. 1t developed our strength,
and we win go at 1t again.
I'm such movements, however, 1t is Oft
tines difficult to make the start. What in
dividuals or organizations will do so in the
District of Columbia? When this question
is answered and the project is once
launched 1t cannot be doubted that the issue
can be raised in Congress. 1 am well sat
isfied that there are very many members
of that body who are heartily in favor of
such a bill, ana VINO not only Will vote Tor
it when 1t comes up on the floor Of the
House. but who will, once 1t is before the
committee, work for 1t.
The local Humane Society would of
course, give the measure its strong Coop
Grafton, but its chances of success would
be greatly enhanced were some special or
ganzation devoted to the accomplishment
of this specific and commendable attain
ment. Once the movement is started In
Washington it will prove surprising, as was
the case In New York, how rapidly 1t will
gain in support and strength"