Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-25
REFUGE FOR CATS.
Ladies Form an Association and Elk
tend "Friendly Hand"


It was a united, pleasant and a de-
street reception room OF the New Willard
yesterday afternoon to organize an asso-
citation for the care OF stray cats in the
District of Columbia; to provide homes
for them If possible, and to chloroforn
those that are diseased or disabled. IL
was pleasant because, Notwithstanding
the seriousness of their purpose, smiles
occasionally fitted across the faces OF
those who were stanchest for the project
and 1t was determined because one lady
Mrs. Florence johnson. declared that &c
advance the cause she was willing to give
up her summer hats and wear her winter
clothing on the Fourth of July.
Col. +. j. Dimmick was the only person
of the male persuasion who seemed to be
interested in the movement and he de-
clared that his interest was largely due
to his relationship. But nevertheless he
patiently. but persistently led the ladies
out OF an inchoate existence into tenn
porary organization which promises much
for the feline species. After considerable
hesitation on the part of the ladies tt
which might unfold the purpose of the
meeting and effect an organization Col
Dimmick was elected temporary chairman
and Mrs. Dimmick secretary.
Then came quite discussion upon the
choice of a name "Bide Wee Stay
a While" "Cat Rest and "Cat Refuge
were each discussed in turn and laid upon
the shelf "Animal Rescue League" prom
ised well for a while, but was finally re-
jected because the title seemed to be toe
comprehensive and its adoption the fore
runner of too big task for the ladies
whose sole aim seemed to be the protcc'
ton of poor. unfortunate pussy.
"Friendly Hand was then suggested
and after much speculative discussion tina
name was finally chosen when the ladie:
were assured that they could change it a.
the next meeting II they wished.
temporary organization was effected
with Mrs Henry Litchffeld West as presi-
dent Mrs. A. L. Barber vice president
Mrs. F.. j. Dimmick secretary, Miss NJ. 4
Peet treasurer and Mrs. George III. Bur
pee Miss Louise Robinson and Mrs. Flor
ence johnson. in conjunction with the Of
f;cers. to form an executive committee
committee. consisting of Mrs. West
Mrs Johnson. Mrs. Dimmick, Miss Louise
Robinson and Miss Ethel Pitney. was ap-
pointed to draft papers for incorporation
Proposed bylaws were read by Miss Pit
ney and, upon motion of Mrs. West, were
adopted.
Tie first Monday in February of eaci
year was chosen as the date for the an
nual meetings. and the first Monday o.
each month for the regular meetings. tn
hour in each case being set at O'Clock
Mrs Dimmick stated that the ladies ha
already provided two cat homes which
harbor 125 cats. and the expense Of con-
Quoting them varied from $50 to $40 a
month, at one time running as high a:
SO. she said assurances had been re.
ceived from both the New Willard AM
Normandie managers that their scrap:
would hereafter be devoted to the cat
industry.
Mrs. johnson also disclosed to the as
hn that
as long as DIR. Gallinger runs his commit
tee Of the Senate there need be no fear
that the cat will be subjected to taxed
and licensed existence. After inviting these
present who wished to become members I,
step up to the captains Office and pa
their initiation fee. las the Masons do.
said Mrs. Johnson. the meeting was ad-
journed until next Monday at o'clock.