Los Angeles herald., 1910-09-21
HUMANE SOCIETY
TALKS ON RABIES
Delegates to Annual Convention
ThreSh Out Question
of Hydrophobia

PASADENA, Sept. 21.-An echo of
the visit Of Mrs. Russell Sage to Pasa-
dena last winter was heard last even
ing at the stereopticon lecture given
by members of the state Humane asso-
citation of California in convention at
Hotel Maryland when it was an
nounced by Acting President 3. L.
Conger that a gift of $3.50 had recently
been received from Mrs. Sage through
Charles Frederick Holder, vice presi-
dent of the State Audubon society, to
be used to promote illustrated Audubon
lectures throughout the state. 1t was
announced that the gift came as
direct result of numerous visits when
the philanthropist paid to the Birds
Retreat" the Pasadena home of Mrs.
Elizabeth Grinnell.
The entire time last evening was
given over to illustrated lectures on
humane subjects by State Secretary
Matthew McCurrie, DR.. Emily Hunt
and Mrs. Elizabeth Grinnell Of Pasa-
dena, Mrs. Harriet Meyers Of Los An
geles and others.
The forenoon and afternoon ses-
sions yesterday were given over prin-
cipally to addresses and discussion on
various phases Of humane work. AT
the morning session Hugh J. Baldwin.
superintendent Of schools of San Dier1
state association the clearing house
for all proposed humane legislation.
Prof e. J. Luclling of Los Angeles
censured the present school system,
which he declares presents courses an
study for the unusually bright chil5-
instead of the average or slightly de
ffcient child. He declared that Califo
mia has the best child labor laws, but
that they are not enforced. B. n
Spencer spoke on 1.-THE Attitude of til
Public Toward the s. P. c. A." an
Mrs. Laurence Gronlund elaborated o.
Humane Education in the Public
Schools"
HYDRoPHOBIA DISCUSSED
The principal subject discussed al
the afternoon session was hydrophobieL
and the question of RABIES or No
Rabies was threshed out by the dele
gates, some of whom at times seemed
to verge on the point of passing the
short and ugly word, without the cues
ton being finally settled. DR.. Stanley
p. Black, public health officer of this
city, spoke on Some Experiences
with Hydrophobia, Both Theoretical
and Practical" He said in part:
"The treatment of hydrophobia is Of
profound interest to the medical pro-
fession and should be to the whole
world. The medical profession is try
ing to prevent infectious diseases and
practice humanitarianism for humans.
The question Of rabies has been in
dispute for years, but it has never
been in dispute by anyone who has
investigated. Hydrophobia is q disease
just as sure as any other, and you
can call it lack of water or whatever
you like, but it is % disease and it is
infectious. The patient does not lose
consciousness and suffers indescrib-
able torture.
"There are two forms of rabies. In
one the dog becomes furious and bites
other animals and humans. The 9TH
| er is known as dumb rabies in which
the jaw and the hind legs become
paralyzed. It does not necessarily
follow that the tongue should turn
black or the animal froth at the
mouth. Veterinarians have estab-
Iished some symptoms and decided that
rabies is transmissible.
Particles of brain affected with
rabies injected into the brain of
rabbit or other animal will take effect
and generally the animal RECEIVERS in
two or three weeks, then becomes
paralyzed. In 1908 we had an epidemic
of rabies in Los Angeles and dozens
of rabid dogs. One bit a man on his
nose and the man became nervous ard
developed symptoms OF the disease.
Subsequent tests showed that he had
rabies"
DR.. Black advocated muzzling as the
most effective way to prevent a spread
of the epidemic when once started. At
the conclusion of his address the ques-
ton was thrown open to discussion
and delegates argued the pros and cons
of vivisection and muzzling in a man.
ner that left no doubt as to their diff
ferences of opinion.