Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-09


Mercy day and in many public schools
throughout the country the chlldreh
will observe it by some form of Spe-
cial exercises. Lessons Will be given
upon animal and bird habits. their
needs and welfare and their value to
mankind. Special music from the
Band Of Mercy Melodies issued by
the American Humane Society Will be
feature. 1t is nearly twenty-five
Years since the first Band or Mercy
in America was organized in Boston.
Mass. In England the work began
three years earlier, but the growth in
America has been most rapid. At the
beginning Of this year 1876 separate
organization were in existence in this
country and new ones are being formed
each month The present membership
approximates 100000.
The object of the Band Of Mercy as
stated in its constitution is: TO
awaken in the heart of every child
the impulse Of human kindness toward
all that live, toward the dumb beasts
and toward each human brother. to
teach the evil Of war and violence, the
beauty of mercy and love. More brief
ly stated it's work includes everything
pertaining to the welfare of human or
animal life.
The earlier Bands OF Mercy were
more or less irregular in their or
ganization, but as the movement grew
their methods of work became more
uniform. They often were affiliated
with church and Sunday school work.
Their recognition as part of public
school curriculum is comparatively re-
cent, but becoming greater each month.
me humane objects appeal to every
child. regardless of religion or race,
and the unity of interest in a common
philanthropy is frequently as helpful
to school discipline as it is to the real
object of the organization.
j:
The selection of April Il as Band of
years ago.
Boston Originated since that
Band of Mercy Day. bration has
been extended TO various parts of the
tirely voluntary on the part of the teach
ers in the different schools. But as it
seems an excellent opportunity to vary
the monotony of the every day curri-
culum by the introduction of nature
work it is generally approved: In schools
where the Bands of Mercy are recognized
W viz d IHONluiy lHccliHS Is
held, usually at the close of the after
noon session. At this meeting the child
rem are taught to report upon any abuses
noticed during the month. The teacher,
who in most cases is an active member
OF the Humane Society, aids them by
suggestions. Frequently reports OF abuses
noticed by school children are made the
basis OF some aggressive work the
part Of the s. p. c. A. or the Humane
Society.
The care of stray cats and dogs is
fostered by the Band of Mercy and boys
belonging 10 it take pride in being gentle
when few years ago they could only
be cruel. The children of the organiza-
ton always report to the Humane So
ciety any suffering that needs relief be-
You'd their own resources. But even a
little child can give water and food to
the dumb animals that cannot ask for
it, and are taught to refrain from teas
ing and tormenting the helpless.
Every member of the aBnd of Mercy Is
furnished with a badge. If he should
would Immediately forfeit his member
Children have q higher sense of honor
than is usually accredited them and it
is seldom that a badge is returned. If
1t becomes necessary, however. member
may be called to account for violating
his pledge and a public trial Is given him
before the entire band. These trials are
conducted by the children in proper form
and the results are usually just and sat-
isfactory.
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