Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-09-14
Reverend BRIGGS
CORNER IN DOGS
What Happened to a Preacher
Who Sympathized With
Dumb Animals.
BY DAVID c. GALE.

consideration for dumb animals re-
marked Rev. Samuel Briggs.
Mrs. Briggs looked up inquiringiy
She knew that her husband was lead
ing up to something.
'Now II says here In the paper, ne
went on. that twenty-five dogs are 70
be killed tomorrow because the u
oenses haven't been paid. Think OF III
Twenty-Five dogs TO give up theif
lives. simply because the owners are
unwilling to part with the small sum
required OF them"
Perhaps they belong TO poor people
who haven't the money" advanced
Mrs. Briggs.
II hardly think so. My experience
with the world" Mr. Briggs was al
ways referring 10 his experience with
the world II was phrase he par
ticularly liked. My experience with
the world has taught me that poor
people. as a rule. have tender love
for their pets. They are willing to
sacrifice a great deal for them. No
] fancy these dogs belong to people
who have grown tired OF them--to
men who could pay but will not"
How heartless!" exclaimed Mrs
Briggs. She never attempted TO com
bat the superior wisdom OF her hus
band.
II have been giving careful consid
Grafton to the case Of the dogs, ne
said. 1T has occurred to me that
there is a way TO save them and set
q good example at the same time.
How" His wife paused with the
coffee pot in mid air.
PAY the licenses myself"
"How much will II take?"
II think have heard it's dollar 0
head"
The plan did not appeal very strong
~ to Mrs. Briggs. There were many
things which she had contemplated
adding TO the furnishings OF the house,
and twenty-five dollars would be a
great help. II seemed like waste
OF capital to invest that amount in
dogs.
Soon after breakfast Mr.. Briggs was
on his way TO the Office designated In
the paper He walked with the i'm.
portant stride OF a man who is sure OF
himself. and he stood very erect as
he stated his business at the desk
II understand there are to be some
dogs killed today" he said.
Yes" replied the clerk.
IT'S about that ! came to see you
will pay the licenses"
(which ones?'
"All OF them"
Going TO start a dog farm" asked
the clerk. as the minister counted out
the money and handed II over the
desk.
81 am working for the good OF hu.
manity," replied Mr.. Briggs. with dig
nifty.
So the clerk took down the address.
and Mr.. Briggs started for home. He
thought Il best not to say anything to
his wife about the wanderers which
would soon be housed beneath their
roof: no simply told her that he had
arrived In time.
After that there was work In the
study to occupy his mind. and II was
not until late afternoon. when Mrs.
Briggs called up TO him from below
that he was compelled to battle with
the question again.
Where do you suppose all those
dogs are going?" she asked.
The minister glanced out OF the
window. A tangled line OF dogs was
coming up the street led BY half a
score OF men-a veritable Uncle
Toms Cabin parade with little Eva
left out.
And such a line II was, Even the
most jealous dog-lovers would hardly
have grown enthusiastic over II.
very likely they are coming here.
he said. In as unconcerned tone as
he could command.
Just then the door bell rang, and
Mr.. Briggs went out 10 point the way
20 the barn
Put them right in there" he said
10 tho man In charge.
LOOSE"
why. Yes, euppose bo-oHIs SEE
that the door is fastened"
"This amt any too friendly lot. :
declared the man. with grin. and
II you don't want your barn turned
into slaughter house. ] should advise
you to keep them separate
Couldn't you divide them up"'
asked Mr.. Briggs. after moments
reflection There are two closed
stalls In the barn Then there Is the
hen yard. which is not IN use. and
you might open the hatchway and put
a few down cellar How would that
work."
I'VE can tell by trying" said the
man.
Accordingly the dogs were conduct.
ed to their apartments. and the min.
lister returned TO his work
Hardly had he settled down In his
chair. however. before the sound Of
barking brought him 20 his feet again.
There was only one at first. but the
otha~s vara outrk 20 faEa un the