Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-02-01
BY T. GILBERT PEARSON.
Executive Secretary National Association Of
Audubon Societies.

Ruuupon Socletce
bTvHE greatest blow ever struck for the
cause of bird protection was delivered
last October. when Congress passed the
new tariff bill
Snugly tucked away in Schedule was
section which absolutely prohibited the impor-
tation Of the feathers of wild birds except for
educational or scientific purposes. The effect
was felt at once, not only In this country, but
in many Of the capitals of Europe. One of the
biggest markets for feathers for millinery pur-
poses had thus been cut off
But that the fight In behalf OF birds is not
yet won was very clearly demonstrated within
few months after the new tariff act became
operative when bill was introduced into
; Gongress to amend the act In such a way that
its effect as far as the protection of bird life
Is coRserned, would have been seriously
limited
An enormous industry in the collection and
sale OF feathers had grown up during the last
thirty years which necessitated the destruction
annually of millions of parent birds to supply
the demands OF fashion. This prohbitory
measure of the tariff act was intended to check
this and thus aid In the preservation of wild
bird life.
The matter was first brought to the attention
OF Congress by the writer early last January,
and the adoption secured only after a
tremendous campaign the part of the Ma
fional Association OF Audubon Societies. the
eersationists interested In bird protection.
At one time during the long months OF wait
ing when the subject was before Congress II
looked as though the Democratic leaders of
! the senate would be persuaded to throw out
the feather proyiso which had been placed in
the tariff bill by the Lower House. However.
the public had become so aroused TO the I'M
portance of the measure that the Senate
not long in deciding the matter 1t is a con-
sentative estimate TO say that 100000 letters
and kilograms poured into Washington every
one of which was solicitation TO some Sen
ator or Congressman TO vote to save the birds.
Only little over two months after the new
tariff act became operative Congressman +. Y.
Webb. who registers from Shelby, North Caro-
lima, introduced a bin to amend the tariff law
by allowing people TO bring feathers into this
country which were in the United States prior
10 the passage OF the act
II rs little wonder this gallant Southern gen.
tleman should have proposed amendment
which would be distinct relief to our Amer
lean ladies returning from abroad The Treas
uTy Department had ruled that feathers could
not come in, even on hats, and good many
hundreds of seizures have been made by the
Customs officers at New York and other ports
OF entry The ladies who have thus been
forced TO give up their hat decorations have
been loud in their complaints and evidently
st was in response 10 their cries OF distress
that Mr.. Webb prepared his amendment.
No far-reaching law has ever been enacted
that did not seem to be a hardship on some
one or more classes of people, and the group
OF sufferers possessing the most influence
usually finds a legislator ready to champion
their cause and seek TO secure relief for them.
Although this amendment seems TO have
been introduced with such humane motives, II
would in the opinion OF the officers OF the
Audubon Society," be an exceedingly dangerous
expedent to enact it. There is such demand