Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-04-01
Association Formed in This
City With Over 100
Charter Members.
PROMISED THE SUPPORT
OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY
Purposes of the Organization Elk.
planned by Mrs. Huntington
Smith of Boston.

Promised the strong active and financial
support of nearly 100 of the most proml-
nent men and women of Washington, the
WASHINGTON Animal Rescue League was
organized late yesterday afternoon at
meeting in the Woodward & Lothrop
auditorium This meeting was called TO
hear advice regarding such an orsanlza-
ton from Mrs. Huntington smith, or
ganizer and president of the Boston AMI
NAL Rescue League. 1t was prompted by
Mrs. Peter Goelet Gerry and a number
of other social leaders, who had consulted
with Walter Stilson Hutchins, president
of the Washington Humane Society. Mr..
Hutchins pledged the hearty co-opera
ton and financial assistance of the or
Ranization of which he is head to the
new society. The meeting was presided
over by Rear Admiral S. A. Staunton,
L. S. n.
Following the meeting seven We're en-
rolled as life members. having con-
tributed 500; several others promised
fifty-dollar contributions, and about 100
of those in attendance became charter
members.
Committee on Organization.
A committee was appointed by the
chair to perfect organization Of the
league. secure its Incorporation under the
laws of the District, prepare bylaws and
solicit new members and subscriptions,
consisting of Mrs. Peter Goelet Gerry.
Miss Nancy Johnson, Miss Martha Cod
man. Mss Lydia Biddle. Mrs. Seth NJ.
Ack ey, Mrs. George F. Becker and Mrs.
F. Z. Smith.
ii was reported at the meeting that
Miss Martha Goldman of Decatur place.
who is of an old Massachusetts fam
lily and prominent in Washington, Bos-
ton and Newport society, will give to
the organization an electric device for
killing decrepit and diseased animals.
Miss Genevieve Clark. who had taken
considerable interest in preliminary
arrangements for the meeting. was
unable to be present
Leaders in the work have already
secured option on a stable and receiv-
ing station, which will be engaged
for the work If the executive committee
approves.
On request of Mr.. Hutchins that she
estimate the minimum amount required
successfully to finance an animal res
cue league in Washington, Mrs. Smith
said she believed the work could be
started with a guarantee fund of $4,000.
Then we certainly will have one"
said Mr.. Hutchins.
Mrs. Smiths Address.
There are many organizations for the
relief of men, women and children
said Mrs. Smith, lin every city, but no
city or town should consider its chart
table Organizations complete until it has
provided one comfortable place where
homeless, undesired, neglected, injured,
lost animals of all kinds can be taken
and humanely cared for.
THE question of shelters or homes for
the lower animals whose lives are so
closely connected with mankind is only
beginning to be regarded in a fair, I'M
prejudiced light. When l started the
Animal Rescue League OF Boston fifteen
years ago there were but two shelters for
dogs and cats in this country. One was
the Elizabeth Morris refuge in Philadel-
phia, from which I got the idea of start
ing similar work in Boston. The other
was the Ellen Clifford home in Brighton,
Mass, which is good, but does not cover
the need, the rules of the organization
being that only homeless animals can be
admitted. This bars out many animals
doned or given to irresponsible persons,
II there was place where their owners
could take them when for reasons they
wished to give them up.
Shelters for animals should be regard
ed as one Of the imperative needs of
every city and large town. 1 have had
many letters from all over the country
asking advice about starting them. Sew
q al nave stdFteU anu nave not succeed
ed. One reason for failure is lack of
financial support. There is still a larger
number of men and women than one
would expect to find in this enlightened
age who consider any organization that
is formed for the purpose of hurnanely
caring for animals that are lost, neglect
ed, homeless, or for any other reason
uncared for. mere senrimentality and
waste of good money.
Emphasizes First Requisite.
In attempting to start a work OF this
kind the first thing is to put the work
on its right basis. and to show the cry
Ing need of such a shelter. not only from
the point of view of the humane person
who wishes the suffering Of these neglect
ed animals ended, but from the stand
point OF the civic worker whose expert
ence In closely settled districts has proved
that the presence of neglected, diseased
animals Is a menace to health. an offense
against the rules of hygiene and a par
ticular danger to children who are all
ways handling these animals
Workers in humane education must