The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1915-12-11
WOMAN'S CLUB WORK
Mrs. D. NJ. Smith, Editor


the accomplishment of every good
work which gains their notice. It is
to trace, in the evolution
of woman's clubs, the growth of the
helpful element in the subjects to
which they give their attention. The
primary idea of the club everywhere
was individual culture and the de-
velopment of finer home life. What
point, the stepping stone to that uni
versal culture which broadens, deep
ems the life of a nation? What can
we do TO develop finer public spirit
in our community? What can we do
to improve and make more attractive
our towns and villages? How can we
help to protect our shade trees and
preserve our forests? How can we
show our interest in education? Are
we doing all we can to aid and en-
courage our public school teachers in
the noble work to which they are de-
voting their lives? Can we not use our
influence towards making our school
houses beautiful, healthful and home
life? What shall we do to create and
foster, in the rising generation,
taste for the best in literature, music
and art? Is not our mission to do
what we can to stop the wanton de-
struction of our song-birds?
The interests that appeal strongly
to women's clubs for a share in their
work and thought, are many; and
many are the calls TO which they
nobly respond. But there is one
cause that, with its mute appeal to
their sympathy, has, thus far, been
strangely overlooked, or thoughtlessly
disregarded. Can we not make a
special effort to show our interest in
the movements for the prevention of
cruelty to our dumb animals? Can we
not use our influence to prevent the
mutilation of horses-docking; to
abolish the use of savage bits and
barbarous check-reins? Can we not
help to create a public sentiment
against the practice of vivisection
that shall have weight, in putting a
stop to this infamous cruelty? Can
not we become such a power in the
cause of humanity to all helpless,
dumb creatures, that it will yet be
said, that the societies for prevention
of cruelty to animals have no strong
er allies than women's clubs?
Is the work that stands waiting TO
be done by the white hands, warm
hearts and subtle brains of those who
serve" in women's clubs, almost ap-
palling to the faint-hearted?
The signs of the times are hopeful
in the promise of better recognition
lof the rights of the lower animals.
Humane societies are doing good
work in their behalf that can not be
ver-estimated. 1t is result of their
vigorous efforts, that dissection and
vivisection have been prohibited in
public schools. Other humane move
ments have, within the last few years,
been crystalized by legislation-yet
the world is still waiting for the
zenith of that civilization which rec
ognizes the fact that "all life is
worthy of interest, sympathy, love
and reverence" and demands love
SO great as to include helpful, ten
der regard for the happiness and we'll
being of the dumb animals that in
herit, with mankind, dwelling place
| on this earth.
Rules adopted by the Royal Society
for the prevention of cruelty:
LIST. No one has right to keep
animals, either for use or pleasure,
unless he is able and willing to pro-
vide them with whatever is necessary
| for their health and happiness. No
animal can be healthy and happy un-
less he is kindly treated, comfortably
lodged, regularly fed, supplied with
water and afforded opportunities of
recreation.
End Kind and gentle treatment is
uuc oil dIliIHd1S, anu LSCd 1Ot lllISI-
fere with frmness in governing them.
Animals are often thought to be i'll
tempered or obstinate when they are
really suffering from some pain or
irritation, the cause of which is not
seen, but which may be soothed by pa
thence and quietness. If you try to
find out what is the matter with an
animal before you punish him, you
will probably find there is no reason
| for punishment. Animals are often
terrified by things men hardly OBJ
serve; if punished their terror is only
increased. Nothing will quiet them
as effectively as gentle words and
learessing. Kindness will win the con-
fidence of any animal, and an animal
which confides in his keeper is easily
managed.
Bird. All animals require sunshine
and should never be kept in dark
stables, kennels or cages.
18th. Every animal should have a
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