Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-04-29
BY MARY AQUN).

To be exact, it was 4;05 this morn
ing when a robin commenced his
alteration of the coming day. On a
! leafless tree, perched on it's topmost
| branch, with a chilly rain threatening
seem as if he should have SO much
! to rave about la Tetarranzi and
! those other fortune-famed human
songsters who seldom, if ever, it may
be said, arise in a bleakish morn and
sing for very JOY of living, and on an
empty stomach at that.
But for some inscrutable-to us
cause, the robin gave galaxy of
songs. and like the brief solo he sings
just as the mantle of night swings, it
had comforting, reassuring note for
his listener. It would be dead tim
Der, indeed, that didn't feel little of
the thrill Of exaltation Of life after
what the robin had to say alb Tut it this
morning
and sights among lesser life that
chord with the being of man Their
destinies are shaped like mans and,
too often, in mans uncaring power.
How much more brilliant life could
become for these messengers of glad
ness that willingly choose their abode
above and about US for our inSpira
ton, if we would be thoughtful in pro-
viding food and in checking wanton
destruction They have their natural
enemies Man becomes their super
natural enemy and the one least able
to cope with, they being fashioned
only to give him pleasure.
The humane societies of America
are planning to make May Is to q a
week of special observance and at
tention to the needs of every living
creature and have asked the coopera-
ton of those forces which represent
| the two best elements in our civiliza-
| ton, the churches and the schools. 1t
| is thought if the teacher will direct
the plastic minds of her pupils to a
weeks spare time in considering the
protection of bird, insect and animal
| life that many germs Of lifelong ad-
herence to laws of kindness may be
| inoculated. And while it seems unfair
| to be always asking teachers to i'm
press these morals of heart that par
ents should foster in children some
years earlier than the teachers OPP
portunity, nevertheless there is a
great compliment to this body of men
and women that good movements ever
ask assistance and have little fear OF
denial.
That the parents may not escape,
| the preachers also are implored to
observe Sunday, May u, in BE Kind
leafiet. attractively printed, has just
been issued by the American Humane
Education society to meet the demand
for helpful literature for ministers
who are willing to observe Humane
Sunday" by preaching on kindness to
every living creature" The sermon,
delivered by Rev. Cyrus Richardson
presents a broad view of the subject
and is full Of suggestions and inspira-
lions. A free copy will be sent to any
minister by addressing the editor OF
Our Dumb Animals" $50 Longwood
avenue, Fenway station, Boston, or the
secretary of the American Humane
| Education society, Boston Catholic
| priests, rabbits and ministers OF any
denomination are requested to devote
this one Sunday in cause so allied
as we'll with justice to mankind.
Many of the most vibrant men and
women have these qualities Of kind
ness toward every living creature that
no mother can afford TO neglect incul-
cation of mercy in the hearts of her
children. Primarily, ii is a mother (
work and she has opportunity to grow
these beautiful sentiments in a garden
of limitless possibilities-her small
children. The best reared children are
those where distinction in seq with
regard to conduct is oblterated and
! boys and girls taught alike the same