The dispatch-news. [volume] (Lexington, S.C.) 1919-2001, 1922-08-02
DUTY TO ANIMALS.
Movement Seen as Awakening of
World Conscience.

"For centuries the world progressed
slowly toward more civilized condi-
tions, but consideration for the suffer
ing Of animals received scant atten-
tion," said DR.. w. o. Stillman, presi-
dent of the American Humane associa-
> ton, in recent summing up OF the
mission of humane societies, according
to the New York Times.
MAN had not fully developed in a
moral way or recognized and relieved
the sufferings of hrutes or prevented
the infiiction of the most diabolical
cruelties. Way back in the days Of
ancient Babylon. some 1000 years be-
fore Christ, there were laws passed
to protect animals, hut this was done
only from the standpoint of safety and
protection for the owner.
zone hundred years ago, in 1922.
the first law for the protection of ami
mails from cruelty. for their own sake.
was passed by the British parliament.
Since then the movement has spread
throughout the world. The conscience
of mankind has become thoroughly
aroused. 1t is plainly seen to be n
duty Of man to prevent unnecessary
suffering. This is big task. The
world now recognizes it's duty in this
respect. Civilized society, in every
country. has placed statutes on its law
books prohibiting the cruel treatment
of Subhuman creatures.
BE- "The object "f all this has not been
wholly unselfish or nltruistic. 1t was
10 ,,-hn Ion
cruelty would not he good fathers.
husbands or citizens. Cruelty acts re-
heXly on character. 1T not only rem
ders man callouS In his finer faculties.
hut also, corrodes and hrutaliZeS him.
Society. in self-protection. has felt
that 1t must suppress cruelties to man
or beast. The conviction has been
reached that the development Of moral
character is the highest duty of man.
1t is only within recent years that
the churches have recognized the i'm
portance of this work. Doctor Stillman
said. They are gradually adopting the
belief that the movement in favor of
humanity is one which vitally affects
social service.
'The churches nre generally finding
bronder path to pursue" he de-
"lnred. II believe that this is n most
wise course on the part of all religious
denominations and that they will he of
tile most use to the world by broaden
Ing their work and making it intensely
practical. AS president of the Ameri-
can Humane association and also of
the international Association of So
cieties for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals. I beg to assure all that
the cooperation OF the churches Is sin:
cerely appreciated and welcomed. 1t
is ehfnestly hoped that every church
will make part Of Its social service
work an effort to promote the move
ment in behalf of better protection for
children and animals.
Looking toward this end. humane
education is being introduced into the
schools Of the United States. Already
20 states have passed humane educa-
tion laws. When Eli states have such
laws and humane education is uni.
formly taught in public and private
schools. when teachers Institutes and
training schools for teachers have in
Structed their members so that better
school service in this respect will he
rendcrcA and the character of the
child viii be altered so as to respond
T" the higher conceptions of public
duty. there will De wonderful i'm.
nrorement in all social conditions and
IN international relations Perhaps this
VIII Introduce the reign of peace on
earth and good will toward man and
beast"