The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — 1825-02-25 (London, England)

MARTIN. is moving for leave to bring in his Bill agairst bear-baiting and other cruel practices, stated, that he had consulted those persons who, trout official situation and general information, were moat likely to be able to form a just conclusion on the nature and tendency of those sports: and lie could inform the House, that it was the opinion of every Magistrate of London and Westminster whore opinion he had taken, that nothing contri. butedmore to the commission of crime than an indulgence in such cruel practices : they were the schools in which thieves and murderers were educated. It had been customary to evade the interfer. env: of the police, in such cases, by declining to take money at the doors. This was not always the case; at least, he had a bill in his pocket of one of thnieemusementa, the admission to which was 3.4.6 d. It wan an exhibition of badger-baiting, and for training young dogs before being sent cut on their travels. (Laughter.) It had been objected to a former measure of his, that it was only his intention to put a stop to the sports of the poor, and that he avoided attaakiog slosaanoiemeats of the Nobility. He underitoa that the exhibition to which he hot alluded was supported by several of the higher classes ; he was sorry to bear it, but was determined, with the assistance of the Moues, to tees impartially and put it down. Ile hor.'d on that ground to receive the support of the MentSer for Winchelse 1. He thought the Learned Gentleman stood pledged to support him in his present attempt; which struck at the rich as well as the poor. The House could not be aware of the cruelties which were practised upon the animals, and lie was sorry to say not unfrequently, by men who had a character for learning and science. lie could not avoid mentioning nue instance of this kind— it was the case of a person nhorn lie would call a disgrace to science, an individual of the nme of 3lajendie, who had made one of the moat atrocious exhibitions at one of our anatomical theatres that could be conceived. This person procured a greyhound, and made fast his four paws to a table with iron spikes; the ears of the tor. lured animal were also nailed down in like manner ; the operator then proceeded to cut out and demonstrate the nerves connected with sight, taste, and hearing, on one side of the jaw ; he applied Fis scalpel to the nerveless socket of the eye, and performed various other cruel experiments. When the operation was concluded on the dog, which still survived these cruelties„ he handed him over to an attendant, and informed the spectators fhat if the assistant took proper care of the animal during the night, there was no doubt he would be alive in the morning, and in that case they would have an. oprortunity of seeing a similar operation performed on the nerves connected with the other side of the jaw. However, said thin humane gentleman, should the attendant be inattentive, there is little doubt but the animal will possess sufficient vitality to enable me to demonstrate the perestallic motion of his stomach fur your further gratification. He trusted there could be but one feeling of detestation at such barbarities. He had consulted the most eminent professional men. among others Dr. Abernethy and Sir E. Borne—he had taken the opinion of many learned and scientific characters in Oxford and Cambridge, and they all united in condemning and deprecating such cruel practises. The experiment had taken place in this me. tropolis, and he believed it was the intention of the operator to return, but if he did, he (Mr. Martin) trusted it would not be to receive patronage and encouragement, but the contrary. The lion. Gentleman concluded by moving for leave to bring in a Bill to prevent bear beating and other cruel sports. Sir 31. W. RIDLEY opposed the introduction of the Bill, on the ground of the subject not being of sufficient importance to call for an enactment from the House.  Mr. MARTIN replied. Mr. F. BUXTON supported the 8111. Mr. Alderman BRIDGES approved of the principle of the Bill. Mr. BUTTERWORTH deprecated the practice of prize-fighting; the Bill should have his support. Strangers were ordered to withdraw, and the House then divided, when there appeared-For the Bill . 41  Against it - 29 ltlajority . —l2 Leave was accordingly given to bring in the Bill.