LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON. N. J. PRESENTED BY Whe Tublishers. HVA Goa Coleman, Sydney H. Humane society leaders in America Ay We Sy ; ) im : ai OT a Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2022 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library | https ://archive.org/details/numanesocietylea00cole Humane Society Leaders in America RICHARD MARTIN Father of humane legislation in the British Parliament HUMANE SOCIETY LEADERS IN AMERICA With a Sketch of the Early History of THE HUMANE MOVEMENT IN ENGLAND By Sypney H.’Coteman Formerly Managing Editor of THE NATIONAL HUMANE REVIEW PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION AtBany New York 1924 Copyright, 1924 by THE AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION From the Press of Frank H Evory & Co Albany N Y CHAPTER I. II. III. VI. Vil. VIII. TABLE OF CONTENTS Early History of the Humane Movement Henry Bergh: Founder of the Anticruelty Cause in America Elbridge T. Gerry and the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Children George T’. Angell: the Apostle of Humane Education . William O. Stillman and The American Humane Association Men Prominent in Humane W ork in the United States American Women and their Noble Efforts for Humanity Other Organizations for the Pro- tection of Animals Connected with the Humane Movement PAGE 13 33 65 89 115 143 177 203 CHAPTER IX. Other Movements for Child Saving Developed from Anticruelty W ork X. Condensed History of The Ameri- ean Humane Association PAGE 223 2AT ILLUSTRATIONS FACING PAGE American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New York hie Headquarters of 48 Angell, George T. 89 Angell Memorial Hospital, Maser ctraectts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Boston, Mass. ! OT, Baldwin, Frank L. A ; } : 172 Bergh, Henry : ; Ve Blaffer, Miss Alva C. ! : t Er Are Bowden, Mrs. R. Fleming . ! 92 Bradley, Welcome W. : 224 Brown, Edwin L. : f ; . 250 Coulter, Col. Ernest K. : : 80 Dustin, Mrs. Edith L. . : f ae LO Gerry, Commodore Elbridge T. 65 Gerry, Hon. Peter G. : } . 69 Hardy, Mrs. Richard : : 177 Hatch, Miss Stella T. : : oy a hep Horton, W. K. y , : : 57 Kelso aus. ; ; { : mr oo A Lovell, Mrs. Mary F. ; M 165 Martin, Richard . g : Ienrisciecs McCurrie, Matthew . : ; : 172 FACING PAGE Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, and since 1906 Headquarters for The American Humane Associ- ation, Albany, N. Y., Headquarters of 126 Morgan, Kugene : Morris, Miss Elizabeth Muckle, Col. M. Richards Murray, R. H. 172 192 145 224 New York Society for the Brereton of Cruelty to Children, New York City, Headquarters of Partridge, John Pearson, T. Gilbert Preston, H. Clay . Preston, Mrs. H. Clay Richardson, Guy Ross, John G. Rowley, Dr. Francis ie Rutherford, Frank B. Ryder, Mrs. Jeannette Scott, George A. H. Shortall, John G. : Smith, Mrs. Huntington Speyer, Mrs. James Stillman, Dr. W. O. Swanton, Mrs. F. W. Walker, N. J. White, Mrs. Caroline Earle White, M. J. Wilkin, Hon. Robert af 76 172 224 209 ii 209 224) 112 209 192 209 24'7 ee Ly, 115 192 209 160 224 172 HE copy for this book was written in 1922 and later revised by Dr. William O. Stillman, then President of The American Humane Association. The text was in the hands of the publisher just be- fore Dr. Stillman’s lamented death, March 15th, 1924, and appears as he arranged it. AUTHOR July 15, 1924 r I fi t RiP te Py ian 7 CuaptTer I EARLY HISTORY OF THE HUMANE MOVEMENT HE anticruelty movement is one hundred dp years old. Its history dates from that hard-won struggle in the English Parlia- ment, waged by Richard (“ Humanity”) Mar- tin, in 1822, for the first effective legislation in the world for the protection of animals. The century that has intervened since that time has been richer than all previous ages in establishing human and sub-human rights. Brilliant as has been this advancement, ages still must pass be- fore the inequalities of life will be settled; before war ceases to be the approved mode of handling international differences; before the Golden Rule will be accepted as the true basis for man’s nor- mal guidance. Animals were first recognized in the ethics of the Indian Aryans, probably through their ac- ceptance of the doctrine of transmigration. Buddhism brought about a tender consideration of animals that has never been exceeded any- where in the world. The early Persians were taught by the Zoroastrian code to treat the brute 13 : 14 Humane Society Leaders in America creation with kindness. Even the teachings of Islam placed the rights of animals on a par with those required by old Hebrew ethics. Seneca, Plutarch, Porphyry and other philosophers and poets, preached kindness to animals as a founda- tion for character building. Early Christianity reacted from these progressive views because of their pagan origin. Sub-human life was regarded as soulless and to be treated only as a vehicle by which man might achieve his selfish ends. HKven the beautiful legends of animals that came from the hermit monks and the ascetics of the middle ages did little to alleviate the hard lot levied upon the brute world. It is not difficult to understand the general disregard of animal rights, however, in view of the very general lack of sympathy for the unfor- tunate members of human society. Years of leavening were required before the spirit of mercy, that includes all sentient life, could make itself felt sufficiently to right the wrongs of those who could not wage their own fight for recogni- tion. Witness in our own United States, as late as 1860, the fratricidal struggle that threatened our national life because a great section claimed the right to barter in human flesh. Toward the close of the eighteenth century, England became greatly stirred by the writings of Jeremy Bentham, who insisted that moral rights should be the basis upon which legislation Early History of the Humane Movement 15 is to be founded. In the words of John Stuart Mill, ““ He seemed to open a clearer and broader conception of what human opinion and institu- tions ought to be, how they might be made what they ought to be, and how far removed from it they are now.” * This was the period in which John Howard and Elizabeth Fry were launch- ing their vigorous campaigns against the horrors and cruelties of the prison system. Sir Richard Oastler was leading his fight against black slav- ery and was soon to demand, with Sir Robert Peel, that safeguards be thrown round the health and morals of apprentices employed in cotton and other mills. In 1800, English law recognized two hundred offenses as punishable by death. Children were hung for trivial crimes. The apprentice system had developed into child peonage that almost equalled the cruelties of black slavery. Pauper children and foundlings were virtually sold into factory drudgery where they labored from twelve to twenty hours a day, under the lash of the over- seer in the midst of insanitary conditions that defy description. The mortality among these children was appalling but so engrafted was the system on the industrial life of England, that years passed before relief was secured. ‘The prisons were stench holes and “ beds of iniquity ” * Autobiography of John Stuart Mill. 16 Humane Society Leaders in America into which men and women were thrown, with little or no excuse, for debt and at the whim of the ruling classes. The insane were incarcerated in jails or asylums with no official inspection or oversight. Imbecile children were disposed of by officials for the poor by requiring that at least one be taken with every twenty normal children ap- prenticed to the cotton factories. What became of them can only too readily be imagined for they were useless to the mill owners and speedily dis- appeared from sight. England had long been the scene of brutal ani- mal sports that, in a measure, compared to those of the black days of Titus, Nero, and Trajan. Erasmus, in describing his visit to England dur- ing the reign of Henry VIII, wrote: “ Many herds of bears are maintained in this country for the purpose of baiting.” Queen Elizabeth fre- quently entertained her guests with bear-baiting. Dog, cock, and wild animal fights were the pas- times of the common people. In 1857, Thomas Cartwright complained that “ If there be a bear or a bull to be baited in the afternoon, or a jack- anapes to ride on horse-back, the minister hurries the service over in shameful manner, in order to be present at the show.”’ Sir Richard Steele bemoaned the fact in the Tatler, that the French believed the Britons had been made fierce and ? Strutt’s Sports and Pastimes, 1868. Early History of the Humane Movement 17 cruel by the bull-baiting, prize fighting and bear gardens. “I wish I knew how to answer this re- proach which is cast upon us, and excuse the death of so many innocent cocks, bulls, dogs, and bears, as have been set together by the ears, or died an untimely death, only to make us sport.” ® Gradually these sports ceased to receive royal favor, not so much because they were degrading as because they became scenes of rioting and dis- cord. Bull- and bear-baiting, however, long re- mained the principal amusement of the lowest and most degraded of the people. They were not outlawed without strenuous opposition and continued to be held clandestinely long after the passage of the law. The minds of men were unconsciously being prepared for the epoch making humane legisla- tion of 1822, by many thoughtful writers of the eighteenth century. It is certain that only a few of them received an extensive hearing. They did, however, exert a powerful influence upon those who were finally to wage an open fight in Britain’s legislative body. Bernard de Mande- ville (1723), in his quaint and severely criticised “* Fable of the Bees,” touched upon the slaughter of animals. “I can’t imagine,” he wrote, “ how a man, not hardened in blood and massacre, is able to see a violent death, and the pangs of it, ®No. 134, dated Thursday, February 16, 1709. 2 18 Humane Society Leaders in America without concern.” John Hildrop, M. A., pub- lished his “ Free Thoughts upon the Brute Crea- tion,” in 1742. It possessed few notable fea- tures and probably had little influence in com- parison with the work of the Rev. Humphrey Primatt, D.D., whose book entitled “ A Disser- tation on the Duty of Mercy and Sin of Cruelty to Brute Animals,” was written in 1776. Some of his pleas, in behalf of the kindly care of ani- mals were woven later into the argument of Lord Erskine during his memorable debates in Parlia- ment for the passage of laws to protect animals from cruelty. ‘“ See that no brute of any kind,” wrote Dr. Primatt, “whether intrusted to thy care, or coming in thy way, suffer thy neglect or abuse. Let no views of profit, no compliance with custom, and no fear of ridicule of the world, ever tempt thee to the least act of cruelty or in- justice to any creature whatsoever. But let this be your invariable rule, everywhere, and at all times, to do unto others as, in their condition, you would be done unto.” Soame Jenyns (1704-1787), who clashed on several occasions with Samuel Johnson, devoted a chapter to the treatment of animals in his “ Disquisitions on Several Subjects,” published in 1772. His popularity as a politician caused his writings to be quite generally perused. Jeremy Bentham, to whom reference has been made, had a greater influence on the thought of his Early History of the Humane Movement 19 time than any one who had heretofore written on the humane treatment of animals. The “ Intro- duction to the Principles of Morals and Legis- lation,” (London, 1781), was closely studied by an increasingly large number of advanced think- ers and favorably influenced the passage of much legislation of humanitarian character. In the chapter on “ Limits between Private Ethics and the Art of Legislation,’ Bentham shows that there is no reason why animals should not be accorded protection under the law. Then occurs this pointed sentence: “ The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer? ” The work of John Lawrence has never been given the credit it deserves in the literature of the humane movement. He was a friend of Lord Erskine and was consulted by the latter when preparing his speech on animal protection de- livered in Parliament in 1809. He was a great horse fancier and frequent contributor to the English Sporting Magazine. Lawrence as- serted that legislation was necessary before there could be universal recognition of animal rights. He pointed out the importance of teaching the child to treat his pets kindly and urged the clergy to preach on the subject of kindness to animals. He also strongly opposed the practice of vivisection. His fearless denunciation of hunting animals “of a timid and harmless na- 20 Humane Society Leaders in America ture’ as “a mean and contemptible exercise of cruelty,” and the riding of horses to death in the chase as “the greatest abuse in hunting,” brought down upon his head the wrath and ridi- cule of the sporting gentry. His thorough horse- manship, however, gave him a standing in the world of sport that caused his writings to be eagerly read by this very class. His book, “A Philosophical and Practical ‘Treatise on Horses ” (London, 1796), contains many passages of such advanced views on animal protection that they might well have been written within the past few years. Shortly following the publication of this book, a bill was introduced in Parliament to pro- hibit bull baiting but it was so strongly opposed that nothing came of it. Krskine was then a member of the House of Commons. He referred to the defeat of the measure at the time he was making his own appeal for animal protection legislation. Another book “ On the Conduct of Man to Inferior Animals,” by George Nichol- son, Manchester, 1797, and “ An Essay on Hu- manity to Animals,” by Thomas Young, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, London, 1798, were other writings of this period that helped to prepare the way for legislation for animals. It was on May 15, 1809,° erroneously stated by nearly all writers of humane history as 1811, *Hansard, Parliamentary Debates, First Series, 14, April 11, 1809 to June 21, 1809. Early History of the Humane Movement 21 that Lord Erskine arose in Parliament and deliv- ered his carefully prepared address in behalf of the bill he had introduced for the protection of animals. This marked the first time that this subject was ever seriously debated by a powerful legislative body.’ His speech, which was force- ful and logical, subjected him to much ridicule and abuse, but he remained immovable and un- perturbed. The bill passed the House of Lords and would probably have passed the Commons if it had not been introduced so late in the session. As it was, it was defeated only by a vote of 37 to 27. The following year Lord Erskine reintro- duced the measure, but opposition had now grown so strong against it, in spite of many amendments to meet the wishes of his colleagues, that he withdrew it. Apparently Erskine felt the futility of following up the fight he had made so courageously in its behalf. In Lord Erskine’s opening address he had pleaded earnestly that “They (animals) are created, indeed, for our use, but not for our abuse. Their freedom and enjoyment, when they cease to be consistent with our just dominion and en- joyment, can be no part of their natures; but whilst they are consistent I say their rights, sub- servient as they are, ought to be as sacred as our renin Nathaniel Ward, an English minister, who had been trained as ‘a lawyer, prepared the first code of Massachusetts law in 1641, known as The Body of Liberties, he included a section on animal protection. 22 Hwmane Society Leaders in America own. * * * Jam to ask your Lordships, in the name of that God who gave to man his do- minion over the lower world, to acknowledge and recognize that dominion to be a moral trust.” In closing his argument he said: “ The extension of benevolence to objects beneath us, become habitual by a sense of duty inculcated by law, will reflect back upon our sympathies to one an- other, so that I may venture to say firmly to your Lordships, that the bill I propose to you, if it shall receive the sanction of Parliament, will not only be an honor to the country, but an era in the history of the world.” The bill was opposed in a lengthy argument by William Windham, an influential member at that time. Among others who spoke against the measure were Lord Ellenborough and Lord Redesdale. The latter had been the chief oppo- nent of the earlier bill to prohibit bull baiting. Among those in the House of Commons who spoke in favor of the bill were Sir Samuel Romilly, William Wilberforce and James Ste- phen, all of whom were active in the anti-slavery movement of that time. Lord Erskine had not the satisfaction of seeing his bill become law, but his long experi- ence in public life must have convinced him that it was only a matter of time before the principles for which he contended must be recognized by legislation. There was no justice in the charge Early History of the Humane Movement 23 made against him in the debates, that the measure was introduced merely, “To have done that which no one yet had ever thought of doing; to have introduced into legislation at this period of the world, what had never been found in the laws of any country, and that, too, for the purpose of professed humanity or rather of something more than humanity as commonly understood and practiced, to be the first who had stood up as the | champion of brutes, was as marked a distinction, even if it should not turn out upon examination to be as proud a one, as a man could well aspire to.” ° Many of Erskine’s public acts might have justified this severe criticism by his opponent had not his love of animals always been an outstand- ing feature of his life. He had many pets, in- cluding “a dog that he introduced at consulta- tions, a goose and even two leeches.” In 1807, he had published privately a pamphlet entitled “ An Appeal in Favour of the Agricultural Ser- vices of Rooks.” It must have helped to ease’ the unhappy close of his life to know that a new champion had arisen in Parliament for his ani- mal friends and that his efforts to secure legisla- tion were ultimately successful. The new standard-bearer was Richard Martin, a member of Parliament from Galway, Ireland. Martin had been a member of the House since * Hansard, Parliamentary Debates, First Series, 14, Page 804. 7 Dictionary National Biography, Vol. XVII, Page 443. 24 Humane Society Leaders in America 1801 and probably heard Lord Erskine’s master- ful plea for the rights of animals in 1809. His heart must have been thrilled with the nobility of the purpose for his sense of justice and his love of animals were ruling passions of his life. On his 200,000 acre estate, there are the ruins, on the shores of Lake Ballinahinch, of an ancient structure known as “ Dick Martin’s Prison.” In it, he was wont to confine such of his tenants as sinned against the laws of humanity towards the brute creation. He introduced bills in Parlia- ment to abolish the death penalty for forgery, and to grant counsel for persons charged with capi- tal crimes. His keen interest in all humanitarian measures caused George IV, his personal friend, to call him ‘‘ Humanity Martin,” a title by which he is fondly known to-day wherever animal pro- tection is practiced.* Martin had given the matter of animal protec- tion no little thought and bided his time to intro- duce his bill in Parliament until conditions seemed propitious for prompt action. It was said by Lawrence that the law was “ smuggled ” through by Tory votes in spite of Liberal oppo- sition. At any rate, Martin had to face much ridicule on the floor and overcome the objections of Lord Henry Brougham, a staunch anti- slavery reformer, and the then powerful Chan- * Dictionary of National Biography. Early History of the Humane Movement 25 ning and Peel. While Martin was speaking on his measure, a member uttered a cat-call in deri- sion. He turned quickly in his place and said: “Tf the person who has just insulted me will retire to the committee room I will explain the bill to him.”” No one responded, for this great- hearted Irishman had a reputation as a duelist that few cared to dispute. William Jerdan re- lates in his chapter ° on Martin that in one of his speeches in the House of Commons upon the subject “the orator was interrupted by ironical cheers; but he went on to the end without stop or notice and when he had finished, stepped quietly across the floor towards the quarter whence the noise had proceeded, and with infinite mildness of manner presumed to ask who it was that cried, “ Hare! Hare!’ No reply was vouch- safed to the question but one member slyly pointed to a Commoner from London as the guilty person. Martin thereupon exclaimed ‘Oh! Was it only an Alderman?’ Turning on his heel he walked back to his place. “ On one occasion Martin was greatly incensed at the report of his speech in the Morning Post. When he called upon the editor for an explana- tion, the latter stated ‘ that it was written by one of the most intelligent and accurate reporters upon his staff, and he could hardly imagine any *°Men I Have Known, Pages 312-321, published by George Rout- ledge & Sons, London, 1866. 26 Humane Society Leaders in America (far less any deliberate) intention to misrepre- sent the Honorable gentleman.’ ‘To this excuse, the complainant only replied by pulling a copy of the paper out of his pocket and indignantly pointing to the obnoxious passage, exclaiming, ‘Sir, Did I ever spake in Italics?’ ‘The effect was so ludicrous that both parties burst into a fit of laughter and the affair was compromised with- out rancor or bloodshed.” When the law was finally on the statute books, June 10, 1822, it became known as “ Dick Martin’s Act.” It marked the beginning of that “new era” that Erskine prophesied would fol- low the passage of such a law. Many years have elapsed since Martin’s time; scores of consecrated men and women have given unstintingly of them- selves to the humane cause; societies have been organized in practically every civilized country in the world for the express purpose of protect- ing animals from abuse, and yet the brutalizing work of the cruelist is still in evidence. ‘The ef- forts put forth at such a cost, however, have not been lost. Each passing year finds the lot of additional thousands of animals made easier be- cause of the pioneer labor of Richard Martin. He refused a peerage from his monarch, but his name has been placed among the immortals by an ever growing host of admirers throughout the world. 1? Hansard, Volume 7, Pages 873-874. Early History of the Humane Movement 27 Martin discovered, as did Bergh some forty years later in America, that the mere passage of law was not sufficient to wipe out cruelty. Dur- ing the next few years that he remained in Lon- don he was constantly stopping offenders on the streets and bringing them to the bar of justice. This is particularly referred to in Burke’s Vicis- situdes of Families: * “ Nor did he content him- self with having obtained this parliamentary de- fence for his four-footed clients and then leaving the carrying of it out to others; he was equally strenuous in seeing that they had the full benefit of the law enacted for their protection.” He was frequently abused by the unsympathetic public and his cases treated with derision by the courts themselves. But he never despaired. The cour- age that made his name respected in dueling enabled him to face his detractors fearlessly and secure Justice when one less resolute must have failed. In the Sporting Magazine for October, 1822, appears the report of a meeting held in Septem- ber of that year at “Old Slaughter’s Coffee House,” in St. Martin’s Lane, London, to form a society “ for the preventing, as far as possible, the cruel treatment of brute animals.” A com- mittee of twelve was appointed at this time to consider ways and means. Martin was a member of this group and a leader in the movement that 4 Fourth Edition, 1860, Page 65, 28 Humane Society Leaders in America ultimately led to the organization of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, on June 16, 1824, at a meeting at which Rev. Arthur Broome presided. ‘The committee drew up the following plan of operations which includes nearly every activity commonly undertaken by anticruelty societies of the present day: “1. The circulation of suitable tracts gratui- tously, or by cheap sale, particularly among per- sons intrusted with cattle, such as coachmen, carters, and drovers. “2. The introduction into schools of books calculated to impress on youth the duty of hu- manity to inferior animals. ‘3. Frequent appeals to the public through the press, awakening more general attention to a subject so interesting, though too much neglected. “4. The periodical delivery of discourses from the pulpit. “5. The employment of constables in the markets and streets; and “6. The prosecution of persons guilty of flagrant acts of cruelty, with publicity to the pro- ceedings, and announcements of results.” This was the first permanent organization in the world for the protection of animals. Some years before, in 1809, an advertisement appeared in the papers of Liverpool announcing a meeting Early History of the Humane Movement 29 for “gentlemen only” to inaugurate “The Liverpool Society for Preventing Wanton Cru- elty to Brute Animals.” Unfortunately, its ex- istence was brief and feeble. Some twenty-five years later a similar effort was made by “ ladies only.” It also failed. The Royal Society, at London, did not begin its work of establishing .branches until 1841, when those in Norwich and Liverpool were founded. The Martin law, enacted in 1822, was known as “ An Act to Prevent the Cruel and Improper Treatment of Cattle.” It was the product of compromise. ‘The popularity of hunting and other blood sports among the landed and titled classes and the demand for bull and bear baiting, and cock and dog fights among the poorer people in England made it necessary to steer a middle course in order to insure its passage. It sought to punish persons who wantonly and cruelly beat or ill-treated the horse, mare, gelding, mule, ass, ox, cow, heifer, steer, sheep or other cattle by a fine of not more than five pounds or less than ten shillings, or imprisonment not exceeding three months. This law enabled the society to attack many of the flagrant abuses to animals that were then common, but its members were greatly disturbed because of its limitations. In 1833 an amend- ment was secured in Parliament which provided punishment for those who stoned or beat cattle 30 Humane Society Leaders in America in driving them. It was under this act that the bull, dog and lamb received their first legal pro- tection, and the baiting and fighting of dogs, bulls, bears, badgers and cocks were prohibited. The latter provisions were so unpopular with the masses that their enforcement was delayed for several years. Further extension of the English law was secured in 1835. At this time, any persons who “wantonly and cruelly beat, ill-treat, abuse or torture any domestic animals,’ became subject tothe law. Those who kept or impounded animals were enjoined to feed them and those maintain- ing ‘“ Knackers’ yards” were required to kill their animals within three days after their receipt. The early acts were amended and consolidated by the Cruelty to Animal Acts of 1849 and 1854. Under these acts the word animal was defined as any “domestic animal” of whatever kind or species, and whether a quadruped or not. The dubbing of cocks, the cropping of dogs’ ears and dehorning of cattle were classified as offences. Under the act of 1854 the use of dogs for draft purposes was prohibited throughout England. By the act of 1876 the practice of vivisection was regulated by Parliament. It was also made unlawful to maliciously poison animals. Under the “ Wild Animals in Captivity Protection Act of 1900,” the term “‘ animal ” is broadened to in- clude bird, beast, fish, or reptile. Besides these Early History of the Hwmane Movement 31 acts referred to there have been many special laws passed by the British Parliament for the protec- tion and care of animals. The acts of 1849 and 1854 are the basis upon which legislation for ani- mals elsewhere has been founded.” During the first years of the English Society, the founders struggled against great difficulties. The public was unsympathetic; funds were scant; the courts gave little assistance. Yet the Society kept tenaciously at its task, educating people to higher regard for the rights of the brute world and warning and prosecuting those guilty of cruelty. Royalty eventually took note of its good work. Queen Victoria became its patron and in 1840 gave permission to attach the prefix Royal to its title. Since that time its work has grown to large proportions. Its agents are scattered through- out England, Wales and Ireland. A vast amount of valuable humane literature has been prepared and published. Its chief publication is the Anvi- mal W orld which was suggested to its Secretary, John Colam, in 1869, by George T. Angell, of Boston. The magazine has been published con- tinuously since that date and is regarded as one of the finest of its class. % The Law Relating to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, London, 1906. For a rather full account of humane legislation for animals, see an article by George A. H. Scott, published in The National Humane Review, Vol. IV, Pages 3, 4, 23, 46, 47, 57, and 70. 32 Humane Society Leaders in America The active direction of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is at pres- ent in the hands of its able Chief Secretary, Cap- tain Edward G. Fairholme, who is well known to American humanitarians. He visited this coun- try in 1910 to take part in the International Hu- mane Congress held in Washington, and again in 1923 to attend the Second American World Humane Conference. The Royal Society pro- vided many thousands of dollars worth of veteri- nary supplies and built several hospitals for the horses of the British forces during the world war of 1914-1918. The Royal S. P. C. A. also fur- nished a considerable personnel toward staffing the hospitals, and many assistants to the veteri- nary corps. Secretary Fairholme was honored with the commission of a Captain for his valuable services in this direction. He also materially aided the American Red Star Animal Relief in having motor veterinary ambulances manufac- tured for it in England, which were presented to the American forces in France. , a - qi Henry BERGH Founder and President of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1866 to 1888 Cuaprer II HENRY BERGH: FOUNDER OF THE ANTICRUELTY CAUSE IN AMERICA T was more than a mere coincidence that the humane movement in England and America followed so closely upon the abolition of hu- man slavery. The Parliamentary Acts of 1807 and 1811 stamped out slavery within the British Empire. These laws were the outgrowth of years of the most intense agitation in behalf of the principles of human liberty for all people, regardless of race or color. It was in 1809 that Erskine made his famous plea that animals were entitled to legal protection. How Martin’s Act, in 1822, became the first legislative recognition of this principle has been related in the previous chapter. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was is- sued in 1863, and was followed in 1865 by a con- stitutional amendment that abolished and forever prohibited slavery within the United States. But the curse of involuntary servitude was only wiped out through the blood and tears of a great Civil War. By it the rights of the defenseless 33 34 Humane Society Leaders in America were established. 'The conscience of a nation was stirred to its depths, and resulted in the develop- ment of an era of humanitarian progress hereto- fore unknown. Under such conditions it was most natural that the unfortunate lot of animals should attract attention. Ten years earlier such a movement could not have flourished. But in 1866, the stage was set and it only needed the in- spiration of a stalwart leader to insure its success. Henry Bergh was such a character. He be- lieved himself divinely called to this work. None was more fitted by birth, education or tempera- ment to inaugurate and carry on a difficult and unpopular crusade. He was the son of Christian Bergh, a wealthy and highly respected ship- builder of New York City. In the Bergh yards were built some of the finest ships used in the War of 1812. Christian Bergh was a man of sterling worth and resolute will, qualities that were transmitted to his son Henry in no small degree. His ancestors came from Germany dur- ing the early part of the eighteenth century and settled along the lower Hudson. Christian mar- ried Elizabeth Ivers, the daughter of a substantial Connecticut family, who exerted a splendid in- fluence over her children. Henry Bergh was born in New York City, May 8th, 1823, and died there March 12th, 1888. He had one brother and a sister. On the death of the shipmaster, the large es- Henry Bergh 35 tate was divided among the three children. Henry soon disposed of his interest in the ship- yard, preferring to devote his life to literature and play writing. His early education was thorough and completed by a course at Colum- bia University. He did not remain to graduate, leaving college for extensive travel in Europe. He returned to the United States in 1848 and soon after married Matilda Taylor, daughter of a wealthy Englishman, residing in New York. The next twelve years were spent in Europe and the Far East. During the latter portion of this period he resided in Germany, where he did con- siderable writing. His wide travels and famil- larity with life on the Continent caused Presi- dent Lincoln to appoint him Secretary of Lega- tion and Acting Consul at St. Petersburg, in 1862. During Bergh’s trips over Europe he had been repeatedly shocked by the ill-treatment accorded animals, for which he had manifested a great lik- ing since early boyhood. While in St. Peters- burg, he discovered that with the aid of his liv- eried footman he could successfully intervene in many cases of cruelty which he witnessed because of the respect shown by the common people to official uniforms. One day after his servant had induced a man to cease beating his donkey, Bergh said: ‘‘ At last I’ve found a way to utilize my 36 Humane Society Leaders in America gold lace and about the best use I can make of ite Owing to ill-health, Mr. Bergh was obliged to resign his post in 1864, but not before he had es- tablished most friendly relations at the royal court. As a special mark of favor the emperor’s private yacht was, on one occasion, placed at his disposal to visit the naval station of Kronstadt. Secretary Seward wrote that the Government ac- cepted Mr. Bergh’s resignation with great reluc- tance. The daily scenes of cruelty to animals on the streets of St. Petersburg so moved Mr. Bergh that he resolved to return to America and devote the remainder of his life to the cause of animal protection. On his way home he visited London and studied the work of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which at that time had forty years of glorious achievement to its credit. Mr. Bergh reached New York in the fall of 1864 and began immediately to shape the plans for his future work. He realized fully the difficulties that confronted him; the indiffer- ence of the people to suffering; the ridicule of un- friendly newspapers; the hatred of those whose pleasure or profits would be curtailed through his interference; the cost in money and physical strength; and, not least, the loss of per- sonal friendships among those who would not un- derstand that his motives were unselfish and Henry Bergh 37 prompted only by a sincere desire to stop suffer- ing wherever he found it. At the outset his efforts met with little encour- agement. ‘The public was experiencing the reac- tions following four trying years of war. But Bergh would not give up, though he was greatly disheartened. He continued to interview prom- inent persons and enlist their support. Some of the leading newspapers were induced to feature his plans, which brought them to the attention of thousands throughout the city. His preliminary work must have been well done for, in spite of slush and rain, a good sized audience of representative citizens, including ex-Governor, then Mayor, John T. Hoffman, A. T. Stewart and other well- known men and women, braved the weather to hear him lecture on the cause of animal protec- tion, in Clinton Hall, on the evening of Febru- ary 8, 1866. His appeal was direct and con- vineing. “This is a matter purely of con- science,” he said. “It has no perplexing side issues. Politics have no more to do with it than astronomy, or the use of the globe. No, it isa moral question in all its aspects; it addresses itself to that quality of our nature that can not be disregarded by any people with safety to their dearest interests; it is a solemn recognition of that greatest attribute of the Almighty Ruler of the Universe, mercy, which if suspended in our own case but for a single instant, would over- whelm and destroy us.”’ 38 Humane Society Leaders in America At the close of his lecture, several gentlemen assured him of their willingness to aid him finan- cially and morally. The press in New York and in nearly all of the large cities, featured his re- marks. Their novel character attracted a wide reading and led many to proffer their assistance. Mr. Bergh was more encouraged than he had been in many aday. He realized, however, that permanent results could only be secured through the medium of an incorporated society, invested with power to bring the cruelist to justice. He accordingly went to Albany with the necessary papers and asked the legislature for a state-wide charter for the American Society for the Preven- tion of Cruelty to Animals. This was granted on April 10, 1866, in spite of vigorous opposition by some of the legislators. It was the first document of its kind in the Western Hemisphere—the fore- runner and the pattern of many to be issued within a brief period. The document was drawn by James T. Brady and bore the signatures of ex-Governor Hoffman, J. J. Astor, Jr., John A. Dix, Peter Cooper, C. V. S. Roosevelt, George Bancroft and many other prominent New York- ers. The only law on the New York statute books dealing with animal protection was one that had been passed in 1829. It was inadequate and had long been a dead letter. Mr. Bergh submitted a bill to the legislature which was passed April Henry Bergh 39 19, 1866, the anniversary of the Battle of Lex- ington. It was to be equally as significant in the cause of animal protection as was that famous skirmish of American patriots in their struggle for human liberty. Opposition developed to this “innovation,” but Bergh declared that had he thought the bill would pass so easily he would have asked for more. As it was the law now provided that ‘every person who shall, by his act or neglect, maliciously kill, maim, wound, injure, torture, or cruelly beat any horse, mule, cow, cattle, sheep, or other animal, belonging to himself or another, shall, upon conviction, be ad- judged guilty of a misdemeanor.” The law was avowedly tentative in character. Mr. Bergh an- ticipated, as events later proved to be the case, that as experience grew in the application of the _ act, it would be possible to work out more care- fully planned legislation. Three days after the passage of the law, April 22, 1866, a meeting was called in Clinton Hall, at which the mayor presided. At that time the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was formally organized. Its purpose as set forth in its constitution was: “To pro- vide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States, to en- force all laws which are now or may hereafter be enacted for the protection of animals and to 40 Hwmane Society Leaders in America secure, by lawful means, the arrest and convic- tion of all persons violating such laws.” Henry Bergh was unanimously elected as the society's first president, a position he continued to hold until his death in 1888. George Ban- croft, the celebrated historian, was made a vice- president, and many other well-known persons were placed on the Board of Directors. At the close of Mr. Bergh’s brief address of acceptance, he said: ‘‘ This, gentlemen, is the verdict that you have this day rendered, that the blood-red hand of cruelty shall no longer torture dumb ani- mals with impunity.” “That same evening,” writes a contempo- rary, “ Henry Bergh buttoned his overcoat and went forth to defend the law he had been mainly instrumental in securing, aware that on himself more than on any other man depended whether they were laughed at or obeyed.” He had not long to wait before he found a driver beating his horse. “ My friend, you can’t do that any more,” politely interceded Mr. Bergh. “ The d I can’t,” was the laconic reply, and the whip was laid on with renewed vigor. Mr. Bergh pro- tested, but was told to mind his own business. ‘““T saw it was necessary to make an impres- sion in order to bring the law before the public,” said Mr. Bergh. Afterwards, in speaking of the affair, Mr. Bergh said that it was because of this conviction that he often adopted spectacular Henry Bergh 41 methods in handling cases of cruelty. Few re- formers have more fully realized the value of newspaper publicity, even though at times it made him the butt of cheap wits and the target for cartoons. His long, angular face lent itself readily to pencil and pen sketches, a feature that cartoonists were not slow to grasp. He probably bore in mind the advice once given him by a Cheapside publisher in London, to whom he com- plained that the critics had been unfair in their reviews of his poem “ Married Off.” “If you are bound to appear in print,” consoled the pub- lisher, “ well and good if the newspapers speak in praises of you; but next to praise, being cut to pieces is the best thing to be hoped for. What we have to fear is that we will not be noticed at all. Silence is fatal.” Two attic rooms, at Broadway and Fourth Street, New York, were promptly rented by the society for office purposes. Mr. Bergh patrolled the streets, acted as agent, prosecutor and chief executive. Erequently he was obliged to pay its bills. But he persevered. He recognized the justice of his mission and nothing could induce him to turn back. Every item of expense was carefully considered and every cent received was placed where it would do the most good for the animals for which he labored. Once when Gov- ernor Hoffman visited the office he stumbled over a hole in the ragged carpet on the floor. 42 Humane Society Leaders in America “Why, Mr. Bergh,” he remarked, “‘ do you not have a better carpet? Buy one and send the bill to me.” ‘‘ No, Governor,” replied Mr. Bergh, “that will never do; the animals need it; send the money to me and I will put it to better use on the streets.” Among the first abuses to receive the attention of the new society was the barbarous methods of transporting live calves in carts. These little creatures were tied by the legs and often piled on top of each other in such a way as to endanger their eyes and subject them to great physical suf- fering. Mr. Bergh resolved to break up the practice and caused the arrest of a Brooklyn butcher, who was convicted of the offense on April 25, 1866, and fined $10.00. + SENATOR PETER G. GERRY First Vice-President of The American Humane Association Elbridge T. Gerry 69 won important legislation, which, during the sub- sequent years, has been of the greatest value in suppressing cruelty. At the time Mr. Bergh was restrained by injunction from making ar- rests of butchers for their cruel methods in slaughtering hogs, his counsel prepared a brief citing the legal status of animals from the earliest recorded history down to the present day. It was the most exhaustive treatment of the sub- ject ever prepared and was so masterfully drawn that the injunction was dissolved... On many other occasions the society had reason for self- congratulation that this clear-sighted, aggressive young attorney was directing its legal depart- ment. At this time, more‘than at any later date, precedents were being established on which the effective interpretation of anticruelty laws now hinges. Mr. Bergh was fully cognizant of the part Mr. Gerry was taking in strengthening the legal position of animal protection, and paid him the following compliment in the report of the Amer- ican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for 1873: “To his eminent profes- sional abilities, and devotion to this God-approv- ing work of defending the defenseless, the society and its eause owe a debt inappreciable in dollars. I think that if I had been skeptical of the eternal +The Hog Slaughterer’s Injunction, Davis vs. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 70 Humane Society Leaders in America presence of an overruling Providence in the af- fairs of this world, my repeated experience in the progress of this work would alone suffice to extinguish all doubt. How often, during its in- ception and development, have the dark clouds which lowered over my path suddenly and most unexpectedly opened and the aid and support so coveted, the lack of which rendered me for the time so despondent, have come. I regard this excellent gentleman as a signal manifestation of the Divine Sovereignty to which I allude. Not only has his prudent and sagacious counsel pre- vented or parried harm, but by his eloquent and astute advocacy of the rights of the society be- fore the judicial tribunal of the state, he has in some instances affirmed its powers, and preserved to its treasury that material element of its suc- cess.” At this time the society presented Mr. Gerry with a loving cup suitably inscribed. In 1875, Mr. Bergh caused a gold badge to be prepared and presented to Mr. Gerry, who wore it quite constantly for many years. In acknowledging the gift he wrote: “I trust you will convey to them (directors) my sincere appreciation of the gift and that you will assure them how I appre- ciate most a decoration and a badge, which, like the cross of the Great Emperor, no money could buy and the privilege of wearing which was itself the patent of nobility.” Elbridge T. Gerry 71 Mr. Gerry continued actively as counsel of the American Society for the Prevention of Cru- elty to Animals until the death of Mr. Bergh in 1888, and remained as one of its vice-presidents until 1899. On his retirement from active par- ticipation in its legal work, the directors wrote of him in their records: “‘ Without reward of any kind, he was ever ready to lend his brilliant attainments in behalf of the suffering and help- less, no matter to what life they belonged.”’ Important, however, as Mr. Gerry’s services were in the interest of animal protection, his fame in the field of humanitarian endeavor rests chiefly on his achievements in child rescue work. His part in the formation of the first society for the prevention of cruelty to children, in 1874, was a big one, but at that time he scarcely perceived that he was laying the foundation of a life work. This revelation was to be borne in upon him dur- ing the next few years as he studied the possi- bilities of such an organization and sensed its need for strong leadership. One with so keen an intuition and deep-seated humanitarian impulses could not long continue to take merely a passive or secondary interest in its development. It was in 1873 that Mrs. Etta Angell Wheeler, a social worker in the New York slums, first learned of the sad plight of the child whose rescue was to bring about the formation of the first society for child protection in the world. For 72 Hwmane Society Leaders in America several months she sought means to remove her from the clutches of brutal foster parents who beat her with a whip of twisted leather thongs until her diminutive body was a mass of cuts and bruises. The police, the charities, even the courts offered no method of relief. She “ had more than once been tempted,” Mrs. Wheeler wrote, in after years, “‘ to apply to the Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Animals, but had lacked the courage to do what seemed absurd. How- ever, when, on the following Tuesday, a niece said: “You are so troubled over that abused child, why not go to Mr. Bergh? She is a little animal surely.’ I said at once, ‘I will go.’ Within an hour I was at the society’s rooms. Mr. Bergh was in his office and listened to my recital most courteously but with a slight air of amusement that such an appeal should be made there. In the end he said: ‘ The case interests me much, but very definite testimony is needed to warrant interference between a child and those ‘claiming guardianship. Will you not send me a statement that, at my leisure, I may judge the weight of the evidence and may also have time to consider if this society should interfere? I promise to consider the case carefully.’ ” ° The statement was prepared promptly, and on April 9, 1874, forty-eight hours after the in- terview, the child was brought before Judge Law- *The Story of Mary Ellen, The American Humane Association. Elbridge T. Gerry 73 rence, of the Supreme Court. Jacob Riis, who was a spectator, that day in court, described the scene later in a magazine article, which is worthy of preservation: ‘ I was in a court room full of men with pale, stern looks. I saw a child brought in, carried in a horse blanket, at the sight of which men wept aloud. I saw it laid at the feet of the judge, who turned his face away, and in the stillness of that court room I heard a voice raised claiming for that child the protection men had denied it, in the name of the homeless cur on the streets. And I heard the story of little Mary Ellen told again, that stirred the soul of a city and roused the con- science of a world that had forgotten. The sweet- faced missionary who found Mary Ellen was there, wife of a newspaper man—happy augury; where the gospel of faith and the gospel of facts join hands the world moves. She told how the poor consumptive, in the dark tenement, at whose bedside she daily read the Bible, could not die in peace while ‘ The child they called Mary Ellen’ was beaten and tortured in the next flat; and how on weary feet she went from door to door of the powerful, vainly begging mercy for it and peace for her dying friend. ‘The police told her to furnish evidence, to prove crime, or they could not move; the Societies said, ‘ Bring the child to us legally and we will see; till then we can do nothing;’ the charitable said, ‘It is 74 Hwmane Society Leaders in America dangerous to interfere between parent and child; better let it alone;’ and the judges said it was even so; it was for them to see that men walked in the way laid down, not to find it—until her woman’s heart rebelled against it all, and she sought the great friend of dumb brutes, who made a way. “§ ate » 1 ' Vy a) a. ees , ie ’ ’ be I 1 - ; 7. e se 3 4 ah i e ® UJ : 4 5 = y ate s » ~» 0 i £ s = pian ie Tyee >i \ wdfn east ie 7 ~' - ~ asl va , al i bare ey Ws } ON ; 7 & aT), @ i tes ig j fer ‘ Vi oe Thier ays : i ¥ v8 ‘ See ee rae hs ante Bees ee ’ ( Lye ro ' / é hs 2 ' woe? 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This was the first nation-wide advertising campaign ever attempted by humane organizations. Among the generous early financial backers of the Association were Miss Anne Wigglesworth and Mrs. Wiliam Appleton. The latter will be recalled as the active helper of George T. Angell in organizing the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The terrible conditions governing transporta- tion of food animals from farms and ranches to the stockyards were vividly shown in reports presented from time to time to the Association. At the inaugural meeting in Cleveland, in 1877, George A. Martin, whose professional duties had made it necessary for him to attend the East Buffalo stockyards daily, reported: “The live stock traffic of the country is a long line of suf- fering from the West to the East. And when the jaded, frantic, feverish animals arrive at their eastern destination, they are hurried to the sham- bles, their flesh little, if any better fit for human food than so much carrion. And then the dis- eased and bruised animals, which are unfit from the moment of shipment—cattle with putrid, malignant ulcers on the lower jaw; sheep crip- pled with foot-rot (80,000 foot-rotten sheep passed through East Buffalo in a single year) ; ewes hurried to the cars, leaving lambs a few 252 Humane Society Leaders in America hours old to bleat their brief lives out in the de- serted pens; hogs purple with the so-called hog cholera—all these were daily sights in the great cattle yards. * * * Millions of suffering brutes which cannot speak for themselves, and thousands of consumers of diseased flesh, uncon- scious of the wrongs inflicted upon them, are in reality represented at your Conference in Cleve- land.” The little band of humane enthusiasts was not viewed with favor by legislators, and every conceivable slander was hurled by the interests to hold up the approaching reforms. One of the commonest replies to requests for a stringent transportation law was that the reform was sought “in the interests of patent cars ’"—to cre- ate a market, and financial gain for the inventors who saw the need of humane transportation and were trying to solve the problem. The Associa- tion, however, sought to deal with the evils not only by legislation, but also by conciliatory nego- tiation with the livestock interests. Some progress was made, although it was very slight. The reports of Zadok Street, traveling hu- mane agent, were a long recital of infamous con- ditions. It almost appeared as though the vast bulk of those engaged in the livestock business were actuated by the spirit of demons. Hun- dreds of dead animals were taken from the rail- road cars. Cripples were dragged out, by the The American Humane Association 253 head, ears, tail—anyhow—and left to die. In one instance a steer had been so burned to make him get up that the carcass was unfit for market- ing. Other tortures were of a kind that could not be set forth in print. At places where cattle trains stopped the men who accompanied the animals walked alongside and jabbed and prodded all that were down, until they arose to their feet—if they were able to do so. Still the reformers worked in spite of the jeers of cattle- men, who referred to them as “long-haired come- outers’ and in various other terms of oppro- brium. The first really great step in advance was made when the Federal Government placed the enforcement of the 28 hour law in the hands of the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Animal Industry was given the task of enforcing the law. ‘This has been done honestly and effi- ciently, and is being so enforced to-day. If The American Humane Association had taken up no other question than that of stock transportation it was worth while. To-day the prod is almost eliminated, and representatives of the cattle- raisers, railroads, packing houses and other in- terests meet in conference, including representa- tives of The American Humane Association, to discuss plans and methods by which losses and injuries can be still further reduced. The world is learning that humanity pays. 254 Humane Society Leaders in America Next to transportation, importance has at- tached to the starvation of cattle on the ranges and to the subject of slaughterhouse reform. Both of these were discussed at many of the an- nual conventions. It was shown that the losses of cattle and sheep on the great ranges, due to star- vation and exposure, amounted to millions upon millions of dollars. Local anticruelty socie- ties were powerless to accomplish much relief. In one state the law specifically exempted from punishment men who starved their stock to death. The cattle were simply turned loose to gamble with death. They had to face starvation and thirst in the awful blizzards of the western ranges. They died by tens of thousands. The public lands were overrun with stock. No rent was paid. The range which formerly supported millions of buffalo was depleted. Men who owned cattle fought men who owned sheep for priority of grazing rights. Cattlemen, at times, were said to have killed off all the sheep they could. In two reported instances it was said that flocks of sheep were driven over preci- pices and dashed to pieces on the rocks below. Local societies were unable to cope with the problem; it was too vast. The American Humane Association has fought the evil with unceasing publicity, advocating that the public domain should be controlled and regulated by the Department of Agriculture in the same man- The American Humane Association 255 ner that the lands included in the Forest Re- serves are controlled, grazing privileges being granted only to stockmen who have enough ranch property to take care of their stock in winter. Some improvement has been made, but the problem still presses for solution. Education through the agricultural colleges, the public schools, stock markets and other avenues has done something. There is an awakening con- science. One important factor has been the in- creased value of livestock, during the period beginning with the world war. Many stockmen who formerly gave no kind of winter care now gather quantities of rough forage in the fall and are able to take care of their animals in winter. They find that it pays. There is, ap- parently, no single remedy for the condition and only a gradual improvement can be looked for. Government regulation of grazing on public lands will help most. The herds are lessening in size so there is less suffering. The homesteaders are taking up more land and caring for their stock. All this accomplishes much. Many efforts have been made to abolish the horrors of the slaughterhouses. One of the most important moves in this direction was the offer of a prize of $10,000 by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for a successful device, or instrument, by means of which animals about to be slaughtered may be 256 Humane Society Leaders in America promptly and effectively stunned. A. special committee on slaughterhouse reform was ap- pointed by The American Humane Association, of which Dr. F. H. Rowley, of Boston, was made chairman. The campaign against slaughter- house cruelties has been pushed with the greatest vigor. As The American Humane Association grew its vision developed. It used its influence from time to time to prevent the introduction of bull- fighting into the United States. It fought the rodeo, round-up, wild west show, and every other form of brutal sport. It gave full support to local societies in conflicts with evils they were not powerful enough to fight single-handed. The Association was among the first to protest against the extermination of the buffalo, of wild life generally, and especially of birds. The Association took note of evil condi- tions in all parts of the world, notably in South America, where (in Peru) it was re- ported that animals were flayed alive because of the belief that the skins so taken were more durable and flexible. Gander pulling in Califor- nia was a “sport” which was checked. A live gander was suspended, its neck smeared with grease, and men on horses rode swiftly under- neath, grabbing the gander by the neck, and in some instances tearing off the head. Largely due to the Association’s influence transportation The American Humane Association 257 conditions on cattle ships were vastly improved and the horrors of the journey of livestock from the United States abroad have been minimized. The introduction of cold storage transportation of dead meat abroad has eliminated much of the cause for complaint, but stock transportation in the United States is still unsatisfactory. Com- mittees at different times reported on the need for the humane destruction of small animals, on the bad management of city pounds and other abuses. Local societies in this manner were benefited by the latest and best available knowl- edge on various subjects. In the early days of The American Humane Association its activities were devoted exclu- sively to the welfare of animals. Some of the constituent societies, however, were engaged in the dual work of protecting children as well as animals, and the report of the St. Louis meeting, in 1885, was the first to be illustrated with the Association’s new double seal, which depicted on one side the protection of animals and on the other the protection of children. Delegates from child protection societies did not attend, as such, until the Rochester meeting in 1887. So far as child protection was concerned the Association centered its efforts towards guaranteeing such protection from every form of abuse and cruelty, and the enforcement of laws for their protection. Shocking abuses were discovered. At Rochester 17 258 Hwmane Society Leaders in America the convention discussed methods for dealing with fathers who deserted their families. Subse- quently the treatment of children in institutions was investigated, and at Louisville, in 1889, Mr. Brown, of Chicago, declared that most fiendish eruelties had been found to have been inflicted upon children in the institutions of that city. The horrors of child life, even so recently as 1891, were exposed at the Denver meeting, where it was reported, in the campaign against infanti- cide, that bodies of 3,000 children a year were consigned, even when alive, to the sewers or thrown into the river at Philadelphia. In an- other city, to obtain insurance money, one woman murdered her two children and her husband, for which the death penalty was inflicted. Reports of children killed on so-called baby farms were numerous. Gradually the work for children de- veloped along broad lines, but with the central motive that the movement was not one of char- ity, almsgiving or welfare, but essentially one of justice and legal protection in the widest and best sense. This attitude was clearly defined on several occasions by Mr. Elbridge T. Gerry and other leaders. It was feared that, if the societies were engaged in child welfare only and the basic principle of protection was lost sight of, or at least made subservient to other’ features, the legal work of child protection, for which the The American Humane Association 259 children’s societies were especially created, would be neglected or cease. In the early days of the Association there were members sufficiently far-sighted to realize that it should have a charter of incorporation, and at the Baltimore meeting, in 1878, it was decided to ask Congress for such a charter, to include “ all the legal powers that such a society ought to have in carrying on a national humane work.” ‘This resolution was reaffirmed a year later, at Chicago, but it was not acted upon. However, the subject cropped up at several con- ventions, but there were differences of opinion as to what should be the main purposes of the Association and how far its jurisdiction should extend. At the Cincinnati Convention of 1886, President Gordon declared “ The scope of the Association is the extended scope of the societies which compose it. * * * Its mission is to remedy universal cruelties by universal remedies, to foster a national recognition of the duties we | owe those who are helpless, to spread knowledge on humane organizations where such do not exist.” Several times the question of disbanding the Association was discussed, notably at the Pittsburgh Convention of 1884. Even some whose names rank high in the history of the movement favored this course, but the Associa- tion held on. Its income, however, was far from 260 Humane Society Leaders in America being assured, and officers, agents and organiz- ers were appointed intermittently and only for short periods, the expense being borne usually by a few persons specially interested. At the Buffalo meeting, in 1901, Dr. William O. Still- man, then on the Executive Committee, in a paper on “The Problems of Humane Exten- sion,” came out strongly for a development of the Association and astounded some of his hear- ers by advocating that there should be an endow- ment of not less than half a million dollars with which to put a national work on an adequate foot- ing. A year later, at Albany, a special commit- tee on organization again recommended that the Association be nationally incorporated as “ the natural development of any philanthropic move- ment where effective work is needed.” There was considerable opposition to the proposal, some prominent humanitarians fearing that it would involve the setting up of a big national machine, and that money would flow to a national treasury which ought to be devoted to local pur- poses. Dr. Stillman, Mrs. Caroline Karle White and Mr. James M. Brown were amongst those who favored incorporation. By agreement con- sideration was deferred to the Cincinnati meet- ing, in 1903, when incorporation was definitely agreed upon. Subsequent events have proved that the fears of those who opposed incorporation were ground- The American Humane Association 261 less. While an effective national organization has been built up, local humane societies have benefited rather than suffered, financially and in other ways. Many societies have been preserved from extinction, others have been reorganized and saved. In times of crisis local societies have had the help of the national body in their strug- gles. The Association has brought about cohe- sion, it has inspired local societies to greater ef- fort, lifted them from the depths of hopeless despair and pointed the way to a successful future. Many societies which have become pros- perous have freely admitted that much of their success is the direct result of the guidance and encouragement received from national head- quarters, and from its traveling agents and organizers. | An important part of the missionary work of The American Humane Association has been shown by its publication of a large amount of leaflet literature. Tons upon tons of these leaf- lets have been widely distributed either by sale at cost or free of charge. The demand for these humane tracts has been marvelously large. They have served to create humane sentiment; also to furnish necessary advice where people desired to start new anticruelty societies or where reforms were demanded. A leaflet entitled “ First Aid to Small Animals” has supplemented the one printed on “First Aid for Horses,” which was 262 Humane Society Leaders in America distributed on request and without charge to the extent of 150,000 copies. Many very valuable leaflets on “ Humane Education ” have been printed and widely dis- tributed. The Association has very actively pushed the work of introducing instruction in humane education, hoping to gain entrance into all public schools in the United States. ‘'wenty- three states already have laws requiring such teaching. In this connection the Association is now planning for the creation of a training school, or college, where humane agents may receive special instruction to fit them, not only for office or field work, for local societies, and for the proper care and management of cases of abuse of little children and animals, but espe- cially to act as lecturers to give instruction in teachers’ training schools and institutes, and be- fore public bodies wherever humane instruction is required. The American Humane Association, through the efforts of President Stillman, founded The National Humane Review, which is greatly assisting the humane educational work being carried on all over the United States and in foreign countries. The foreign missionary work of the Association has assumed large pro- portions and promises even greater development in the future. The magazine is proving remark- ably acceptable and successful. It is a matter of special interest that “ Hu- The American Humane Association 263 mane Sunday” and “Be Kind to Animals Week ” were introduced into the United States through the initiative and efforts of The Ameri- can Humane Association, which has done much to make these occasions the great yearly celebra- tion of the humane world in this country. The yearly delivery of Mercy Sunday sermons by clergymen in England had been in vogue for some time before it was taken up on this side of the Atlantic. It remained for Americans to de- velop the idea of a week being set aside for special secular observances in behalf of mercy and kindness. During this week visits are made to shelters for children and animals, proclama- tions are issued by many governors and mayors, pet animal shows are held and work horse parades are conducted. There are exhibits of humane posters and of bird houses; humane lit- erature is distributed and special humane relief work done. Addresses, personally and by radio, are made before men’s and women’s clubs, at schools and special gatherings. Many schools have appropriate exercises, which are assisted by Boy and Girl Scouts; medals are given, humane motion picture films are shown and the news- papers print humane stories. Humane publicity is the keynote of the observance and banners and © placards are plentifully exhibited in stores, on houses and wagons, and on animals. People 264 Humane Society Leaders in America wear humane buttons, and sometimes animals are similarly decorated. Humane Sunday has been very largely ob- served by the churches, especially since several de- nominations have publicly declared in favor of hu- mane education. Thousands of pulpits proclaim the duty of humanity. The text “ Blessed are the Merciful ” is frequently chosen as a theme for discourses. Tens of thousands of humane post- ers are made by school children for prizes, for in this way they become greatly interested in hu- mane education and anticruelty problems. More is being done in these ways for humane advance- ment than the world realizes and the next genera- tion of Americans will show the result by a higher and nobler grade of citizenship. These observances may well be imitated in every coun- TGY2 One of the most important reforms which the Association has undertaken has been the preven- tion of cruel trapping. It has been found that millions of small animals, and sometimes birds and domestic animals in great numbers, have been seized by steel traps and left to die terrible deaths. Traps are often not visited by the trap- per for days. The animals held in traps are apt to die from starvation, or cold, often suffering lin- gering agony. Some are eaten alive by their natural enemies. Muskrats have had their eyes picked out by crows. The number of animals The American Humane Association 265 involved is estimated by Dr. Hornaday to amount to thirty millions yearly. Public senti- ment is beginning to awaken. Reform will come. Fur farms save much lingering suffering. Humane traps, which kill animals instantly, are gaining public favor. During recent years the work of The Ameri- can Humane Association has steadily extended. This is the end which has been constantly sought and the best proof of its success. Calls for its aid have come from all parts of the United States. The response has been limited only by the funds at its disposal which enables it to employ agents, and while the income has increased the calls upon the Association have increased in still greater proportion. An endowment has been created, although it is far from the goal set by Dr. Still- man in his address at the Buffalo meeting and the actual needs of the Association. Without question it is inadequate for the needs of the work and should be greatly increased so as to safeguard the future of national humane opera- tions. Among the numerous investigations into cruelties of unusual proportions may be men- tioned the oilfields investigations of 1922 and 1923. In this instance the investigation referred particularly to the Arkansas oilfields, although it was also shown that great cruelties had been practised in other fields. In the greed to open 266 Humane Society Leaders in America up new sources of oil heavy machinery was hauled by mule teams through fields until they were converted into bogs and morasses. ‘To force the animals to do the almost impossible, mules were. whipped, beaten and pounded until they dropped. The Arkansas highways in many places were little better than the bogs that were encountered on the sidetracks to the wells, and reports were received of mules being drowned in the deep mud-holes while straining at their loads. Publication of the facts in newspapers throughout the United States brought about an improvement in the situation, but even at the best, conditions were bad, due to the fact that most people in the oil regions apparently thought only of financial gain and the public authorities took no real steps to end the abuses. Among the services which have been rendered to local humane work, the sending of experts from headquarters, in times of need, has resulted advantageously. In many sections local diffi- culties have been relieved. Societies have been aided in campaigns to secure funds; others have sought guidance in the preparation of plans for the general development of their work. As a result the movement has made great advances in many sections, for the work has been extended and shelters and other buildings have been erected. Hundreds of lectures also have been given by representatives from headquarters, fre- The American Humane Association 267 quently resulting in a more favorable attitude on the part of the public. Many cities have been induced to turn over to anticruelty societies for animals the public pounds, together with the work of collecting and disposing of stray, home- less and unlicensed dogs, thus doing away with the horrors of many ill-managed city pounds. One of the important undertakings of The American Humane Association has been its in- troduction into the United States of interna- tional humane conferences. The first one to be held was that which met at Washington, D. C., under the honorary presidency of Wm. H. Taft, President of the United States. This was held on October 10-15, 1910, and was very largely attended by humanitarians from all parts of the United States and by representatives from more than thirty foreign countries. The deliberations of this great gathering resulted in many practical reforms. ‘There was an extensive display of hu- mane literature, posters and objects of special interest, filling several large rooms. ‘The sessions of the conference served to bring humanitarians together from many countries and to unify hu- mane methods and practices. 'The meeting ex- cited much commendation and praise. On October 22 to 27, 1923, another Interna- tional Conference was held in New York City. This was largely attended by delegates from at home and abroad. Hundreds of Americans took 268 Humane Society Leaders in America part in its proceedings, which were marked by harmony and enthusiasm. Special emphasis was laid on reforms in slaughterhouse methods and transportation abuses, as well as trapping cruel- ties and blood sports. Child protection received much attention, as many vital topics were dis- cussed, including child protection in its broader aspects, special policies pursued, and agencies in- strumental in child helping. The value of recrea- tional facilities and posters in child saving was presented. Child protection service in England, France, India and Japan was ably discussed; also motion picture regulation and the problems of delinquency and children’s code commissions. The need for children’s shelters and paid agents was strongly brought out. The great value of International Conferences was emphasized and undoubtedly others will follow. A. word in reference to some of the earlier Presidents. Mr. John G. Shortall in 1884 was elected to succeed Mr. Edwin Lee Brown, who had held office continuously since 1877, when the work was first started. He put new life in the movement, but resigned at the end of his term in favor of Rev. G. E. Gordon, of Milwaukee, who was elected to office during three years, from 1885 to 1887. Ata meeting held in Toronto in 1888, Hon. Elbridge T. Gerry, the father of the child protection movement, was elected Presi- dent. At the end of his term, that sincere hu- The American Humane Association 269 manitarian, Edwin Lee Brown, of Chicago, was again elected President by the elections for 1889 and 1890. He died in 1891, after nearly two years in office. Mr. L. H. Eaton, of Pittsburgh, was then elected for the years 1891 and 1892. Mr. Shortall was again elected President in 1892 and served until 1898. During his Presidency he presided over an International Humane Con- gress, held in Chicago in 1893. At the Columbus meeting in 1899, Mr. J. M. Brown, of Toledo, Ohio, was elected President and served until succeeded by President Still- man, in 1905, except for a period at the close of President Brown’s term, when Dr. Albert Lef- fingwell served part of aterm. Mr. Brown was President of the Toledo Humane Society until his death in 1909. It was during his administra- tion that the Association was incorporated, under the laws of the District of Columbia, in 1903. It would require a volume to recite in detail the work of the men and women who have con- tributed to the success of the Association. Among those who have served as honorary vice- presidents may be mentioned several Presidents of the United States, notably Hon. Grover Cleve- land, Hon. Warren G. Harding and Hon. Calvin Coolidge, while former President Wm. H. Taft has been listed among such officers for about eighteen years and has always shown marked personal interest. Of prominent ecclesiastics, 270 Humane Society Leaders in America there may be mentioned the names of Cardinals Gibbons and Dougherty; Rt. Rev. James F., Sweeny, D.D.; Rev. Charles Scanlon, LL.D.; Rev. S. Z. Baie D.D., and others who pave been honorary vice-presidents. Many splendid women are also included in this list, such as that genuine humanitarian Minnie Maddern Fiske; Mrs. George T. Angell, the devoted wife of the great humane pioneer, and Mrs. Jack London, whose husband’s labors caused the starting of the Jack London Clubs and reforms in behalf of per- forming animals. Senator Peter G. Gerry, the oldest son of the illustrious founder and builder of child protection work, has long been closely as- sociated with The American Humane Associa- tion, as its first Vice-President and one of its most valued directors. Senator Gerry’s labors for the humane cause have been of great value and stamp him as a worthy son of a noble sire. co —_ =o) h——— 3 TS os c—=n == . a —————— eS >rT wv >= —_—_ i to?) * | io0) oD | Q O = j Lud ja) rs a, ‘a a 4 my’ ‘7 a \, -