4. THE STATE HUMANE ASSOCIATION

The history of the Illinois Humane Society was in a measure repeated in the case of the Anti-Cruelty Society. As the younger organization in its turn became less aggressive and more conservative, again there arose a movement of protest and again the protestants were women. They soon developed into separatists and first sought to identify themselves with the Illinois Humane Society; but finally, in 1911, they organized a society of their own called the Society of Humane Friends. In 1913 the name was changed to the State Humane Association. It was never incorporated. As is usual under such circumstances, the new society displayed at the first a most vigorous activity, and it is testified by representatives of the older organizations and by some public authorities that members prosecuted their work with more zeal than discretion. On several occasions it is asserted

their influence tended to hinder rather than to promote humane work. It is a fact that at one time during proceedings in court the presiding judge felt it necessary to fine the president of the State Humane Association for contempt of court. In spite of criticism and of some unfortunate circumstances, it appears that this group of women did accomplish some good. They at least succeeded in throwing the lime-light upon humane work and upon the activities of humane societies in general, thus creating a publicity which was not without its advantages. It does not appear, however, that they ever won very wide or substantial support, and during the past few months the office of the society in Chicago has been abandoned and its work discontinued.

5. THE STATE SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY Early in 1915 another name was added to the list of humane societies in Chicago. This was the State Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, incorporated. To a certain extent it may be said that this organization takes the place left vacant by the departure of the State Humane Association. Although there is no evidence of the violent antagonism towards the older organizations displayed by the State Humane Association, there are certain respects in which this new society disagrees with the principles and practices of the Illinois Humane Society and the AntiCruelty Society. The leaders of the State Society for the Prevention of Cruelty do not disbelieve in prosecution; but they think that it is an instrument which could be used with even greater discrimination than has been customary in Chicago. Their policy is to issue warnings and to depend upon the general membership of the organization for its support and for the accomplishment of its purposes. It is hoped thus to scatter broadcast the seeds of humane education so that in the natural course of events prosecutions will become less and less necessary. The following list of suggestions and warnings appears upon a printed notice which is to be handed to offenders on the streets:

1. This horse must be examined by a veterinary at once. 2. This harness must be in proper repair for further use. 3. The shafts of this wagon must be repaired to protect the horse.

4. Put shoe on this horse at once. Do not pull a load without. 5. Use only proper nose-bag on this horse. Discard old one. 6. Use no saddle on this horse that rests on raw galls. 7. Use no collar on this horse that rests on raw galls. 8. Call driver's attention to use whip less on this (). Hitch. 9. This horse stood ........ minutes without a blanket. 10. No weight was on the hitch at become frightened.

They may

II. Groom this horse before further use on public streets. 12. This horse interferes. You must protect same at once.

The notice further declares that the State Society for the Prevention of Cruelty "will prosecute without further warning, in any case, where these laws are violated, and where it is apparent that any reasonable person ought to have known that he would be guilty of such violation." Upon the back of this notice are printed brief extracts from state laws and city ordinances relating to cruelty to animals.

It is too early to form a judgment as to the success of this society. Its ideals certainly are commendable. Without doubt, education is the ultimate solution of the problems now confronting humane workers. But for immediate results too great dependence should not be placed upon so-called educative methods. There is still a large field for the application of repressive and corrective measures. Furthermore, as has been already explained, it is not usual for the best results to be accomplished by members of humane societies acting merely in their capacity as private citizens and performing humane work as an incidental avocation. There is a demand for experts whose profession is the prevention of cruelty. For the present, therefore, it would not be well to rely exclusively upon methods in humane work as represented by the State Society for the Prevention of Cruelty. It is likely, however, that this society will prove a most useful auxiliary force. Its usefulness will be measured by the extent to which it is able to enlist volunteers and to keep them actively interested.

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6. HUMANE Work in IlLINOIS OUTSIde of ChicaGO The prevention of cruelty to animals in the state of Illinois outside of the city of Chicago has to a large extent depended upon the influence of the Illinois Humane Society. Branch societies have been organized in various sections of the state, and at the present time there are 33 societies working in 27 counties. Twelve of them are incorporated. In addition, the society appoints special agents for small communities, who report directly to the headquarters of the society in Chicago. The society has 37 such agents at the present time. Experience has led the Illinois Humane Society to the belief that in small communities a system of personal representation is more effective for the prosecution of the work of preventing cruelty than a system of branches. Consequently, the officers advise that a resident of the locality be appointed special agent of the Illinois Humane Society to look after all cases of cruelty. As a plan of organization, they suggest that a number of representative people of the community, who are not only friendly to the cause, but who are anxious to see some organization established, be invited to meet for consultation and for the formation of plans. After the meeting has been duly organized those present should select by vote some competent person to act as special agent. After his selection has been certified by the chairman of the meeting, a formal request should be made to the parent society in Chicago that the person named be appointed as special agent. The society acts promptly upon such application and issues the appointment if it approves the selection. Upon the receipt from the parent society of this confirmation it is customary for those who have joined the movement to meet again and choose an auxiliary committee not over nine in number, who may be called upon from time to time by the special agent for counsel and assistance in the prosecution of his work. The following is the form of petition for the appointment of a special agent:

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'The undersigned residents of .......... and vicinity, in the county of .......... and state of Illinois, hereby request the Illinois Humane Society to appoint ........ of said ........ to act as its special agent, for the prevention of cruelty to children and

animals within the said county, subject to the constitution, bylaws and rules of the society.

The active societies as well as the special agents submit reports each year to the Illinois Humane Society upon the work accomplished in their respective localities. There are in all 70 societies and agencies throughout the state; but not all of them are active and only a part of them submit annual reports. In 1914 reports were received from 30 societies and agencies working in 26 counties of the state. These reports showed that during the year 1,463 complaints of cruelty to animals were attended to, 1,403 animals were relieved, 435 animals were humanely destroyed, and 66 persons were prosecuted for cruelty to animals. In 1915 reports were received from 44 societies and agencies working in 31 counties of the state. The table on the following page indicates the character of these reports.

1

It is obvious that there is still a large field for the extension of humane work in Illinois. There are 101 counties in the state, but real work is being done in only about 40 of these counties. The chief need seems to be in the southern counties among the mining and rural districts. The difficulty of carrying on the work of these sections has been two-fold. In the first place there is a perennial lack of funds, and in the second place there is a lack of local interest. It has been pointed out in connection with the work in New York State that although large population centers present the most complex problems for humane work, it is possible to arouse public sentiment in cities to an extent which is impossible in rural districts. Consequently, although humane problems in the country, as a rule, are in themselves comparatively simple, it is only with the most strenuous efforts even under favorable circumstances that a sufficiently active public interest can be excited to deal with these problems. So in a majority of the counties of Illinois the public pulse is very sluggish and it would require a powerful stimulant to quicken it into

1 Bulletin of Social Legislation, No. 3-see, ante, foot note, page 1.