“NOBLE SPORT,” AGAIN

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 8, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 14.

“NOBLE SPORT,” AGAIN.

A LADY correspondent, referring to an article in the SIGNS recently, writes us the following words, which we take the liberty to present to our readers:—

The article “Noble Sport,” in March 4, is much to the point. In this country the “rifle woman” is greatly lionized. As I am known as an equestrienne, and have had much experience in daring frontier life, I have been rather ridiculed that I never hunt. But I will not see anything harmless killed, much less kill it myself; for I can see no sport in pain. Even a vicious animal can feel, altho it may not reason; and every humane feeling revolts at this wanton slaughter and sportive mangling of innocent game.

That man was given dominion over fowl and beast is no excuse for heartless cruelty toward any dumb creature. The abuse of such power will fail of the promise, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy,” but rather will merit, “With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.” When the book of life is opened, and every man is judged “according to the deeds done in the body,” where will such “noble sport” be found? It is not noble, it is not even brave; it is merely pitiless, and savors of egotism and savagery.

In the same line is the “broncho buster,” who amid cheers of merriment goads the dumb animal to make it rear and pitch, anything to try to get rid of its tormentor. It is the spirit of Spain and barbarism. It is anything but Christlike, therefore not Christian; and the cultivation of all such spirit tends toward demoralization. It deadens the finer, purer feelings, so essential to a Christian life and Christian character.

No joke can be harmless that has its source in pain. No sport can be elevating (it is therefore ignoble) which has for its enjoyment scenes of suffering.

MRS. A. H. McADOW.