31 



be no doubt that the use of artificial flowers and berries, and of 

 ribbons and fancy ornaments, would increase and would give 

 more emplo}^ment in the labour market than is now given by 

 the importation of wild- bird plumage. " You say," said Lord 

 Avebury, in questioning Messrs. Sciama's representative, at the 

 Committee, 



(Q. 270) " You say that the Bill would diminish the 

 demand for labour in this country, but as it would 

 replace a certain quantity of feathers, which are grown 

 abroad, by a certain quantity of articles which are made 

 in this country, clearly it must tend to increase the 

 demand for labour in this country ?" 



What had Mr. Downham to say about his thousands of 

 workmen and workwomen ? He said : 



" On the question of labour, there may not be so much difference one 

 way or the other ; but I cannot admit that it would increase under the 

 Bill." 



The Plume=hunter. 



The plume-traders have always alleged deep interest in the 

 welfare of the workers. The public was constantly told that the 

 " artificial " plume (which had no existence) gave labour to 

 thousands of hands. Other trade-philanthropists have made 

 capital out of the needs of the hypothetical Indian who was 

 saved from starvation by picking up Egret plumes. How did 

 the poor Indian live through the centuries before Egrets were 

 hunted ? 



(Q 568) " This (the collection of plumes) finds great employment, you 

 must remember, for a number of these Indians, who would be starved 

 otherwise." Mr. M. Hale, before the H.L. Committee. 



Unimpassioned writers have affirmed that the professional 

 plumer is not usually a deserving member of society in any 

 country ; but it is hard on his friends that Mr. Downham now 

 gives the case away in seeking to establish that for the Venezuelan 

 garccro. Mr. Laglaize, we are told, 



" Has been largely instrumental in pointing out to the American estate 

 owners the importance of preserving their garceros against the attacks 

 of the Indians, who would kill any living thing, valuable or not." "The 

 Feather Trade," p. 36.) 



