S8 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[July 32. 1893. 



The American Kennel Club. 



Editor Forest and St/ream: 



He who would advocate changes in the constitution or the 

 regulations which bear on clubs or dog shows may confi- 

 dently expect to meet with the solemn assurance that "it is 

 dangerous to tinker with them." Accepting that the term 

 means "to mend," this well worn injunction has the ring of 

 superstition, and only when such peculiar structures are ab- 

 solutely perfect can it be wrong or dangerous to try to 

 strengthen their various parts, or build on and thus provide 

 for the natural increase and other demands of the times. 

 But of course the line must be drawn between meddlesome 

 interference and intents' ^^nth well fixed purposes based on 

 careful study of the conditions, and after an experience that 

 is likely to beget understanding. 



That the A. K. C. is not doing all that it might in the in- 

 terests of those for whom it was organized and by whom it 

 is now supported, is a conviction of mine — briefly expressed 

 and perhaps somewhat indefinite — that has been given quite 

 wide publicity, and very naturally I have been urged to go 

 fui'ther and as publicly consider the remedies which, in my 

 opinion, might rightly be applied with a good prospect of 

 clearing the atmosj^here of the existing discontent and favor- 

 ing advancement in our part of dogdom. But this I am 

 reluctant to attempt, for while convinced that the general 

 condition of things therein might be much improved by a 

 little judicious tinkering, I am not familiar with all weak 

 spots or requirements; therefore, I cannot suggest a distinct 

 line of action. However, physicians in these days are treat- 

 ing symptoms rather than disease, and if I keep in the same 

 line surely no harm can result if I fail to do good; for those 

 responsible for the welfare of the A. K. C. are not at all 

 likely to follow advice unless it seems timely and wise. 

 Reasoning thus, possibly there is no good excuse for declin- 

 ing the requests made; consequently I will hastily view the 

 situation from my own standpoint, and mark here and there 

 where there appear chances for improvement. And to favor 

 convenience, as Avell as ready appreciation of my meaning, I 

 will frame a few resolutions on the way. But in the very 

 beginning let me urge that these will be in the rough and 

 likely far from perfect, for there are but few constitutions or 

 rules which do not have sections that can be wrongly inter- 

 preted without stultification. However, errors vsddl be harm- 

 less, for they must soon be detected by dogmen. 



Conservatism is certainly highly commendable where 

 large interests are at stake, yet the question suggests itself, 

 is not the A. K. C. carrying this principle a little too far and 

 thereby seriously obstructing its progress? If the answer is 

 in the affrmative, then the constitution and rules governing 

 clubs should be amended. 



At the present time it is required of every association de- 

 siring to hold a show under the A.K.C. rules that it organize 

 as_a kennel club and become a member of the A.K.C, other- 

 wise its show will 7iot be recognized. To me this seems dis 

 tinctly wrong, and if so a resolution something as follows 

 deserves consideration: 



Wliereas, It appears that the field of doe; shows is capable of en 

 largement through the medium of agricultural fairs, and possibly 

 other exhibitions of like character. 



Whereas, Were more shows held by the associations formed for the 

 puriwses aforesaid,'the interest of dogs and their owners would be 

 greatly promoted, the attendance at them being usually very large. 



Whereas, The interests of the breeders and exhibitors of this country, 

 either individually or collectively, cannot be advanced by the existing 

 rule that every association must be a member of this club before it can 

 hold a show under its rules, be it therefore 



Resolved, That associations as aforesaid may be permitted to hold 

 shows under the rules of this club, provided they are of creditable 

 standing and guarantee to abide by Its rules. That such as.'jociations 

 shall not be required to organize as kennel clubs and become members 

 of this club. That it shall be the duty of the secretary to influence by 

 correspondence or personal interviews all associations that might 

 wisely do so to hold dog shows, and assure them of the warm interest 

 of this club in then' success. 



At this point the pertinent fact suggests itself that at 

 some of the fall agricultural fairs tliere are not less than 

 250,000 visitors, and were a show held by one of these, more 

 people would examine the dogs than at all shows on the 

 present circuit. 



If the foregoing resolution is tenable, then something like 

 this would be necessary: 



Resolved, That in the first paragraph of the "Regulations Govern- 

 ing Clubs Holding Shows Under A. K. O. Rules," in the first and sec- 

 ond lines the following words be stricken out: "a member of the 

 American Kennel Club." 



That paragraph will then read: "Any club or association 

 may hold a dog show under American Kennel Club rules, 

 ■provided it abides by the following regulations." 



It is always easy for a club of great size and working over 

 a lar^e territory to entangle itself when legislating on rules. 

 And it would certainly seem that the A. K. C. had been as 

 unfortunate when handling Article 1, which is as follows: 



"Applications for dates must be filed with the secretary 

 of the American Kennel Club for approval by the execu- 

 tive committee or such sub-committee as may be empowered 

 to grant dates. 



"Such approval, however, shall be subject to the subse- 

 quent indorsement of the premium list as being in accord- 

 ance with the requirements of the American Kennel Club." 



Shonld not this article be stricken out and the entire rule 

 abolished'' Very many will, I am sure, say "Yes." Cer- 

 tainly it has occasioned no little embarrassment, and espe- 

 cially to the A. K. C, against which there has been much ill 

 feeling excited by this direct and special clause. In my 

 opinion the A. K. C. should have nothing whatsoever to do 

 with the matter of dates, and if they conflict, the responsi- 

 bility should rest on the show managements; moreover if 

 this club is to extend the field and encourage a considerable 

 increase in the number of shows yearly, and that they be 

 held with fairs, etc., it simply could never handle the ques- 

 tion of dates. Finally, the club cannot handle it satisfac- 

 torily and judiciously even to-day, and with only a member- 

 ship of less than 60 clubs. If I am right in these assertions 

 then the following would be appropriate: 



Resolved, That Article 1. — in its entiretj'— of the "Regulations Gov- 

 erning Clubs Holding Shows Under A. K. C. Rules " be stricken out. 



It would seem right and proper to exact of each association 

 not a member of the A. K. C. a reasonable Hiim for permis- 

 sion to show under its rules. And this might without im- 

 propriety be termed a license fee. The question intrudes it- 

 self, should it be fixed and invariable, or might it not prop- 

 erly be made less for a small association with limited attend- 

 ance than for a large one sure to be attended by several 

 hundred thousand people? This does not deserve considera- 

 tion now, but it may in the future, and it would appear wise to 

 pave the way for it while we are "tinkering," for the work 

 would likely require several months, and the club might 

 wish to settle this question and all relating to it vdthout 

 delay. Consequently Article II., which reads as follows, 

 presents itself for consideration: 



"Applications for dates must be accompanied by a fee of 

 $25, which will be forfeited in the event of the show not 

 being held, or failure to comply with the requirements of 

 the American Kennel Club as set forth herein." 



If the club is to charge a "license fee" this seems a good 

 point at which to bring out the fact, and since to meet the 

 changed conditions the article would have to be patched, 

 convenience suggests that tnis remedy be applied: 



Resolved. That Article 11., of the "Regulations Governing dubs 

 Holding Snows under A. K. C. Rules," be stricken out and the 

 following substituted: 



Every application for permission to show under this club's rules 

 shall be accompanied by the regular license fee, and in addition 

 thereto by ^'35, which latter shall be forfeited in event the show is not 



held, or of failure to comply with the requirements of the American 

 Kennel Club as herein set forth; but otherwise it may be returned. 



This resolution is based on my interpretation of the exist- 

 ing rule, but, of course, I may not render it rightly. 



It would be well to glance at Article V. , which runs as fol- 

 lows: "No show can be held under American Kennel Club 

 rules at which the prize money is leas than $500 " 



This might prove obstructive, and just why the club 

 should fix it I fail to understand. Certainly if it is to en- 

 courage the holding of shows, assuming that "the more the 

 merrier," then this would likely have to come out. And 

 really if dog owners are willing to show for small prizes, all 

 else duly con.sidered, it is not easy to .see wherein it can con- 

 cern the A. K. C. If the matter appears to others in this 

 light then the following might be offered: 



Resolved, That Article V. of the "Rules Governing Clubs Holding 

 Shows under A. K, C. Rules," be stricken out, and all articles 

 which follow be properly renumbered. 



Among the rules for the government of dog shows there is 

 one which I have openly criticised. I refer to XIII. As it is 

 now it is suggestive of strabismus. But that is not its 

 serious fault. 



There is no mistaking the fact that the frequent exhibitor 

 soon acquires preferences for judges, and oftentimes sends 

 his dogs on long journeys for the .simple reason that a 

 cei'tain man in whom he has implicit confidence is to judge 

 them. Now, is it right to confer upon show committees the 

 power to fill vacancies mthout saymg to the interested ex- 

 hibitors even "by your leave," and especially since in many 

 instances their selection cannot be favorable to the majority y 

 The fair and liberal minded will scarcely answer "yes" to 

 this question. Exhibitors enter their dogs with the under- 

 standing, fixed in black and white, that they are to be 

 judged by certain men, and in my opinion it would be clearly 

 wrong for show committees to foist on them whomever they 

 may choose; moreover, the exhibitors concerned would 

 rightly resent this unwarrantable assumption, so distinctly 

 antagonistic to accepted rights; and as a matter of fact they 

 have resented it, time and again, in the plainest possible 

 manner. 



At the solicitation of several prominent exhibitors I intro- 

 duced at the last meeting of the A. K. C. a resolution to 

 cover this point, and thought that it was accepted and 

 passed after slight modification; but if so there is a serious 

 error in the newly printed rule, which is as follows: 



"Should an appointed judge be unable to fill his engage- 

 ment the committee shall have the right to fill the vacancy. 

 All the separate classes of any breed of dogs must, however, 

 be adjudicated upon by the same judge, or judges acting in 

 conjunction." 



Here is practically the resolution which I offered: 



Resolved, That the "Rules for the Government of Dog Shows" be 

 changed as follows: 

 That Article XUL be stricken out and the following substituted: 

 "In event a chosen judge is unable to fill his engagement at a dog 

 show, and the fact cannot be duly published before the entries for it 

 have closed, his place shall not be filled by the show committee until 

 after the show has opened, and a meeting of the intere.sted exhibitors 

 been called, and a vote taken by them on the best available men 

 present, who shall have the indorsement of the committee. And the 

 man receiving the majority of the votes of said exhibitors shall on that 

 occasion act as judge for the absentee's classes." 



If exhibitors wish this provision it should be made, and 

 without discussion, for it is clearly their right. I am im- 

 pelled to add a modest criticism, and since I made it in the 

 meeting of the A. K. C. I cannot justly be accused of lack of 

 good taste in repeating it here. It is a fact that a large 

 proportion of the most zealous delegates at this club's meet,- 

 mgs are members of show committees, and it is but natural 

 that when considering questions on which they may be said 

 to be arrayed against exhibitors, they will lean toward their 

 own side. Now on this they may oppose the resolution be- 

 cause it interferes with their convenience, but in my opinion 

 that should weigh not one jot; moreover, I am told by a 

 member of the committee of the largest show held this year 

 that he could not see wherein this resolution was unreason- 

 able, nor why it should not be passed. Furthermore, that 

 he thought it only fair, perfectly right and proper. 



Any other construction of it does not seem possible. Some 

 have hitched over the word "available." In using it I mean 

 this: Assuming that the mastiff judge is absent, and as 

 soon as the fact was made known to the committee they had 

 a large card hastily painted and displayed in a conspicious 

 place; and that sign bore the place and hour of the pro- 

 posed meeting. Now, Avhen the exhibitors assemble, the 

 committee say Mr. A. is absent. Wehave here Messrs. B., C. 

 and D., who in our opinion are all capable, but if you do not 

 think so look around and pick your men, unless we have 

 serious objections to them we will agree to your choice, and 

 he shall judge your classes who receives the majority of your 

 votes. 



Assuredly this would be easy, and who will say that it is 

 more than an act of courtesy which every well-meaning 

 committee will be pleased to show to the men to whom they 

 are so much indebted for their success. Some critics have 

 urged that it would be a troublesome matter to get the in- 

 terested exhibitors together, but that is absurd. A notice 

 that a judge is absent and the call for the meeting placed as 

 stated, the coinmittee is nearly relieved of responsibility, for 

 exhibitors who Avill not take the trouble to attend can have 

 no grounds for complaint if a judge against whom they are 

 prejudiced is selected by the other exhibitors who look to 

 their own interests. 



Not impossibly the constitution would stand a bit of 

 "tinkering." The associate members are now entitled to 

 three delegates, and it is provided that for every one hun- 

 dred members over three hundred they shall have an addi- 

 tional delegate. 



The question has been asked. Why should a little unim- 

 portant specialty or other club composed of three or four 

 members have one delegate, while a large important body 

 which is continually paying revenue to the A. K, C— that is, 

 the associate members — has but three delegates.^ The crit- 

 icism is made, and it will stand, that this is not fair and 

 equitable representation. Of course three small clubs of 

 three members each could have as much lagislative force as 

 the whole associate members when It comes to voting. 



In truth the associate members have not increased very 

 much. As a matter of fact, at the time they were organized 

 there were 275 associates, while at present thei e are only 303. 

 But whereas when this branch was formed there were 36 

 clubs there are now 57. And since many of these are very 

 small, and doubtless the members of some can be counted on 

 the fingers of one hand, it is certainly not too much to ask 

 that the associate members have at least one delegate for 

 every fifty. Assuredly a club of this membership would be 

 a large one, and doubtless the average is not over fifteen or 

 twenty. Again the more associate members— whose mem- 

 bership is made up of our most prominent breeders and ex- 

 hibitors—there are in it the better it will be for the A. K, C. 

 And they would seem needed to balance the very large ele- 

 ment from show committees. If this view of the matter 

 meets wide acceptance, then the following might be offered: 



Resolved, That Article SI. Section 5, of the Constitution of this 

 club be changed as follows: 



That the words "one htmdred" in the eighth lineshall be stricken out 

 and the word "fifty" substituted. Also, in the next line, that thewoi-ds 

 "three hundred" be stricken out and the words "one hundred and 

 fifty" substituted. 



The method of electing officers has been the subject of 

 much criticism and might properly engage attention. I am 

 under the impression that at yearly elections a committee is 

 appointed and a slate made up by it. I may be wrong here, 



but no harm can be fdoue if so. At the last meeting when 

 the officers were elected there were about a dozen deTegates 

 present. Surely it is not too much to presume that two or 

 three influential men might in such case, did they choose to 

 do so, have elected an entire board to suit themselves. If 

 such opportunity exists, it should exist no longer, nor a peg 

 be left on which to hang a suspicion that the election rests 

 with a few. And under the circumstances some such resolu.^' 

 tion as the following might be advisable: 



Resolved, That at the September meeting a committee of five be 

 elected by ballot for the purpose of nominating five men for each of 

 the offices of president, vice-president and secretary, also fifteen other 

 men from whom to choose three members of the advisory committee. 

 That said committee shall be officially notified of their election by the 

 secretary of this club within forty-eight hours of the same. That 

 their duty, as aforesaid, shall bH completed within six weeks of the 

 (lay of their notification, or earlier it' possible, and they shall report 

 without delay to the prfsident of this club, and at the same time send 

 copies of said report to not less than five of the most prominent ken- 

 nel papers of this country. Finally, that the list of nominees appear- 

 ing m that report shall contain names of men only who have formally 

 agreed to accept office in event of election. 



Before going further let us briefly consider some of the 

 qualities of the average dogman, who is of much better ma- 

 terial than generally supposed. He is fairly well-to-do, in- 

 telligent, large-hearted and open-handed. In a word he is a 

 good fellow. Yet some might call him a bit "peculiar," and 

 they are right in so far as you can prevail on him, and you 

 cannot drive him. His individuality is quite pronounced. 

 He will meet you with hearty cordiality if you exhibit the 

 same spirit; but any considerable amount of dignity does 

 not "wash well with him." In fact, as the gamin would put 

 it, "he does not awe for a cent." 



It would seem that one ingredient of the remedy which is 

 evidently required at this time to "keep peace in the family" 

 is an evident and strong desire to conciliate. Certainlj; Van- 

 derbilt's notorious expression can never be safely applied to 

 dogmen. They must be met fairly, courteou.sly and very 

 kindly always, and in fact as gentlemen. If their demands 

 are unreasonable, patience in large amount should bo exhib- 

 ited, and every eft'ort made to show them wherein they are so. 

 And not until they will not listen to reason and be convinced 

 when they are wrong, is it wise to tell them to seek his 

 Satanic Majesty ? 



The impression is prevalent that the expenses of the 

 A. K. C. are too heavy. Whether or not this is so I cannot 

 testify, for I only know of the salary account, which is a 

 trifle over $3,100, yearly. Those who are in doubt might, of 

 course, wisely elect, by ballot, a committee, of say five, to 

 carefully look into the expenses a.ud recommend cutting if 

 it is indicated. Certainly the expenses should be as low as 

 possible consistent with good service, and the demands upon 

 dogmen scarcely more than sufficient to meet the actual re- 

 quirements or current expenses, for in no sense should the 

 club be a money-making organization. 



The advisory committee have been accused of being med- 

 dlesome and considering cases in which they should not 

 have acted. There will be scai-cely any grounds for this 

 complaint after the next meeting, for tne committee have 

 put themselves on record and clearly defined the nature of 

 the cases which, in their opinion, they cau properly consider. 

 And this resolution once before the executive committee, 

 thereafter that committee must bear the entire responsi- 

 bility. 



The present laws govei'uiug the importations of dogs are 

 said to be severe, and if this is true the following might, 

 possibly lead to better conditions: 



Resolved, That a committee be appointed to carefully consider the 

 laws bearing upon the iiiiporraCions of dogs, and if" the sainn are 

 found unnecessarily sevei e or awkward to so report to ihe elnb at its 

 next meetiuK. and at the .same tune suggest the remedie.s and prepare 

 a petition to the proper authorities. 



Express companies surely are fit subjects with which tO- 

 wrestle, foi- their charges are unjust, and if some of their 

 subordinates were stood on their heads occasionally not 

 nearly so many dogs would die on their hands, The chances 

 of a remedy are indeed very small, but still it would seem 

 that they were worth taking, and if others feel this way the 

 following might do for a beginning: 



Whereas, The charges by express companies for transportation of 

 dogs are unreasonable and unjust, be it tnerefore 



Resolved, That a committee be appoiuted to duly consider this sub- 

 ject and correspond with the heads of the various large express com- 

 panies whom they cannot personally intei view, with the purpose of 

 sectiriug a decrease in thedispropoi liou now existing between charges 

 for transportation of dogs and other li eisbts. 



iJe it /ur</ier resoii;ed. That said eomiuittee sliall be empowered to 

 provide themselves with postage stamps aud suL-b statioaei v atid 

 printed matter as they may require in the liue of tljis diuy, aud the 

 bills for the same shall be paid by the treasurer of this club when pre- 

 sented with their approval, 



Since it is very generally believed by dogmen, including 

 even delegates, that the A.K.C!. has a large surplus, and that 

 the same should be expended iu prizes or other ways to pro- 

 mote the interests of dogs and their owners, since, moreover, 

 the notion of a lai'ge surplus is highly prejudicial aud 

 creates dis.satisfaction, it would seem that this .subject de- 

 served attention, and if all the figures necessary to make the 

 actual facts clear were given, the present conditions would 

 be somewhat improved. And,- after all, it is only right that 

 the dogmen know exactly how their club stands, and the 

 statements furnished be in the matter of completeness and 

 simplicity within the understanding of all. 



I have rambled far and wide, hut as intimated at first, this 

 is merely a chat with dogmen, yet I trust that here ami there 

 will appear some of the elements which can be properly in- 

 cluded iu the combination \vhicb seetas demanded at the 

 present time to quiet the i'eelings of uneasiness and discon- 

 tent. These by the way are cl<jiibilfcs:-j Liiicomforiabli; aud 

 disturbing.yet 1 am sure they are wh;it physicians would term 

 functional, and not evidences ot real disease. That the dog- 

 men have cause for complaint i have no doubt, aud in ac- 

 knowledging this I bear my share of the responsibility as 

 one of the executive committee of the A. K. G. and a mem- 

 ber of its advisory committee. But iu all honesty i say to 

 you who feel unkindly, I do not know, and I am sTire that 

 the A. K. C. does not know, all your reasons fur complaint, 

 In fairness, then, you should tell us wherein we have done 

 and are doing -wrong. This will be easy for you since the 

 kennel press is markedly liberal and never disposed to refuse 

 any logical and temperate criticism. 



if i Have hit upon some of the causes of complaint I hope- 

 that dogmen individually and collectively will duly consider 

 the resolutions suggested, discuss them freely, right them 

 where wrong, fortify them by others, and finally inatruot 

 their delegates in the course to be pursued on each as it 

 comes up at the nest meeting. J. FRANK PeseikT- 



BosTON, Mass. 



Queen Vic. 



The litter that the now celebrated Irish setter Queen Vic 

 has by Ch. Tim should prove of more than passing in- 

 terest to the "Bed" men. She whelped six dogs and three 

 bitches, and all of them are strong aud healthy. We all 

 know the good dog that Ch. Tim is and the many victories 

 of Queen Vic last spring stamped her as in the very front 

 rank. Through Kildare these pups get the blood of Ch. Biz, 

 owned by the late Mr, Mcintosh, of Pittsburgh, and there- 

 fore besides bench merit it is well to remember that dogs of 

 this strain are likely to be good field dogs, as Ch. Biz was 

 one of the best Irish setters that ever ran at public trialsfi 

 Had Mr. Mcintosh lived and been able to carry out his plans 

 the standing of the "red" in the field would probably b^ 

 better than it is at this day. 



