MEN AND HORSES.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 4 September 1914, Page 8

MEN AND HORSES.

(By ELBERT HUBBARD.)

An Embassy attache in Berlin sends me a circular that is being distributed through the German army. A free translation of this circular is as follows : "Men and Horses : In the army of the Fatherland horses have always played an important part. We owe a great debt to our horses, for rervice both in times of war and peace. "And it is hoped that all good soldiers will see to it that the rights of our dumb brothers are respected. "Our horses are entitled to food, water, bedding, and shelter, just exactly as a trooper is. "But beyond this it must be remembered that a horse should not be insulted or distressed, either by cruel treatment or vehement language. "To curse a horse is just as bad as to curse a man. "Perhaps it is worse, since a man may strike back, but the horse is practically within our power. "The courage of the horse comes from the courag* of the rider. Alone he is timid and nervous. See to it that he is not needlessly alarmed. "Although a horse cannot express himself, he has a high intelligence. "Words of encouragtment and affection are grateful to him ; rouh usage and hateful language distress and frighten him. "It is, therefore, ordered that all swearing at horses be considered an offence. "Vile language to Ward a horse shall be looked upon henceforth by officers exactly as if the unfit language were applied to a human ing"Reproof and punishment must follow accordingly. " OFFICIAL. "Done at Potsdam, this 2nd day of August, 1913." My friend who sends me this circular writes me that it is generally believed that the document. was written by the Emperor's own hand, i