In Vain

1895

Here is a story on a Washington girl. She is of a philanthropical and humane turn of mind, and prevention of cruelty to animals is her hobby. In walking along by Lafayette square she saw an object that excited her sympathies. A forlorn looking cart horse had a piece of wide yellow ribbon tied between its ears, the ends flapping over its eyes so that she was sure the poor thing could not see anything at all. Stopping the cart, she motioned to the old darky who was driving to get down. The old man respectfully obeyed.

"This is absolute cruelty," she said imperiously. "That poor creature must be almost wild with that rag flapping over his eye. Take it off. The poor thing can't see at all."

"Lor, miss," said the old darky, "dat hoss bin stone blind fo' many a year!" — Washington Post.