On recommendation of the Cockatoo, a newspaper was established, to be the organ of the insurgent animals, under the title of the Daily Barker and Biter. The Chair, confessing his inexperience in such matters, called upon any brute present who felt competent to edit the paper, to rise and state his views. Four hundred and sixty-three animals immediately rose and professed their willingness to undertake the duties of editor, and spoke confidently of their ability.
The Kangaroo, who had been appointed Secretary of the Treasury, felt it to be his duty to state that, his pouch being empty, the post of editor would not be a salaried one for the present. Four hundred and sixty-two of the candidates then declared that, on reflection, they felt satisfied that their occupations would not allow them to undertake the editorship. The remaining candidate, the Baboon, was forthwith appointed.
The Calf hoped that the new journal would be free from personalities; and suggested that, to secure this all-important point, no names should ever be mentioned in its columns. Carried unanimously.
The Turkey had seen so much mischief flow from party violence, that he trusted their organ would remain strictly neutral on all questions, and would express no opinions whatsoever. [Loud applause.] Carried nem. con.
The Animal Declaration of Independence Harper’s January 1857 [edited extract being part 13 in a series of 19]
