p. 19 | For Better “Sabbath Observance” in Oklahoma

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 8, 1913

For Better “Sabbath Observance” in Oklahoma

By I. A. CRANE

ONE thing that must deeply impress one who keeps in touch with the movement for Sunday exaltation is the growing popularity of so-called reform legislation. Look over the Sunday bills of the different States and see how much is proposed that has already been covered by previous enactments; for instance, acts of “wicked lewdness” forbidden upon Sunday as if the laws which prevented such things on other days did not apply to Sunday. Evidently the purpose of such laws is to keep legislators and people used to Sunday legislation.

Oklahoma has now had six Sunday bills, and at least three others that contained Sunday sections. Three of the former are now pending as a result of the governor’s recommendation to the special session for better “Sabbath observance” laws.

To meet the issue in the special session, we have prepared an “Open Letter” addressed to the governor, the members of the legislature, and such Protestant ministers as are working for Sunday laws. Copies of this letter have been mailed to all State officers, judges, leading editors in the State, and to the Oklahoma City Ministerial Alliance.

Plans are laid whereby we hope to reach the same classes in each county seat and large city in the State. The Daily Oklahoman, which has heretofore refused to show where it stood, came out April 1 in a strong editorial against Sunday laws. It is evident that nothing will be left undone by the so-called reformers to pass these bills, and evidently Oklahoma’s influence will be felt elsewhere.

I. A. CRANE.