p. 18 | For the Weekly Rest Day by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 28, 1910

For the Weekly Rest Day

By C. M. S.

FROM the journal, L'Egypte, published in Cairo, Egypt, bearing date of June 26, 1910, we take the following striking utterance of the labor union of that place:—

“Ultimatum to Stubborn Employers

“After having exhausted all the means of conciliation and harmony in its power, the International Society of the Employees of Alexandria declares that, notwithstanding all its efforts to obtain—

“The General Sunday Rest,

some unfair shopkeepers seek to exempt themselves from this just obligation, at the same time urging others to follow their evil example.

“Consequently, in order to safeguard the interests of the good employers and reputable houses, who have granted us their generous support, and whose loyalty

can not be questioned, we do from this day forward declare bitter war on all those who will not adhere to

“Sunday Closing,

that just rule of hygiene, justice, and humanity.

“This war will not limit itself to simple manifestations, but it will be carried without mercy in every direction where we can possibly reach these inhuman sweaters; and we shall not hesitate at any means to discredit them, promote their ruin, and precipitate the overthrow of their business.

“Know, then, that:—

“1. A commission of inquiry named by the committee shall make every Sunday morning, beginning with the twenty-sixth of the month, a tour of inspection, with the purpose of pointing out to the committee the shops which are not closed.

“2. These shops shall be immediately put on the index, for a boycott to the bitter end.

“3. A general list of the shops put on the index, with the names of the employers, shall be printed by the thousand, together with a vigorous appeal to the boycott. This list shall be distributed broadcast, and given to the press.

“4. The most energetic means of coercion shall be set on foot at once against the delinquents, by every possible means to increase their expenses, diminish their receipts, and drive them to ruin.

“We hope this ultimatum will be understood, and that, in view of the energetic decisions which it contains—decisions which we shall carry out to the end—the delinquents will understand that there remains but one thing for them to do—

“Close Their Shops on Sunday

“Enough brazen-faced sweating! Enough tyranny, enough slavery!

“The most sacred rights of the workers have been too long trampled underfoot through the rapacity, stubbornness, or ignorance of a few shameless shopkeepers!

“We wish henceforth that these rights be recognized and respected by all, both in Egypt and everywhere else.”

From the above it can readily be seen how the spirit of religious intolerance is working in Egypt, fostered by the labor unions. This brings to mind that striking statement made a few years ago by the New York Independent, which reads as follows: “If they [labor unionists] are all to become dogmatic religionists, the days of persecution for the faithful are not over.” The spirit manifested in the above ultimatum raises the declaration of the Independent to the dignity of prophecy, and the movements on foot in this country for the enforced observance of Sunday also indicate that in the labor unions of the country the Sunday-law advocates will have their stanchest supporters. C. M. S.