p. 19 | More Sunday Legislation Demanded in Maine

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 4, 1909

More Sunday Legislation Demanded in Maine

By W. A. C.

THE following Sunday bill has been introduced in the Maine Legislature:—

AN ACT FOR THE BETTER OBSERVANCE OF SUNDAY

“Be it enacted by the people of the State of Maine as follows:—

“Section 1: It shall be unlawful to have in possession any firearms outside of one's dwelling-place or camp on Sunday, except soldiers in the performance of their military duties and officers of the law in the performance of their official duties, under a penalty of the forfeiture of firearms found in possession in violation of the provisions of this Act, and a further penalty of ten dollars and costs for each offense.”

“Sec. 2: It shall be the duty of sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, police officers, constables, and fish and game wardens to faithfully enforce the provisions of this Act.”

This, by implication, means that it shall be lawful for ordinary citizens in Maine to have in their possession firearms away from their own homes on all other days of the week. It is the carrying of firearms on Sunday that is to constitute the crime.

Writing concerning this measure, Brother W. O. Howe, our religious liberty secretary for Maine, says:—

“You will see that it is a very mild one for a Sunday bill, almost superfluous, because there are Sunday laws already on our statute-books much more stringent. We are given to understand, however, that this is only an entering wedge, a starter for more Sunday legislation if this passes. A copy of this bill has been sent to the churches of all denominations in this State, presumably for their approval, and to solicit their aid in its passage.”

A Sunday bill in Maine! Sunday bills in California! Sunday bills in Congress! Sunday laws and Sunday bills all along the line from Maine to California! This is the program. W. A. C.