The Johnston Sunday Bill by K. C. Russell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 20, 1911

The Johnston Sunday Bill

By K. C. Russell

From an article, two thirds of a column long, on the Johnston Sunday bill, which appeared in the Washington Herald of July 9, 1911, we quote the following:—

“‘Let that bill go over,’ commanded Senator Heyburn, of Idaho, yesterday, shooting a characteristic glance over the top of his glasses at the clerk of the Senate, as that individual announced the Johnston bill, designating Sunday as a Four day of rest in the District, as the next measure on the calendar. . . .”

“The good-natured wrangle over the Sunday Rest bill thus far has been left entirely to Senator Johnston and Senator Heyburn. . . .

“There are several other members of the Senate, however, who are commencing to wonder just how soon the measure will cease to be a joke, for a remarkable number of protests against the Johnston bill are flooding the senatorial mails.

“‘I have heard far more from my constituents in regard to the Johnston Sunday Rest bill than I have in regard to reciprocity,’ remarked one senator yesterday. ‘Thousands of persons have been urged to write to us asking us to kill the measure. If Senator Heyburn suddenly should cease to act as Horatio at the bridge, some one else would have to jump into the arena, for Senator Johnston apparently is determined that the bill shall pass.’”

The friends of religious freedom should improve the interim between now and the close of this present extra session by writing the senators from their respective States, earnestly protesting against the passing of this measure, and urging them to oppose its passage. We believe God’s restraining hand is still “holding the winds.”

K. C. RUSSELL.