State Sunday Laws Interfere With Uncle Sam’s Business by S. B. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 21, 1911

State Sunday Laws Interfere With Uncle Sam’s Business

By S. B. H.

THE following appeared in the Washington Post of September 8:—

“State Laws Halt Troops

“Army Officers Agitated by Stopping of Trains on Sunday

“A grave question has been raised as to the right of a State to prevent the movement of United States troops by stopping railroad transportation on Sunday. When the camp of instruction was held at Chickamauga Park last year, the arrival of the First North Carolina Infantry and the Third South Carolina Infantry was delayed by the South Carolina law prohibiting the running of special trains on Sunday.

“A similar law exists in Georgia, and two companies of coast artillery moving by special trains from Mobile to Charleston were compelled to lie over at Augusta because of the law. Brigadier-General Mills, commanding the department of the Gulf, brought the matter to the attention of the War Department, with a view to such action as will prevent unnecessary delays in the troops’ movements. It is possible that the matter will be referred to the Attorney-General and the Interstate Commerce Commission to determine what course shall be pursued.”

This incident will serve to indicate the possible interference with the business of the United States government by the enforcement of State Sunday laws, and it will be of interest to watch the outcome of the controversy. S. B. H.