Religious Legislation and Liquor Licenses

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 10, 1907

Religious Legislation and Liquor Licenses

THE demands for religious legislation springing up in all quarters within recent months indicate the working of some power along well-defined lines in the interest of that particular movement. Whatever the organization is that is carrying on this work, it is evident that it is not particular as to the company it keeps, or who its advocates are. From one quarter the demand for religious legislation goes forth coupled with the demand for the restriction of the liquor traffic and the suppression of vice; and from another quarter the demand goes forth in a different setting. This was illustrated by the action of the German Press Association of the West at Peoria, Ill., on September 26, in passing a strong resolution demanding that the Illinois General Assembly give full power to city councils in every incorporated municipality in the State to regulate Sabbath observance, and “to grant to respectable and reliable societies, organizations, and individuals special licenses for the sale of beer and wine at festivals and assemblages.” This German Press Association of the West is willing to use its influence to secure legislation regulating Sabbath observance provided the right be granted to “respectable societies, organizations, and individuals” to sell beer and wine at their gatherings. The German Press Association of the West is a powerful organization, and can wield a strong influence of its own; and yet the reason for prefacing its demand for liquor licenses with a demand of a seeming religious character must be apparent to all. The cause of truth needs no such compromising support.