Washington, D. C by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Apr 28, 1904

Washington, D. C.

By J. S. Washburn

THE readers of the REVIEW will remember that on Friday, April 15, the Senate Committee for the District of Columbia voted on the District Sunday law. We were much encouraged to know that that vote was a tie. We felt that this was a great victory, for it had been thought that the sentiment of the committee was overwhelmingly in favor of the measure. We have been securing signatures to a petition against this measure during the week, and have been very successful. It was reported in the papers that the grocers were unanimous in their approval of this bill, but we have found this to be a great mistake. Many grocers have signed the petition against this bill, and several have written letters to the senators, requesting them not to pass this measure. A lawyer of influence, who is deeply interested in the meetings, and has not missed one Sunday night service, has written a strong protest against the measure.

The three principal papers of Washington have all opposed the bill, two of them very decidedly. Over five hundred personal signatures of residents of the District of Columbia have been sent to the chairman of the Senate Committee, protesting against the measure. Among the signers to this petition have been many men of note and influence in Washington,—attorneys, lawyers, and others of the same class. Among these may be mentioned the names of Gen. William Birney and ex-Senator John P. Jones, of Nevada.

It was officially announced that the measure would be considered by the committee on Friday, April 22. At that time the bill was postponed until the committee could have time for more careful consideration of the measure. We feel very hopeful that this means that the measure is dead for the present session. Congress will adjourn probably as early as April 28, and every day will bring less time for “careful consideration” of this bill or any other; and yet there is always a danger that such measures will be rushed through at the last moment. We earnestly request all our people to send in letters and telegrams of protest, and to secure as many names as signers to the petition against the passage of this law as possible. A formal petition will be found in this number of the REVIEW. We publish on page 20 the first list of donations for the $100,000 fund for the sanitarium, training-school, and General Conference offices in Washington, D. C.

We are glad to be able to begin this list with a donation of $1,000, and to close it with a donation of $100 from another brother. We earnestly plead with all the friends of the work in this time of crisis and opportunity to send in large donations at once. A complete list of all donations will be published in the REVIEW. J. S. WASHBURN.