p. 20 | Religious Liberty Notes

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 7, 1906

Religious Liberty Notes

A CONFERENCE president writes us as follows: “We desire in every way possible to co-operate with you in the organized effort in behalf of religious liberty.” We are glad indeed for such assurances as these.

The Colorado Echoes from the Field for May 23, is another religious liberty number. It is full of good, live, practical religious liberty matter. We are glad to see our brethren in the various conferences giving attention to this phase of the message.

The following editorial, from the Wichita Daily Eagle, upon the occasion of the last meeting of the National Reformers in that city, is straight to the point: “Some people may make the mistake of supposing that the National Reform Association, now holding conference in this city, is the church, because it is largely composed of church-members, and holds its meetings in the churches. It is the object of this organization to shape national politics, and that makes it a political organization.” It is much to be regretted that there are not more editors who have so clear a view.—Echoes from the Field.

Recently five establishments in Pittsburg, Pa., where Jewish men, women, and girls were employed at making garments, were raided, and several proprietors and employees were arrested for working on Sunday. Commenting upon this, The Chicago Israelite, of May 26, says: “It does not seem to occur to any of the Pittsburg editors, preachers, or other voicers of public opinion, that to seize and imprison among criminals, honest, God-fearing men, whose only offense is the exercising of their inherent right to work six days in the week for the support of their families and themselves is a crime against humanity. Pittsburg has long been notorious as the home of a most unscrupulous lot of evangelical preachers, mostly without pulpits, who make a living by fishing in troubled waters.”

The following from the Pittsburg Press, of May 7, is an illustration of the work being done by National Reformers at their storm-center: “Working on Sunday is a violation of a city ordinance, and the police in enforcing it yesterday made several arrests. Louis Goldstein, who has been conducting a barber shop at Colwell and Logan Streets, was, with two barbers and a colored bootblack, arrested yesterday for working on Sunday. When the officers arrived the place was filled with customers. Goldstein said that a Pennsylvania Railroad detective, whose name he did not know, gave him permission to keep open. The detective was in the court room, but when the case was called he disappeared. Goldstein admitted, however, that he knew it was wrong to keep open on Sunday, and the court sentenced him to pay a fine of ten dollars, and the others each five dollars. Samuel Brownstein was alleged to have been making tobies in his factory at 1852 Wylie Avenue yesterday. He and three boys who were in the place were arrested. The lads were discharged, but Brownstein was called upon to pay ten dollars. H. Shapiro was also accused of making tobies yesterday at his place at 104 Perry Street. Three girls and a boy who were captured with Shapiro in the factory were discharged, but the proprietor was assessed five dollars. He voiced his sentiments by saying that he would take the case to court.”