“Another Farcical Regulation”
By Editor
An editorial with the title “Sunday Amusements,” appeared in the Daily Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, April 1, which we reprint herewith:— “A number of bills are pending before the present special session which seek to reestablish the Puritanical sabbath. “So long as the world turns around, we suppose, we shall witness fitful attempts to legislate morals and religion into individuals. It has always been so; it probably always will be so. “But in the name of the thousands of workers, both male and female, who are housed up for long hours during the entire week, and in consequence find little or no time for diversion and recreation, the Oklahoman desires to enter a solemn protest against legislation which taboos all Sunday amusements. We do so because we know that a just God has never condemned his creatures to a life of drudgery and monotony. He created his out-of-doors, including the sunshine and fresh air, for all, not a special class which may happen to be more fortunately circumstanced. “The law already gives ample protection to religious worship, and very properly so. No one may disturb it with impunity, and so far as we know, no right-minded person desires as much. “What valid reason exists, therefore, for legislation which seeks to compel all to refrain from wholesome amusements on Sunday? Whence comes the demand, and upon what authority? “If the legislature must deal with this question, let it provide for local control of the same. In this way each community may have precisely the sort of Sunday it desires. In this way, also, we shall have a law which will be measurably enforced, not another farcical regulation which will make the name of the State a hiss and a byword among the people of other States.” While this article does not deal with the most vital principles involved in Sunday legislation, it will yet have weight with many persons, and we hope will contribute toward the defeat of these proposed measures.