A Setback in Sunday Laws by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 27, 1913

A Setback in Sunday Laws

By C. M. S.

There have been a number of different organizations working earnestly for the enactment of a general Sunday law for the District of Columbia, and several times it has appeared to both the friends and opponents of such measures that the efforts of such organizations would be successful. A few years ago a Sunday law which was taken over from the general statutes of Maryland when the District of Columbia was carved out of that State was declared obsolete by the courts and was set aside. However, there was still on the statute-books of the District a law against the operation of barber shops on Sunday. Recently a prominent barber of the District, determining to furnish a test case, kept his shop open on Sunday, was indicted, and brought to trial. Judge Pugh, who tried the case, decided that the regulation prohibiting the operation of barber shops on Sunday was void. This law, which was passed in 1869, together with all the laws adopted under what is known as the old corporation, the judge holds were vacated with the establishment of the new form of government. To receive such a setback after such strenuous endeavors for Sunday legislation for the District must seem discouraging to the advocates of such legislation. It is quite probable that this decision will make the opponents of religious liberty more determined than ever to insure the enactment of a Sunday law for the District. C. M. S.