p. 282 | Sunday Bills in New Hampshire by J. E. Jayne

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 20, 1913

Sunday Bills in New Hampshire

By J. E. Jayne

In New Hampshire, two, one-day-in-seven rest bills were introduced. One of these was the “standard bill” proposed by the Federal Council of Churches.

The public did not recognize the real character of these measures until Elder F. W. Stray and his associates spoke in opposition to them at the public hearing. Then representatives of the Boston and Maine Railroad Company and representatives of laboring men urgently requested and obtained a further hearing. These people, and others representing various business interests in the State, appeared in such numbers that it required two days’ additional time in which to hear them. At this hearing the writer appeared for our people.

Prominent among the reasons that the working men urged in opposition to the bills was their inalienable right to work. One of their number urged this reason with unusual strength, clearness, and effect.

February 25 the committee reported upon these two bills, “Inexpedient to legislate.” The house adopted their report, and these bills are dead.

This is our first contest over the “standard bill” backed by the Federal Council of Churches, and we are thankful that the result is a victory for the right.

Six bills seeking to enforce more strict Sunday observance were introduced into the New Hampshire Legislature at this session. It has been the privilege of the association to appear for our people against all of them. We are truly grateful for the victories the truth has gained. We thank God for such principles. These last hearings and reports dispose of the bills seeking restrictive Sunday legislation that have been thus far introduced. The result constitutes a record of victory all along the line. Our brethren and all lovers of religious liberty in New Hampshire have real reason for gratitude. The present is an opportune time to put forth every possible effort to acquaint the public with those fundamental principles of the gospel that make men free indeed.

There was a splendid hearing in Massachusetts on the same bill. This will be reported by Elder G. B. Starr. Elder C. H. Edwards will report a good hearing at Hartford, Conn., February 25, in which it was also the privilege of the writer to participate. J. E. JAYNE.