The Latest Sunday Bill by W. F. Martin

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

The Latest Sunday Bill

By W. F. Martin

For some time what is known as the Northwest Sabbath Association has had in mind to introduce a Sunday bill in the 1913 session of the Oregon Legislature. This took definite form at a called meeting of the Portland Ministerial Association on Monday, January 27. A committee of ministers was then appointed to see that a proper bill was drafted to be presented to the legislature. These ministers were chosen from the Christian, Methodist, and Congregational Churches. Some animated speeches were made on the subject.

One prominent minister stated plainly that he wanted all places of amusement closed on Sunday because ten persons went to the theater where one went to church. He said in Canada they had strict Sunday laws, and as a result the churches were well attended. A Sunday law, he argued, would produce the same results here.

Accordingly the bill was introduced. It is clearly a religious measure, and the whole desire is to secure legislation favoring the churches. Drug stores are to be closed except between 9 and 11 A. M. and 5:30 and 7:30 P. M. They are to be closed during the hours of church service. The proposed law was introduced into the house of representatives, and a delegation of ministers appointed to lobby for it. From the first, it was apparent that there was not much chance for the bill to become a law. The different members of both branches of the legislature had been supplied with religious liberty literature, and had been personally interviewed. As a result, there was a strong sentiment in the legislature against Sunday legislation. The bill was considered by the committee on revision of laws, reported adversely, and killed in the house with only one vote in its favor. Thus again has religious liberty scored a victory in the State of Oregon.

W. F. MARTIN.