Making History by K. C. Russell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 3, 1910

Making History

By K. C. Russell

To Seventh-day Adventists the past two weeks have been historical ones in Congress, as may be seen by reading elsewhere in this paper the account of the steps that led up to the passage of the Johnston Sunday bill by the United States Senate, the highest legislative body in the United States. These things should cause us to pause and consider what all this means to those who know the third angel’s message.

The passage of any Sunday bill, even though it is apparently weak, is nevertheless dangerous, and means the tightening of the cords of religious legislation that are soon to bind the consciences of men. This should be another danger-signal to every lover of religious freedom, and ought to arouse all to greater earnestness and activity.

The following are some of the references which the Washington press have made concerning the passage of the Johnston Sunday bill by the Senate:— “The bill was passed after material amendments.” The bill passed “with amendments which practically make it negative so far as its expressed object is concerned.” “If the bill should pass the House and be signed by the President, it is pointed out that it would fail of its original purpose.” “At the last moment Senator Smoot incorporated a joker in the measure that makes its provision futile.” “So many amendments were added to the bill and various clauses inserted to relieve certain classes from observing Sunday as a day of rest, that various members believe the measure fails to achieve the results intended by its author.” “It was the general opinion expressed at the capitol yesterday [the day the bill passed the Senate] that the measure will not receive very strong consideration in the House.”

The expression of doubt by the public press regarding the final outcome of the bill should be a source of encouragement to its opponents. However, we should not rest secure, for the possibility of defeat may only spur on the promoters of the bill to a more determined effort to secure its passage or the passage of some similar measure before Congress closes.

With this bill now before the House of Representatives, there are four dangerous measures pending before that body, as follows:—

House Joint Resolution No. 17: “Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States so that it shall contain a recognition of God, and shall begin with the words ‘In the name of God,’” introduced March 18, 1909.

Senate Bill No. 404: “An act for the proper observance of Sunday as a day of rest in the District of Columbia,” introduced in the Senate March 22, 1909, reintroduced Jan. 17, 1910, passed the Senate January 27, and introduced in the House January 28.

House Resolution 14619: “A bill prohibiting labor on buildings, and so forth, in the District of Columbia on the sabbath day,” introduced Dec. 10, 1909.

House Resolution No. 13876: “A bill requiring certain places of business in the District of Columbia to be closed on Sunday,” introduced Dec. 10, 1909.

Now is our opportunity to unite in a most determined effort to enlighten Congress and all others by the generous distribution of religious liberty literature, the circulation of the petitions, and the distribution of a leaflet, which will soon be placed in your hands, explaining these bills. Do not neglect to write letters to United States congressmen from your districts, and ask others to do the same, urging these men to oppose these bills.

With the struggle becoming more intense, both here in Congress and throughout the States, it needs a greater outlay of means to do the work that must yet be done to enlighten the people. We are confident that Sunday legislation in Congress would have been far in advance of where it now is, had not continued and persistent efforts been put forth to enlighten these men. Make your offering to this department of the work larger this year than you have ever done before, that the cause of religious freedom may not be hampered.

K. C. Russell, Secretary Religious Liberty Assn.