p. 17 | “Reform” Methods by Franklin Bliss

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 28, 1909

“Reform” Methods

By Franklin Bliss

A GENTLEMAN present at a ministers' meeting in a northern California city, addressed by Rev. Dr. G. L. Tufts, National Reformer, reports the talk as substantially the following:—

“We believe that the world is in need of many reforms, of which Sunday legislation is one. We have pursued the following plan in the cities which we have visited: We call upon the local ministers and ask them to select a committee of ten or fifteen, this committee selecting a large committee consisting of from one to two hundred. The large committee is to co-operate with the National Reformers in securing such reform as they may suggest. We would not have the ministers to lead out in such movements, as the public would recognize at once the ministerial aspect, and the object for which we are laboring would be defeated. We have had many such experiences as this in the past.”

“We would advise that in selecting

this large committee you should secure strong men from the business leaders — men of means, not necessarily members of any church. Also we would recommend that you select, or have the priest select, from the Catholic Church strong men, and if possible secure the co-operation of the priest in such movements.”

“In all such maneuvers, let the ministry remain behind and push — everlastingly push — these measures, but be never in the lead.”

“I would not recommend that you take up the Sunday movement first. I see you have a number of slot-machines in your city. That would be a good object to organize your forces upon, one to which no good citizen could have any objection. Later on, any other reform deemed necessary could be inaugurated.”

“After that, we would recommend that you take up the closing of saloons at midnight, then Sunday closing of saloons; and at our next legislature send us strong men to Sacramento, and we will not be defeated as we were last winter. Our defeat last winter was due to the lack of organization. I expect to visit every city in California, and organize it as I have this one; and when we come up to the time of the legislature, we will secure the Sunday amendment to the constitution without a question.”

The above casts a very interesting side-light on the methods of these “reformers.” They see the necessity of not letting the public recognize the “ministerial aspect” of their work, as “the object for which we are laboring would be defeated.” But the ministers are to “remain behind and push — everlastingly push.” Notice, “I do not recommend that you take up the Sunday movement first.” Slot-machines are to be attacked as a starter, for “no good citizen could have any objection” to fighting that; the implication being that good citizens would object to Sunday tinkering. Midnight closing of saloons is to serve as an initiative for a Sunday lid. Then when all the difficult and stony way has been paved thus nicely, they can drive swiftly and triumphantly to Sacramento and to — victory! FRANKLIN BLISS.