p. 19 | A National Sunday Law in France by W. A. Colcord

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 23, 1906

A National Sunday Law in France

By W. A. Colcord

FRANCE has just passed a national Sunday-rest law. Under the heading, “France Now Gets Sabbath Rest; Every Toiler Given It by Law,” the Washington Times of August 5, prints the following dispatch from London:—

“The bill passed by the French Legislature enforcing a compulsory weekly holiday for French employees is curiously interesting. Where it is possible, the rest is to be given on Sundays, but in the case of restaurants, cafés, hospitals, and newspapers, where work can not be suspended, the rest is to be granted on another day. The recommendation came from the labor committee, and after a very short debate was accepted by five hundred and seventy-five votes to one.”

Commenting on the passage of this law, the Christian Statesman for August says: “This action is not based on religious, but solely upon economic considerations,” but adds, “While it is true this action was not taken on religious grounds, it is not true that it has no religious significance;” which is but admitting, in other words, that it matters not upon what “grounds” Sunday legislation may be “based,” in its real nature, purpose, and intent every Sunday law is, after all, religious, and has a “religious significance.”

W. A. COLCORD.