The Failure of New Jersey’s Sunday Law

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 26, 1906

The Failure of New Jersey’s Sunday Law

The New Jersey excise law, popularly known as the Bishops’ bill, for the closing of saloons on Sunday in that State, went into effect July 4, and on the following Sunday was quite rigidly enforced throughout the State. Atlantic City was the only place where open defiance of the new law was attempted. Such places as Jersey City, Newark, Trenton, North Hudson, Elizabeth, and Bayonne closed all saloons for the day. It is certain that very little less liquor was consumed on that day than on previous Sundays; for the drinking part of the community laid in a large supply of their favorite liquors on the previous day, or, where possible, went in motley crowds across the line to quench their thirst. As a temperance measure, the law was certainly a failure; as a measure to protect Sunday as a day of worship, it was also a failure. The drinking was done at home, in secluded places, or outside the State. It is very doubtful if church congregations were any larger, or more devout, as a result of this law’s enforcement. To accomplish the object which the instigators of this law had in mind, it will be necessary to do a great deal more than to close the saloons on Sunday. That fact was demonstrated in the early centuries of the Christian era when a united church and state found it necessary to pass laws compelling men and women to attend church on Sunday. It need not surprise the people of this generation if they find, not long hence, laws of a similar character upon the statute-books of the various States: for the purpose behind this New Jersey excise law is not met while men continue to spend their Sundays in their own way.