THE CENTENNIAL SUNDAY QUESTION.
The Christian Statesman for June 3 contains an account of a recent meeting in Philadelphia, of citizens favoring the opening of the Centennial Exhibition on Sunday, from which we take the following:— “The question of the opening of the Centennial Exhibition on the Sabbath continues to stir deeply this community, and, to some extent, the whole nation. The demonstrations of the friends of the Sabbath last week were followed, on Saturday night, by a counter-demonstration in the same hall and in the street, which was certainly very imposing in numbers and influence. About one hundred and seventy vice-presidents were appointed, including many names of prominence. We are surprised to see among them some of wide reputation, and some of gentlemen who are prominent members of churches.” “The preamble to the resolutions which were adopted, declared that ‘a fuller discussion of the propriety of opening the Centennial Grounds and buildings on the first day of the week has satisfied us that the objections brought against it are unfounded in law, morals and religion, and that the best interests of society will be advanced by this measure being adopted.’ * “The addresses were made by the well-known and eloquent advocates, Benjamin H. Brewster, George W. Biddle and Edward Shippen, and Col. J. W. Forney, editor of the Press.” Of this meeting the Statesman says:— “If the Exhibition can be kept closed on the Sabbath against such powerful opposition, it will be a real victory in favor of national Christianity.”