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The Sunday-Closing Crusade in Chicago

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 12, 1907

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 50.

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The Sunday-Closing Crusade in Chicago

By L. D. Santee

A CONFLICT over the question of Sunday closing of saloons in Chicago has begun, that in its very nature must be far reaching. Sunday, November 24, was the day selected to begin the struggle. Detectives were sent out to secure evidence for the prosecution of all those whose saloons were kept open on Sunday.
A list of one hundred seventy-five saloons, with the evidence needed for the proprietors’ conviction, was easily obtained. The same day, nearly every pastor in the city spoke on the subject of Sunday closing of the saloon.
The battle promises to be a long one. The law has been a long time on the statute-books, but has been practically ignored. The plea is made that the people do not want the saloons closed, and that the executives should carry out the wishes of their constituents.
To-day, the clergy and the better class of society are trying to make Sunday legally different from the other days of the week. Civilly, what is right on one day of the week is right on any other day; but they are slow to see this.
On the other hand, the wealth, power, and influence of the liquor party are almost incalculable. Decisions of the lower courts count for but little. The Supreme Court of the United States is the tribunal before which doubtless the case will be tried.
The fact that the liquor dealers have voluntarily met the issue shows that they have confidence in their strength and resources. How long influence and adjournments may delay the decision, is only a matter of conjecture. “Coming events cast their shadows before,” and in the light of prophecy, it is easy to see that Sunday will be magnified more than temperance.
Our Illinois conferences are sending Liberty to our State legislators, and our churches have ordered it sent to the mayor, the city council, and the municipal judges of Chicago. Some religious liberty literature is also being scattered among the people. Now while the battle is on, while the great dailies are discussing the question, we have a good opportunity to educate the people on the principles of religious liberty, and emphasize the Saviour’s words, “Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”
L. D. SANTEE.