Commercial Men and the Sunday Law
By J. O. C.
The Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles has been examining the initiative measure, to be No. 45 on the November ballot, having the title, 'One Day of Rest in Seven'; and Mr. Bradner W. Lee, chairman of its committee on laws, has reported on it as follows: "The initiative measure proposing to provide one day in seven as a day of rest, would undoubtedly be made an instrument for punishment, in accordance with its penal clause, of all persons who permitted any persons in their employ to perform any class of labor on that day. Even though an attempt is therein made to except what is denominated 'works of daily necessity,' yet the measure is so full of uncertainties even in this regard, that were it to become a law, the courts would be kept busy in attempting to interpret it when called upon to enforce its penal clause. Many persons might be under the belief that they were strictly complying with its requirements, and yet unconsciously violating them. It is not a well-considered measure, even though its title seems to provide for that which every reasonable person would not oppose, and undoubtedly would probably favor. "The proposed act is masked under a title which undoubtedly should and would be popular, yet the measure itself can be made an instrument productive of great harm should it become a law. It belongs to the same class of legislation as the proposed amendment to the penal code known as Proposition No. 3, hereinbefore referred to." Proposition No. 3, referred to in this careful analysis, is the measure intended to restrict all labor in the state of California to eight hours a day, or forty-eight hours in a week. This eminent lawyer sees in No. 45 a danger that was designed to be covered by a supposed popular church measure, and by thus masking its real import, draw to its support all religious organizations. In view, however, of the legal report rendered, the Chamber of Commerce at once voted to combat initiative measure No. 45, known as the Sunday rest bill, and is now sending out opposition literature to affiliated bodies throughout the state. It is to be hoped that other organizations formed on behalf of successful labor and good citizenship will join the campaign against this pernicious legislation. J. O. C.