Sunday Labor Laws in Illinois
WHILE the discussion about closing the World's Fair on Sunday is going on, it may be interesting to our readers to know the provisions of the Illinois statutes in regard to Sunday labor. Here is the provision of the Criminal Code, Division 1, sections 261 and 272:— Whoever disturbs the peace and good order of society by labor (works of necessity and charity excepted) or by any amusement or diversion on Sunday, shall be fined not exceeding $25. This section should not be construed to prevent water men and railroad companies from landing their passengers, or water men from loading and unloading their cargoes, or ferrymen from carrying over the water travelers, and persons moving their families on the first day of the week, nor to prevent the due exercise of the rights and conscience by whomever it is proper to keep any other day as a Sabbath. Whoever shall be guilty of any noise, rout, or amusement on the first day of the week, called Sunday, whereby the peace of any private family may be disturbed; shall be fined not exceeding $25. MILITARY writers of Europe believe that a great clash of arms is inevitable; the only question is that of time. It is said that, in case of war with Russia, Austria could by no means withstand her terrible antagonist, and Germany would find it necessary to give Austria assistance. At the same time Germany would lay herself open to an attack from France, while little help could be expected from Italy. France, as a military power, has made great advance in the last few years. Major Klein declares that Germany would save many millions of debt by increasing taxation now and strengthening the army; it is thought that this would avert war. But how much heavier can the burden of taxation be made before the people themselves rebel? It is said that Germany now can bear no more. Even now mobs are crying for bread in Berlin. The winter in Europe looks threatening. THE Washington Secular Union has served a notice on the principal and teachers of the public schools of Tacoma notifying them they intend to enforce section 4, article 9, of the State constitution, regarding sectarian teaching and prayer in the public schools. Several teachers who have opened school with a hymn have been ordered to discontinue the practice, and the reading of the Lord's prayer and a passage from the Bible must cease at once under pain of dismissal of the teacher. The stand taken by the union is creating much dissatisfaction among certain classes of citizens.—Industrial World.