THE Sunday-law issue seems to be gradually creeping into politics. The question of Sunday enforcement against ball-playing and "such other amusements as are now common in the state" is up in the Ohio gubernatorial campaign this year, and, according to a recent despatch from Columbus, "promises to enter largely into it" before it is over. It seems that about the time of the Democratic convention there was considerable comment on the matter, and in his speech of acceptance the Democratic nominee for governor, John M. Pattison, felt called upon to take notice of, and to indicate his attitude on, the question. He declared that he stood just where he stood when, as a state senator, he voted against the repeal of the law prohibiting Sunday baseball and other amusements.
But it seems that since that time Mr. Pattison has had appointed as Democratic campaign manager a man who is part owner of the American League Baseball Club, which plays Sunday games, and secretary of the National Baseball Commission, which countenances Sunday playing. This has moved the State Prohibition Convention to call upon Mr. Pattison to define his sentiments, so that the people may know whether or not the appointment of Bruce, which was made entirely at his instance, is an evidence that he has changed his views upon the Sunday-law matter.
The Columbus despatch states that "whether or not the matter is given any consideration by the Democratic candidate, it will be a factor in the fight, for if he ignores the request to define his position, it is certain that he will lose votes from both sides, while to take a stand means to divorce many votes of the element displeased." And the importance that is being given the question in the campaign is further indicated in the following statement: "It is safe to say that the matter will be kept so prominently before the people that Mr. Pattison can hardly ignore it."
It does not appear that any expression on the Sunday question has come from the Republicans as yet, and tho they are quietly bidding in the present campaign for the support of the "liberal" element, it is probable that there will be none, unless an expression can not be avoided, for the Republicans already have all the opposition that they care for from the Puritan element because of the support given their candidate by the liquor interests.
It is said that "in practically every county in the state some temperance or religious society has 'resolved' against Governor Herrick's re-election." And of course such resolutions would be redoubled if Governor Herrick should openly take a stand for the repeal or non-enforcement of the Sunday law.
