p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 32, No. 24. (6/20/1906)

PROPOSED SUNDAY LEGISLATION IN THE FIFTY-NINTH CONGRESS.

By K. C. Russell

The Fifty-ninth Congress is unparalleled along the line of proposed Sunday legislation. There have been no less than seven different measures introduced into this present session of Congress involving this question. Three of these have been bills seeking to provide more rigid legislation concerning Sunday observance in the District of Columbia.

The first bill introduced was by Mr. Sibley, of Pennsylvania, providing against the issuing of money-orders, etc., in the post-office department on Sunday. A duplicate of that bill was turned down in the Senate by the Committee on Post-offices and Post-roads, but the bill is still before the House of Representatives. The same principle that underlies all other Sunday legislation lies at the foundation of this one, altho on the surface it is not as rigid. It is, however, national, and would be more far-reaching than a bill for the District of Columbia.

The next bill was introduced by Mr. Allen, of Maine, and provided that groceries and meat shops should be closed in the District of Columbia on Sunday. The District commissioners of the District of Columbia granted a public hearing on this bill, at which there was a large attendance, both for and against the bill. The principle which it contained was shown to be so contrary to the principles upon which our government was founded, and so out of accord with the rights of the citizens of the District, that the commissioners declined to recommend it to the District Committee of the House of Representatives.

But in its place another bill was introduced by Mr. Wadsworth, of New York. This bill was the same that had passed the House in the Fifty-eighth Congress, but met with a tie vote in the District Committee of the Senate, and hence never was brought before the Senate for action. The prestige it had gained, however, by passing through the House, and almost through the Senate District Committee, it was evidently thought by the promoters, made its passage more promising than a new bill that had never run the gauntlet so far. At this writing, we are pleased to say that this bill has not passed from the District Committee of the House, and there seems to be very little prospect of its being acted upon during the present session of Congress.

Another bill, which was introduced by Mr. Heflin, of Alabama, is doubtless the most glaringly religious measure along the line of Sunday legislation that has ever been presented before Congress. There seems to be an element of frankness in the wording of this bill in that it makes no attempt to cover up and hide its real character, as will be seen from its title, which reads, “A Bill Prohibiting Labor on Buildings, and So Forth, in the District of Columbia on the Sabbath Day.” In this particular

it does not seem to have been inspired by the so-called “Christian Lobby;” for in all of their attempts to procure such legislation they seek to cover up, as much as possible, any semblance of a religious character.

The latest measure along this line which has been introduced is the Sunday-closing section in the bill for the Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition, which provides that the proposed appropriation shall be upon condition that the exposition shall be closed on Sunday. There are bills at present in the hands of both the House and Senate committees asking such appropriation, with the Sunday-closing provision, and it is thought, in view of the prestige gained by similar provisions in previous Exposition bills, that this one may succeed.

The promoters of Sunday legislation refer to the appropriations to other expositions on the condition of Sunday-closing as great victories for their cause.

With this flood of proposed religious legislation being pressed upon one short session of Congress, it would seem that every true American citizen ought to be aroused to the importance of sounding the note of warning against these encroachments upon the rights and freedom of the citizens of this nation. Those, however, who are familiar with what has been outlined in prophecy, know that these are but added evidences that the time will come when this nation will have an exact parallel to the union which existed between the church and state during the long, dark night of papal oppression.

K. C. RUSSELL.

“LO, A MIRACLE!”

By Editor

The sparing of a private residence from the devastating fire in San Francisco is denominated “a miracle” by one of the daily papers. But the circumstance leads one to suspect that there was more dynamiting of buildings done than was necessary, and it might have been better to have allowed the occupants to save some of their belongings that were immediately necessary, than to drive them out so hurriedly as was done in many cases. We give the story as a specimen of human nature and human presumption:

The handsome home of Gordon Blanding, at 1900 Franklin Street, was saved from destruction by dynamite because Blanding keeps a well-stocked wine-cellar. There was many a broken bottle in that wine cellar, but the house remained intact with its art treasures, its fine pipe organ, and everything that made it one of the notably luxurious homes of San Francisco. Now Blanding, in his villa at Belvedere, is contemplating leasing his strangely-saved home to one of the social clubs at a rental which will easily pay for all those broken bottles.

When, on that fearsome Thursday night, the tired dynamite squad was working along Van Ness Avenue and Franklin Street, the fire having crept across the wide avenue at Clay Street, the blasters began to reach a serious conclusion that it would be necessary to sacrifice the Blanding house in order to save the Western Addition. So they entered the cellar to lay explosives and prepare for the detonation. In that cellar they saw ranged before their astonished eyes rows upon rows of bottles representing the finest vintages of the districts of Champagne and Burgundy, with the soft but exhilarating wines of the river Rhine, and the heavier fermentations of Douro and Oporto.

Their thirst was tremendous and their opportunity unlimited. They had just come from dynamiting the big stone stable of Claus Spreckels and some adjoining residences on the opposite side of Clay Street, and already there had been some blistering of paint on the Blanding house. But there was no resisting the appeal of these cool bottles of sparkling wine in that cool and comfortable cellar, and the worn-out fire-fighters forgot the flames and forgot their fatigue as they quaffed “the imprisoned laughter of the peasant girls of France.”

And, lo, a miracle! As they slaked their thirst the fury of the flames was quieted; the danger from the spread of the fire was over; and there was no need for dynamiting that magnificent home. The squad went on its way to other points of danger, and Gordon Blanding’s splendid residence had been saved because its owner has a discriminating taste in wine and took a pride in his cellar.

Yes, it was “a miracle” of grace. That men would spare a house because it was filled with intoxicating drink, when they were denying the occupants of adjacent buildings the time to remove necessary articles, and that God would temper the wind so as to spare them in their revelry, was a miracle of mercy that every man in that “squad” ought to highly esteem. But to devote a house, so marvelously spared under such circumstances, to “club” purposes, seems to border on presumption.

Men spared the house because of its contents of intoxicating wines, but that such was the purpose of any divine miracle is not a reasonable proposition.

Appreciation of the “miracle,” as of divine providence, would suggest a better use of the premises in the future.

TESTIMONY OF A GREAT NEWSPAPER.

It is really gratifying to find influential daily papers, that have always favored the liquor interests, compelled to give testimony as to the benefits of prohibition. So we give a recent utterance of the San Francisco Chronicle on “The Salutary Effect of Closing Saloons”:

San Francisco for the past fortnight has been absolutely free from disorder and virtually free from crimes of violence. There have been no street brawls. No drunken brute has beaten his wife. No gamblers have murdered each other in low resorts. Except for some dealings with sneak thieves the occupation of police courts is gone. It is a most impressive object-lesson of the value to society of the restriction of the liquor traffic. We are promised a continuance of this peaceful condition for a considerable time to come, save only as drunken men may drift over from Oakland, where the authorities have been so reckless as to allow saloons to open. We may be compelled to renew the quarantine against Oakland.

This absolute demonstration that the saloons are responsible for all crimes of violence makes it imperative that, whenever they shall be allowed to reopen in this city, their license fees be fixed at a rate which will support the police department. There must be increased taxation. The public generally will protest against being taxed for the control or suppression of those forms of crime for which the saloons are now proved to be solely responsible. The public will look to the Board of Supervisors to place the cost of dealing with crimes of violence on the corporation which is responsible for all of it.

Still another comment of the Chronicle in this connection is worthy of being often repeated.

San Francisco is a very orderly city, and that fact is by no means owing to a superabundant supply of guardians of the peace. It is due almost wholly to the closing of the saloons. As long as they can be kept from creating depredations on the public peace and purse, San Franciscans will be comparatively happy. Their troubles will begin when the red light flashes again, and the tinkle of the bar glass is heard on every street corner, and often in a half-dozen places on a block.

The question is, Will the great dailies maintain their prohibition positions a little later on, when the clamor of the liquor dealers for re-opening shall become a little louder, and their political influence and business patronage is thrown into the balance? We shall see before long.

EX-UNITED STATES SENATOR EMPTIES HIS WINE CELLAR.

WASHINGTON, May 17.—Last night nearly one hundred Rechabites were invited to the magnificent “castle” of Ex-United States Senator John B. Henderson to assist in destroying the wine in his cellar. They did it, and did it well, pouring a thousand dollars worth of rare old wines, some of which cost ten dollars a bottle, into the gutters, with appropriate ceremonies.

For some time General Henderson has been hanging around the edge of the temperance question, and had already discarded drink. His wife had recently joined a local tent of Rechabites, which helped the thing along greatly. The butler of the Henderson mansion, Mr. Edwin V. Bennett, is also one of the most active Rechabites in Washington.

Some days ago, General Henderson intimated a desire to hitch up with the Rechabites also, and an arrangement was made to “initiate” the general in his “castle,” and empty his wine cellar at the same time. The process was duly carried out with appropriate ceremonies, but the general, who had been ill for some time, was declared too feeble to undergo the ceremonies, and that part of the program was postponed.

The delegation of Rechabites who “stormed” the “castle” in full regalia, with an American flag at the head of the procession, was headed by High Chief Ruler Wayne W. Cordell.

After an address by Mrs. Henderson, by invitation of host and hostess, a committee was appointed and the bottle-smashing part of the program was carried out.

General Henderson is one of the most remarkable characters in Washington. Until recent years, when age crept upon him, he has been in public life continuously since 1848, when he was elected a member of the Missouri legislature. He was presidential elector in 1856, and again in 1860. He was a member of the Missouri convention to determine the question of secession; chosen United States Senator in 1862; special commissioner to make peace with the Indian tribes in 1867; governor of Missouri in 1872; United States special attorney to prosecute the “whisky ring” at St. Louis in 1875. He presided at the National Republican Convention of 1884; member of the Pan-American Congress of 1889-90, and is a regent of the Smithsonian Institution. He is the author of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.—Associated Prohibition Press.

Denaturized Alcohol

Alcohol is extensively used in the arts and in the manufacture of various articles, but the internal revenue tax is so high that for some industries the price is almost prohibitive. Another serious objection to its general use is the extensive habit of using it as a beverage and the disastrous consequences where men become addicted to its use. But alcohol may be rendered so obnoxious to the taste and to the stomach as to utterly prevent its being used as a beverage or as a “medicine.” When so rendered by certain admixtures it is called “denaturized alcohol.” A bill is now before the United States Senate (having passed the lower house) which provides that such alcohol be exempted from the ordinary alcohol tax. It is evidently a good measure, in the interest of honest industry, and this opinion is emphasized by the persistent and very bitter opposition of certain monopoly interests. To the credit of the lower house, notwithstanding the pressure from monopoly sources, only seven members voted against it.

Saloons After the San Francisco Earthquake

The cities and towns adjacent to San Francisco have been made to feel the curse of their saloons quite severely since the earthquake. That city being obliged to close what was left of hers for the protection of the stricken populace, the drinking element have been taking every possible opportunity to visit the neighboring places. So numerous and so dangerous was this migration that resort to at least partial closing had to be taken in those places also. Oakland closed altogether for awhile, and still feels compelled to close at night. Alameda gave entire option to the chief of police, who keeps the saloons of that city closed during the entire night and Sunday. The Sausalito people were so overrun by the rough element that the town council met one Sunday and passed an ordinance closing all dramshops on that day, and put it in force immediately. All peace officers know the source of most of their troubles, and they know that the more idleness there is, the more men are inclined to frequent saloons to drink and concoct evil. Yet, strange as it is, there are not only men who favor saloons, but there are men who insist that idleness shall be enforced on Sunday by forbidding honest labor on that day.

Personal Liberty and Railway Rules

“Personal liberty” has gotten a stab in the vitals by the managers of the London tube railways. The Central Railway Company of that city has issued a circular to its employees insisting on strict total abstinence while on duty. The circular says: “Employees are reminded that it is strictly against the company’s rules to obtain or take intoxicating drinks, or enter any public house while on duty; neither should they, when off duty and in uniform, loiter about the station or frequent places where intoxicants are sold.” It is beginning to dawn upon the British mind that the traveling public have some rights of “personal liberty” as well as a tippling train man.—Selected.

JAPANESE FAMINE FUND.

ALL contributions to this fund, received after July 1, unless clearly stated to the contrary will be turned into Japanese Mission Funds. There has been generous response to Japan's need throughout this country, and other fields more needy now claim our attention. But the missionaries there are ministering to starving souls, as needy and even more needy than starving bodies. Yet these funds raised for the famine sufferers will go to them. For our first remittance of $350.02 Elder Field, superintendent of Japan Mission sends the following receipt:

“Received from M. C. Wilcox, editor of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars ($350.02) for the Japan Famine Relief Fund. (Signed) F. W. FIELD, Supt. Japan S. D. A. Mission.”

Our second draft has been sent for $216.18. We report a part of the names of the donors to this amount in this issue and the remainder in two weeks.

	Previously reported	$350.02
April 15	Friends, Barnegat, N. J.	1.25
16	Isore Cromwell	10.00
"	W. A. Turner	1.00
"	Minnie A. Peterson	2.00
"	Mrs. Kate Peterson	1.00
"	Mrs. S. Overman	3.00
"	J. H. Larkin	1.00
"	J. H. Johnson	.50
"	Mrs. Nettie Walters	.25
"	Mrs. J. H. Johnson	.25
"	Mrs. Fannie Adams	1.00
"	Mrs. F. P. McClure	1.00
"	Mrs. Estella Baxter	1.00
17	Mrs. M. Anderson	1.00
"	Mrs. A. Larkee	1.00
"	G. W. Sandell	3.15
"	C. H. Mullins	.85
"	Mrs. Ester Stone	1.00
"	Springhill Sunday-school	2.50
"	W. T. Adams	2.90
"	Alexis Hinckley	10.00
"	Della May	1.00
"	Mrs. Oliver Foss	2.00
"	Alva Bullock	4.00
"	A. B. Cully	5.00
"	S. H. Welsh	1.00
"	W. E. Cook	1.00
"	Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Morse	1.00
"	Alice E. Culver	1.00
23	John Asher	4.00
"	Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Conklin	5.00
"	R. H. Campbell	1.50
"	John J. Bauer	2.00
"	James Briner	5.00

$429.15

OUR NEXT ISSUE.

By Editor

The Third and Souvenir Edition of Our Earthquake and Fire Special.

Several journals in the East have gotten out splendid earthquake numbers, notably Leslie's, Collier's, and Harper's.

Much attention was given the earthquake for a few days by the dailies.

The new San Francisco Magazine has gotten out a magnificent number which sells readily at 25 cents.

Yet there is a demand for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Our first edition reached a circulation of 400,000. Our second edition is still selling, and our press orders, all told, are over 650,000. More than 117,000 have been sold in California north of the Tehachapi range alone, and it is still selling.

A better Third Edition is demanded; and it will be published next week.

All the articles have been thoroughly revised, and all important facts given up to date.

It will contain between thirty and forty of the finest views obtainable of the earthquake, fire, and ruins. It will contain seismographic records taken in Oakland, Napa, Albany, and Austria.

It will print a fine relief map of San Francisco, showing the fire-swept district, a map of that part of California specially affected by the great earthquake, and a comparative diagram of the great fires of Chicago, Boston, Baltimore, and San Francisco.

The governor's proclamation, the mayor's proclamation, and other historical matter will be given.

It will also have a colored cover.

It will present two fine panoramic scenes of fire and ruins printed on specially fine paper.

It will tell the meaning of these things from that "more sure Word of prophecy," which has never failed, and never will fail.

In fact, it is impossible to tell you of the excellency of this issue, and we shall endeavor to make it absolutely true to fact.

Historically, it is worth its price.

Artistically, it is worth its price.

Didactically and ethically it is worth its price.

Yet we propose to sell it for what news agents sold our first edition,—10 cents. Our regular subscribers will get it to compensate for our smaller issue of three weeks ago.

Price in lots of more than five and less than 1,000, five cents each; in more than 1,000, four cents each.

Earthquake and Fire Special

By Editor

Next week our Souvenir Special will be issued. It will be the Third Edition of our Earthquake and Fire Special. Note what is said elsewhere.

Forthcoming Articles from Rome

By Editor

We have several more articles from our Rome correspondent which will be of interest to our readers. They will begin in two weeks.

Thanks for Sympathy and Kindness

Our heartfelt thanks are due, and are hereby given, to the Review and Herald, and to our people generally throughout the country, for their sympathy and kindness in our affliction. May God's abundant blessing rest upon them.

Walk in the Light

Our Lord’s injunction to “walk in the light” is a practical one, and implies activity in His service, in a righteous life. His was and is an active life; on earth He “went about doing good.” Real faith in the Gospel is not a mere passive assent to Gospel truth; it is a “faith that works by love.” Of certain professed believers Jesus asked the pertinent question, “Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and, do not the things which I say?” The psalmist says, “My Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Jesus Christ was the Word made flesh, personified into a living activity such as men could comprehend and imitate, because in Him the Word was carried out to the letter. Therefore “He was the true Light,” and to “walk in the light” is to follow Him. There was no anti-lawism in His walk. He kept His Father’s commandments, the law was in His heart; therefore “He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” By walking in the light, as He was in the light—actively doing His work—His disciples become also “the light of the world.” So the Master says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

The Review and Herald’s New Publishing House

By Editor

We congratulate our Review and Herald brethren. They have moved into their new publishing house in Takoma Park, Washington D. C. It must seem good indeed after being in temporary quarters so long. Their new building is of four stories and basement, 60x90 feet. The basement contains paper, steam boilers, hot water boiler, and motor; first floor, manager's office, circulation department, counting room, book store-room, and press room; second floor, the bindery; third floor, editorial and proof-rooms, assembly hall, and type room. Toilet, washrooms, and large sinks with hot and cold water are provided on every floor where needed. All machinery is operated by electric motors, and the building lighted by electricity. In the rear of the main building is a power-house 30x30 feet, with gas-producing plant, with engine 65 H. P., and a direct connected generator of 43 k. w. May they have the abundant blessing of God in their new offices.

Circulating the Religious Liberty Number

By Editor

There is no good reason why a few hundred thousand Special SIGNS should interfere with the liberal circulation of the Religious Liberty Number of the Watchman, of Nashville, Tenn. A real live understanding of what these things mean would cause a directly reverse result. The population of the United States is more than eighty million. What is a million copies of any paper among so many? Just now there is no issue that demands more attention than religious liberty. Every paper we publish ought to circulate hundreds of thousands every week—each stimulating the work of the others. The full capacity of every one of our publishing houses would fail to circulate the message as it should be carried to the needy world. There are said to be nine million people in the Watchman's special territory—the field it was especially started to occupy. When we have all done to our present limit, we can still say, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.”

The Bible the Word of God.

Our esteemed contemporary, the Watchword and Truth, tells a story of a minister's being asked what he thought of calling a certain man to fill the position of pastor in the church over which the minister had served as pastor. The minister replied that he did not know the man, but he would suggest that this question be asked him: “Do you believe that the Bible is the Word of God, or as so many hold now-a-days, that it simply contains the Word of God?” If the candidate says “is,” other things being satisfactory, call him; if he says “contains,” you do not want anything to do with him. The brother said “is,” and his ministry was a glorious success.

San Francisco Devastated by Fire

From ten to twelve square miles was devastated by the awful fire in San Francisco. A few spots were untouched by fire in the burned district, such as the Post-office, the Mint, the Sailor's Home, a portion of Russian Hill, and one or two other little oases. The earthquake did great damage outside the fire limits.