Sacramento daily record-union., 1881-11-12
CONCERNING THE SUNDAY LAW.

Thus far no action taken in this commu.
nifty relative to the enforcement of the Sunday
law has been made public. Inquiry develops
the fact that several citizens who favor its
enforcement have met informally TO consult
regarding it, and that it is proposed next
week to make an open movement. 1t is not
to be by the way of prosecutions, but by SO.
licita.ion to interest all classes in the matter,
and secure the desired end by amicable
means. It is understood that about all of
the proprietors OF the better class of saloons
favor closing on Sunday; that all the leading
merchants are anxious to have the law op-
crate uniformly, and that those who are
likely to oppose the plan are greatly in the
minority, and are by no means the inf1u-
entail class. 1t is proposed to ask the mer-
chants, leading liquor-sellers grocers and cit
liens generally to sign an agreement that
business shall cease on Sunday, and to insist
upon the visitation of the penalties of the law
upon those who refuse to obey it. Geo. B.
Katzenstein, the official head of the Inde-
pendent Order of Good Templars, the rep
resentative temperance body in the United
States, was asked if the temperance organi-
cations here proposed to att. He replied
that he thought they would rot as organiza-
tions but their members would Join in the
movement to secure Uniform observance of
the law. He was asked if the Order had not
issued circulars upon the subject. He replied
that it had. The circular is as follows
SAN FRAScrsco, CAL, 1851
To the Good Templars of California: The follow
ing statement OF the provisions Of the Penal Code
OF this State in reference to the sale of intoxicating
liquors has been prepared and published for the
benefit Of those to whom such information is not
conveniently accessible.
publication, think it most expedient to avail
selves CT this opportunity Of transmitting the
to you
Ii is unanimously and earnestly recommended
that this entire circular should be read, at the
proper time IN open Lodge, 50 that every member
may be advised Of what laws are in actual force
upou this subject.
Every law upon this subject enforced, Is a step in
advance. We can scarcely claim the right to more
stringent laws long as permit those in exist
ence TO be violated without complaint.
While it is inexpedient for any Lodge OF Good
Templars, such, TO institute to be insti
tuted any proceedings for violation of these laws,
yet It is the duty of every Good Tempar, as well as
the duty Of every other citizen, to employ every
lawful means to secure their rigid enforcement and
particularly those in regard to the Christian Sab
BATH Every violation Of these laws is a crime and
punishable as such.
No reason can be urged in behalf OF saloon
keeper who violates these laws that cannot be urged
with equal force in behalf of any other criminal who
violates other provisions Of the criminal code.
Drink is the parent of ideuess and poverty; the
life of the gambling house and the brothel; it en-
tails disease and lowers the tone OF public health,
and alter it has worked ruin in one generation,
hands down to the next weakened and demoralized
stock as heritage of evil it anmalizes and de-
grades the moral nature; it takes the bread, the
clothes, the luxuries which give joy and happiness
to the wife and little of the aboring man, the
earnings which might have been saved, pleasures it
might have bought; it steals away the flowers OF
beauty which adorn the home of plenty, smothers
with signs the sound OF music, makes the fire to go
out upon the hearth, and the light Of hope TO fade
from the soul.
Three fourths of all pauperism and crime in this
State produced by the sale and use Of intoxi-
eating liquor The business of the saloon keeper an
tagoniZes all the best interests OF the State, the
church and society, and the few restrictions placed
upon il should be enforced without hesitation or
compromise
In doing this we shall do no more than our obvious
moral and christian duty, and thereby assist in ere
ating just and merciful public sentiment, which
shall finally put end to the manufacture and sale
Of intoxicating drinks.
Fraternally yours in faith, hope and charity,
ROBERT THOMPSON,
Grand Worthy Chief Templar,
76 Montgomery Block, San Francisco, Cal.
GEO. B. KATZENSTEIN,
Grand Worthy Secretary
Sacramento, Cal.
NorE Friends aud Brethren Please read this
circular carefully. After having done So hand
it TO your neghbor to read and if more wanted
for distribution, send for them and will forward
free of charge. We desire that you should place
in every house, residence and place Of business in
your town and vicinity.
ROBERT THOMPSON, c. W. c. T.,
San Francisco, Cal.
GEO. b. KATZENSTEIN, C. W. s.,
Sacramento, Cal.
The circular also furnishes for use the fol-
lowing blank forms:
By Section 1896 Penal Code these offenses are to
be prosecuted by complaint and the following is the
general form Of the complaint
IN THE JUSTICES COURT,
OF - Township, County of -, State Of Cali