Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1883-08-20
The recent indulgence by the German
nowEN q K1NGsnunY, prop.,..

element in the sports to which their
nationality is given, on the Sabbath day,
has occasioned much discussion in this
community. The more radical religious
class is shocked ut the innovation upon
the usual sacred Sunday quiet Of our
city, those possessing conservative views
are disposed to avoid all agitation of the
matter and permit every individual to
follow the dictates OF his conscience,
while the ultra anti.Sabbath element
holds tenaciousIy to its views regarding
the perfect propriety of the pro.
ceedings. Thus we have three
classes in our midst, all respectable. law
abiding citizens, with only their differ
ence Of Interpretation as to the signifi-
cance OF law, both sacred and profane.
Diverse opinion in this field of thought
and action will exist until the millenlum
is attained and in the meantime it is the
christian and human duty of all to ex-
ercise the spirit oi kindly federation and
forbearance which brings people nearer
aud nearer together until the barriers
are swept away and homogenley pre-
walls. In race made up of all the races
of the enlightened world this process
is slow but, it is certain, if patience is
exercised.
Our German citizens bring with .them
from the mother country the social
customs to which they have been trained,
leaving behind them the political
customs, which have become obnoxious
to their sense OF justice and an impedi-
ment to the full and free enjoyment Of
life, which Is inherent in their natures.
The social ingredient in their construc-
tion is quality to be commended and
emulated. In following these instincts
they do in America as they
did in Germany, and prior to their mi
grafton to this land of free thought and
free acts they were taught to believe
that the Sabbath was day for quiet
social recreation. This is their faith, as
a people, and it is faith acquired
through the teachings of generations.
But they encounter here powerful
sentiment diametrically opposed to their
previous teachings and sentiment
which is disposed to be even aggressive.
1t Is sentiment which the education of
the land inculcates in the child and
broadens and deepens as the process of
mental and physical maturity goes on.
In the clash of adverse opinions 80
strong on either side it is not strange
that some friction is engendered, but
there is an antidote to friction (which
allays its intensity if judiciously ad-
ministered.
The orthodox American element, be.
ing taught to regard the Sabbath as a
holy day, is positive in the belief that
all Americans, by birth or adoption,
should conform to its views, and this
idea also prevails outside the churches to
such an extent that laws have been con.
structed in harmony with the idea. Up
to this date they have found no practical
enforcement, except SO far as they apply
to outrageous breaches of their require.
ments by persons without regard to ma.
tionality) who have no reputation for q
decent respect for any law. But the
hope OF the ardent advocates of statutory
prohibition against Sabbath breaking il
that their laws may some day be enforced
to the letter, aud the effort they are max
ing in that direction is the effort of 8
pure purpose in the pursuit of their be-
lief.
In the Sabbath day there is sacred.
ness which acquires greater strength and
significance as time goes on and the
world cannot afford to have it otherwise
Christianity is gaining its victories
everywhere, but among enlightened peo
pie it is gaining them by the most liberia
spirit of toleration. This is as it should
be. 1t is christianity that is building
strong and deep the foundations of gov
ernment and of progress In this new
land-is giving to us schools and college!
and making desirable homes on thes,
broad prairles, attracting wealth, cultur.
and enterprise. The effect OF this caus.
is realized by our German citizens a!
fully as by any other class and theyare th,
ones who aid rather than retard progress
even if the cause thereof may not &c
cord with their individual views in som,
particulars.
Now that the day which ha
occasioned this discussion upon S,
delicate subject has passed an,
its experiences have become par
of local history, 1t seems apparent tha
the selection of Sunday for the observ
ancc of this festival was not altoeethe
wise. 1t prohibited four.ffths OF th
citizens OF Yankton from giving to th
affair that recognition which they woul,
have been pleased to accord it at an,
other time. 1t deprived the visitors of
general, cordial and hospltable welcom
to the oldest city in Dakota, whose peo
pie would be glad OF an opportunity t
greet the guests of any of its social i,
stitutions on 80 appropriate an occasio
and render their visit enjoyable. W
believe the me embers of the Turner fir.
ternity generally feel that this is til
case. and that they will profit by their e.