Morning journal and courier., 1884-01-28
sournaI all6 GOlrier.
SINGLE COPIES TWO GENTS.
Monday, January 2s. 1884.
SUNDAY TRAINS.

The railroad commissioners of Massachu-
 setts have been called on to deal with the Sunday train question. The Boston, Hoesac
 Tunnel and Western, and Yitchburg railroads
 petitionsd for leave to run certain trains on
 the Lords day over the State road, between
 the State line and Greenwich. The applica-
 ing in North Adams. One gentleman from
 Greenfield appeared before the commis-
 sioners in opposition and he brought remons.
 frances from some others. The names were
 few, but weighty from their character.
 The law of Massachusetts provides that
 Sunday trains shall not be authorized by the
 commissioners unless they are demanded as a
 matter of necessity or convenience, and that
 in permitting such trains due regard shall be
 had to the observance of the day, or in other
 words that it's observance shall be disturbed
 as little es possible. In giving their decision,
 which allows the running of trains on Sun
 day morning between the hours of 5 and 2,
 or earlier, and in the evening between 9:45 and 11:30, the commissioners set forth some
 of the reasons which influenced them. They
 point out that in construing the law they cannot disregard the change that has taken place in opinion as to the nature of the ne- ssssity which iustifes work on the Lords day. These changes of opinion and practice include the lawfulness of such work as is needful for warming places of worship on the Lords day, an innovation that once troubled the peace of churches; the use of horse cars to reach places of worship, 8 convenience which now prevents the removal of at least one of the best known churches in Boston; moderate exercise by walk ing and larger liberty in the selection of reading matter. The changes are not all in one direction. Within the memory of living men political caucuses were held in Fanueil Hall and elsewhere on the evening of the Lords day. Much labor is now allowed in ministering to bodily wants. These illustra- tions are not used to justify one act of wrong doing by others, but to show that the general sentiment does not regard as wrong what was once held to be so, ard thus to prove what was the intent of the General Court when they used the words necessity and con- Yenience"
 If it is right, say the commissioners, that good men should travel on Sunday it is right that there should be trains to convey them. If their journeys are necessary these trains are necessary. And it must happen that every week there will be men whose right or duty it Is to travel on the Lords day. ''In this age we must allow some liberty of con science And if interruptions men use these trains for merely secular purposes, they are liable not only to the penalties of the higher law, but to the laws of the State" < The strongest plea, in the minds of the commissioners, for allowing trains to pass from the State line to North Adams and Greenfield is tho commendable desire to spend the Lords day at home. To bela ted travellers it is 8 serious infiction to be compelled to spend Sunday at 8 tavern the day-awsy from their usual place of worship-perhaps unable to enjoy their chosen forms of doctrine. The commission CTS say that it is very probable that if the trains stopped at the State line many passen- gers would use horses and carriages to reach their homes, causing more disturbance than 8 train. The authorized trains will not disturb religious worship, or seriously impair the quiet which adds so much to the charm of the day. The hours fixed will also secure the trainmen from severe curtailment of their Sunday privileges. And the commissioners believe that while their decision is simple duty under the statute it will save the laws from ''the reproach which would result from a denial unfounded in principle and unjust in It's working" !"
 This shows what can be said on one side of 8 very important question, although the commissioners have not stated the case as strongly as they might But whatever argu- ment is made, those opposed to the running of Sunday trains have but one answer to make, which if they are correct is certainly sufficient and that is that such work is not right.