The Washington critic., 1886-03-19
WASHINGTON CRITIC
wAsHINGToN, MARCH 10, 1ss5.
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
Shall the Barber Shops of Washington

Shall the Barber Shops of Washington
be Closed on Sunday.
EDITOR Critic; Considering this question
which has lately raised so much dust among
the barberian fraternity, as well as that
part Of the public which has been accus-
toned to make use of their services on the
first day Of the week, a ilt subject forpublic
discussion, take the liberty TO send you
this communication. Our profession, from
time immemorial, has been more particu-
larly called upon at times when other peo-
pie take their rest, on festive occasions, and
also by a great many on Sunday mornings,
SO as to enable them to make a respectable
appearance while going to church or
abroad. Our services have of late found
more favor than ever with the public A
man Of style does not feel In proper trim to
90 In society except he has first had ton
serial attention, The mechanic or laborer,
after his weeks toll, when he puts on his
broadcloth on Sunday morning also likes
to make himself look nice and tidy like his
rich brother. Some people, however, un-
alone, cannot stand prosperity. A spirit
Of restlessness has seized the craft. The
religious crank and fanatic has made his
appearance among us--tbat terrible allllc-
ton which has In all ages caused so much
misery among men. All Of sudden we
are called upon TO close our places Of bust
ness on day when our services have
hitherto been most urgently required. The
plea is set up by some that they want their
rest. Now, 1t has always been the custom
in our trade to take half a day during the
week, when business Is not SO brisk, In
compensation of Sunday mornings work.
| This has always proved satisfactory. AS to
| keeping the Sabbath holy, do not consider
1t a desecration of that day to devote a few
hours to the comforts and cleanliness of my
fellowmen, cleanliness having always been
| considered next to Godliness
There are many others whose services are
required for the comfort and convenience Of
\ the public on that day; for instance the
| drivers and conductors of street cars, the
steamboat men, who In summer time give
the toiling masses Of the great cities, who
| cannot go to the seashore or rwatering-places
| like the rich, chance to get little fresh
air, the drug clerks, printers, cooks and
| other employees of hotels and eating-houses,
milkmen, icemen, etc. Suppose all these
would suddenly refuse their services on
Sunday What melancholy state Of af-
fairs would be the result The answer
made by the great Nazarene, when re-
| preached by the Pharisees with the lax OBJ
servance of tho Sabbath by his followers,
that "man was not made for the Sabbath,
but the Sabbath for man," has of late been
more literally interpreted, particularly by
the middle and working classes, the opinion
having largely gained ground among them
that the reasonable enjoyment OF the bless
ings and comforts of this world will not
materially damage their prospects in the
next. A learned and enlightened Judge OF
our District bench has put the seal Of con.
demnation on the old corporation law or
this subject as being directed against pub
lie morality and cleanliness, and for eight
years no prosecutions have been attempted
under II. viii the authorities resurrect Il
now and institute suits which, under the
circumstances, might be justly considered
vexatious because few narrow-minded
men, dissatisfied with their station, urge
itP hope that this and every other at
tempt Of the kind in this age of progress tc
re-establisb the old Puritan or Jewish Sab
bath In the Capital Of this great nation vii
be frowned down by all intelligent ant
public-spirited citizens and most signal.
fail. II. SAUR.
Washington, March IS.