Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1888-03-31
svNpAx OBSERVANCE.


Annual Meeting OF the Committee
Complimentins tho Police Force
The Enforcement OF q Rigid Observ.
aRce OF the sabbath Demanded as the
Duty OF ChristianS-NeVv Haven DE.
nominated she ssRlue Ribbon city
of the State.''
About twenty-five of New Ravens most
substantial citizens assembled at the Church
of the Redeemer yesterday afternoon in at
tendance on the annual meeting of the Sun
day observance committee. In the absence
of the chairman, Prof. Robinson, Prof. Day
was called to the chair. The entire proceed
ings were characterized by an earnestness and
sincerity that proved that the gentlemen
were imbued with the feeling of doing all in
their power to preserve the morality and good
standing of the city.
New Haven is, as Judge Pickett expressed
it, the blue ribbon city of the State in point
of law and order, easily ranking ahead of
Bridgeport and Hartford. The general SEN
timent of the committee was that progress
had been made and the authorities in en-
forcing the Sunday laws came in for liberal
share of communication.
In taking the chair Prof. Day say that it
is very pleasant to meet some Of the friends
of the Sabbath. There are times when one
man becomes thousand. We have received
great encouragement in this work, but we
must remember that it comes only with
divine help. He then invoked Gods bless
ing.
The secretary, the Rev. RI. P. Nichols,
read the minutes of the last meeting, held on
Good Friday. April 8, 1887. After the ap
proyal of the minutes DR.. Reed and DR..
Chapman were substituted on the committee
for the Rev. Mr.. Ford and DIR. Goodsell.
4 oil nod hot no nf
men, not to exceed ten, who had shown an
interest in the committee be added to the list
of members.
Professor Day, from the committee on the
establishment of similar committee in the
city of Hartford, reported that it had been
thought best to postpone action until near
the time for the assembling of the legisla-
ture Several Hartford gentlemen, however,
have taken steps toward the formation of
committee there and it is proposed to keep
thus close watch on the doings of the State
legislature.
Mr.. Damn, of the committee on the observ-
ance of Sunday, said that very little had
been done other than the closing of little
lunch counter at the foot Of East Rock which
had been doing prosperous Sunday bust
ness.
The publication committee reported that
the newspapers had aided the good work by
several articles published. He urged upon
the members the good that could be done if
individuals would write articles on the Sun
day observance question for the local papers.
The professor also called the committees at
tention to the meetings now being held on
Sundays for the discussion of various social
and political subjects. The line must be
drawn somewhere, but it was only step
from such gatherings to Sunday theaters and
other seeulsg improvements. Sunday should
be kept as religious day and the dis
cussion of such secular subjects was YEA
turesome and dangerous. Such discussions
are improper for the Lords day.
Assessor Baldwin had noticed the same
thing and considered it wrong. He referred
to the discussions of the Social Science
league, and he thought all these were wrong.
It's tide that tends towards the breaking
down of the Sabbath. It's time to call a
halt on some of our citizens who address
these meetings.
Mr.. Gregory, the Meadow street merchant,
expressed surprise to see SO few present and
regret that grocery store work on Sundays
cannot be stopped, and liquor selling on East
Rock.
Mr.. Solomon Mead said all this secular
business was hurting the Sabbath. Contrast
our Sundays with Sundays fifty years ago.
It was also a distressing thought that SO
many church people bought Sunday papers.
Rev. Mr.. Lines reported as to the special
effort made to have the pulpits here take up
ceived cordial cooperation from the clergy.
Christian people had it in their power to
make Sunday business uncomfortable under
the law. Mr.. Lines commended the work of
the city authorities against Sabbath break
ing.
Judge Pickett made forcible speech. Sun
day observance by the public depends much
upon Christians and Christian co operation.
The society has been on the alert to prevent
having popular amusements on Sunday.
Assessor Baldwin remarked against dane
ing at church picnics. The line must be
drawn somewhere.
Mr.. Barnum referred to the effort to have
Sunday concerts on East Rock Park. The
police commissioners am sure have been en-
couraged by the existence of the Sunday sb-
servance committee. Mr.. Barnum paid
fitting tribute to Chief of Police Bollmsn.
On motion of the Rev. Fl. P. Nichols the
committee on establishing a committee in
Hartford was continued.
The Rev. Mr.. Lines presented the follow
ing resolution, drawn by himself and Judge
Pickett:
Resolved, That the hearty thanks of the Sunday
Observance committee be given to the police au-
thorities of this city for their efficient work in pre-
venting and furnishing violations of the law forbid
ding the sale of liquor Sunday.