Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-12-16
SUNDAY AT THE CAPITAL
Keen Eyes and a Sharp Tongue Give
Washington a Going Over.

81 am convinced that Washington is one OF
The best Sabbath-keeping cities in the coun-
Hy," remarked Rev. Wilbur F. Crafts, secre-
larry Of the American Sabbath union, in his dis
course last night in the Congregational church
on SUNDAY work and Sunday amusements. "
Then he added: "Dut there is still great room
for improvement In my strolling this morn
ing / noticed that there we're several forms of
mechanic labor going on, and some kinds of
shopkeeping." This was in his preliminary re-
marks, while reading the lesson from Nehemiah,
who, be said, was the original Sabbath-enforc-
ing mayor. When he had been introduced by
Rev. DR.. Newman he held up an odd-looking
affair that resembled a very thin pistol. 1t
was he said, an oriental saw working only on
the back stroke. and such one the
Savior laid down each Saturday night, badge
of honest labor. The chief interest of every
workingman. he said, is to preserve entire one
independence day in each week
THE RELIGIOUS SABBATH AND THE CIVIL SAB
BATH.
1t is desirable to keep separate the religious
Sabbath, which is wholly matter between
man and his conscience, and the civil Sabbath
which is a matter between the state and the
man. There are certain admissions which
every man makes with reference to the Sabbath
question. The first of these is that man has a
natural need for, and therefore natural right
10, weekly rest-day; second, this day must be
common; third, 1t must be protected by law;
and lastly. there must be three exceptions to
such a law, works of necessity, works of mercy,
and Jews, Seventh Day Adventists and Seventh
Day Baptlsts. The real Sabbath question. he
added, Is Can we not make fourth exception
as to Sunday amusements?" The legislatures
OF every state but California have said no. be-
cause the amusement vender is a merchant
INST "a tha Try moi no
cause the people need one day of absolute quiet
to keep themselves sane and because some of
these Sunday amusements lead directly. and
ali OF them indirectly, TO dissipation.
The District Commissioners, he said having
proclaimed that there is no Sunday law in
this community, peril presents itself. There
are, to be sure, some police ordinances that
can be cancelled by the Commissioners in an
hour if they choose. The idea of the Com
missioners is a good one, that the District
should have enacted for its guidance the very
best law. the best parts OF the best laws or a
combination of all of them.
MODEL IN MANY THINGS
Washington is a model for the world even
beyond the beauty of Paris. where the moral
character detiles all else. This is a model city
in all but Its legislation. which is not eoualed
for wrctchGdness. Look. he said. at the CITY
pOstofice. and to the Capitol spelled with an
o, turning its back on the other capital, spelled
Win an ~ Win reference 10 the general
topic, he described personal liberty as a circle.
bounded smoothly by the rights Of Others
man with equity IN his heart has a centripCdal
force that keeps him in his circle All law
Is founded on the principle adddced in a sign
which the mavor of Haverhill, Mass, posted
on the court house: Gentlemen Will not and
others must not, loaf on these steps, 1t is
the epitOme of all gOyernance. II comes down
to this proposition. regarding Sunday amuse-
mcnts. that gentlemen will not. and others
must not get their pleasure or their money on
Sunday by infringing on the rights of others.
He concluded his remarks by the statement
that the best Sabbath-keeping strip of country
hes between Wilmington. Del, and Mobile
Ala A. the close Of his address circulars were
distributed among the congregation containing
blanks for membership in the American Sabbath
union; admission 81. The money so raised is
to be used IN the District. Rev. Mr.. Crafts will
resiNe here this winter.