St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-04-14
RELIGION IN The SCHOOLS.
A Religious Liberty Apostle Talks
of Conscience LEGISLATION.


ssSince the decision rendered by the
supreme court of Wisconsin excluding
the Bible from the public schools of
that state" said local member of the
National Religious Liberty association.
numerous articles have appeared.
Some of these are in harmony with the
decision rendered, while many take
different standpoint. eager to be cham
pions in the interest of religion, and
1amenting the absence of the Bible
from the public school. These look to
the government as patrlarchal inStltu-
ton, as though the schools ought to
teach their children what is called the
fundamental principles OF the Christian
religion, forgetting that this is a pre-
negative and duty belonging TO parents
and church schools. With bul.dreds of
different beliefs all based Oh the Bible.
how can there be any fundamental prin-
ciples of Christian religion that will
be acceptable to all? Even could
this be determined, what right
have the Christian people to
teach the children of urbeiievers
or of Jews.a religion that their parents
do not want to have them taught. AS
citizens they are entitled to exactly the
same consideration from the civil gov
eminent as the professed Christian.
The government OF the people and for
the people should give equal and exact
Justice to all. The idea that this is a
Christian nation, and that the govern
ment should be promoter OF, this re-
iigion. has taken the form of proposed
religious legislation. Senator Blair has
introduced a Sunday rest bill and an
EDUCATIONAL amendment, and in the
same line is the Breckenridge bill, pro-
hibjting work on the first day of the
week, The promoters of such features
may deny the religious character, but
theySanday rest bill in eNempting such
who religiously observe any other day,
aisproves their statements. When
the. civil power commences to leg
iSlate i'm matters pertaining to con-
science there is danger OF further
and more oppressive legislation, as
clearly demonstrated in the persecution
of the dark ages, and even i'll our OWN
enlightened age. There are not many
who believe that such scenes of perse-
eutien i'm the name of religion could
be re-enaeted at the present time.
Still. that the same intoler-
ant spirit is not eradicated from
the system of the nation, is wildly
brought to light by the proceeding of a
case tried in the March term of the cir
cult court at Troy, Tenn. A man named
King. who is a Seventh day observer,
was Indicted for Sunday work, consist
ing Of blowing in his field. He was con
Victed by witnesses who testified. Oh
cross-exanlinaiion that they themselves
were out on business at the same time;
that they were annoyed in their re.
ligious feelings, because he had plowed
the first day in the week; that they were
not favorable to his religious views.
The defendant offered to prove that
others who made no pretension to keep
any other day than Sunday cut wheat
with self-binder. RATED logs, and did
other work with no attempt OF proSecu-
ton: this was not allowed by the court.
The resuitof this trial shows clearly the
danger of intrusting to men the power
OF religious legislation. The remedy for
such evils is to keep the state and
church forever separate. in accordance
with the constitution OF our country. the
best. the most noble, and the grandeSt
ever in existence"