Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-01-31
SABBATH REFORMERs AT WORK
Addresses Made at the Session Of the
Convention Today.

1 CONVENTION lOOays
| OFFICERS Chosen AND ADDITIONS MADE TO THE
| DISTRICT coMMrrrEE-sPEAKERs WHO URGED
| THE NEED OF A SUNDAY Law IN THIS CITY
| THE BEFoRM PROPAGANDA
| The second session Of the Sabbath reform
convention was held at the Foundry NJ E.
church this morning at 10 o'clock. The intro
ductory service was conducted by Rev. J. G.
| Butler The session was devoted to o discus
sion of the best methods Of sabbath reform
work. This was participated in by Mr.. L. c.
| Inglis Of the Maryland Sabbath association,
Rev. Wilbur F. Crafts and Mrs. Mary E. Catlin
of the Sabbath observance department VIC
T.U.
Mr.. Crafts and Rev. George Elliot were ap-
pointed a committee to nominate seven addi-
| tional members Of the District committee.
They withdrew and the reading of the ad-
dresses was begun.
MRS. CATLIN's ADDRESS
The first speaker, Mrs. Catlin, in her address
said: at has long been evident that there 10
urgent need Of a Sunday law in this city. Our
department of the union has done what it could
to stop open violation of the Sabbath day, but
have found ourselves sadly hampered by lack
Oh legal aid In the matter. For instance, we
endeavored to put stop to Sunday work on
the 7th-street cable road, but when We went
before the Commissioners Of the District on the
matter we found that they had no authority.
We must appeal to law, educate and agitate
and do what we can for those whose condition
we are striving to ameliorate."
WHAT Is MEANT BY SABBATH REFORM
Mr.. Inglis said: 1T is important to under
stand what is meant by Sabbath reform. We
must know what was intended of the day by
Him who founded it. When we know His de-
sign we can know how far short our day falls of
His plan and intention. Although the Sabbath
was made for man he has no right to use it
other than it was intended ne should. Those
who mean well often do wrong For instance,
it Is said that the running of Sunday excursion
trains, which has become such an evil, was
begun at the request OF Christian peo-
pie in the suburban towns around Boston,
who desired to attend church in that city.
How little they understood to what an extent
that ill would grow. In this city, at recent
| meeting held in opposition to the passage Of
| the Sunday rest law one speaker said that it
would lead to the union of church and state
aud the giving over of our country to the rule of
priests. How absurd such a statement sounds.
We claim and believe that Congress has right to
make one day in the week day of rest for a
toil-worn people, even though it leave aside
the religious element of the question. Let US
agitate the matter. Let us lecture, preach and
scatter abroad the literature on the question
until we have gained this point, so vital for the
nations welfare"
METHODS OF SPREADING REFORM LITERATURE.
MIR Crafts said: Il am sure we could take q
lesson in energy and activity from our oppo-
nents. They have their literature scattered
broadcast over the land until we see their argu-
mentatlve papers In every house and family.
They have speakers everywhere arguing their
side OF the question and working personally
with people in authority. We have two methods
tow cork IN N ~, -, .,,ot
beginning to attract attention. This is the
syndicate system; advanced method it is
true. But there is no reason why reform
should travel by slow coach while vice goes by
fast mail. An association has been recently
formed to furnish syndicate matter. that is
papier mache columns for use in stereotyping,
to the press of the country. 1t will send
out bright condensed articles treating
OF various reforms which are to be
published by papers all over the land
and at the same time. This l think remark
ably valuable scheme, for it brings our side
plainly before the intelligent readers of our
country in clear, burning terms. The second
plan is the scattering of documents arguing for
Sunday laws. There are very few who even
know the law on the question in their own COM
munlty. have never yet met minister who
could tell me clearly the laws that held in his
own state. We are anxious to disseminate
knowledge on every branch of the question"
THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE.
The committee appointed for the purpose
reported the following additional names for
the District committee: Hon. A. NJ. Clapp, Mrs.
s. d. LaFetra, Rev. F. D. Power, DID,, Mr.. H.
B. Moulton, Rev. j. H. Elliott, Prof. Nelson
and Rev. DR.. Dashiell.
OFFICERS ELECTED.
The following officers were elected: Presi-
dent, Rev. DR.. Dasheill of Richmond; vice pres
idents, Mr.. L. c. Inglis of Baltimore, Rev. j.
II. Elliott Of Washington, Judge g. L. Gran
mer, Wheeling; Rev. p. H. Hoge North Car
olina; secretary and treasurer, Col Weston
Flint.
THE AFTERNOON SESSION.
At the afternoon session, held at o'clock.
Rev. Jas. Stacey, d. D., of Georgia, Rev. Mr..
Crafts and Rev. Sylvanus Stall took part in
discussion on The two war measures, Sunday
mails and Sunday trains-do we need them in
time of peace?'
Addresses were delivered by two representa-
tiyes Of the brotherhood of locomotive engi-
neers and by Mr.. M Dewey, formerly editor
OF United Labor. Short addresses on various
aspects Of Sabbath reform were made by Rev.
L. s. Hamlin. DID,, Rev. l.. W. Bates. ID. D..
| Georgetown, Mr.. l.. Edwin Dudley, secretary
National law and order league, and by volun-
teers.
The final session of the convention will be
| held at the same place this evening at 1870
O'Clock and it is probable the meeting will be
largely attended. The introductory service
will be conducted by Rev. II. H. Nailor D. u.
Addresses will be delivered by Rev. +. d.
Power, ID. d., Hon. Elijah A. Morse, member of
Congress from Massachusetts, Hon. c. p. Wick
ham of Ohio. Rev. w. A. Bartlett D. D. Com
missioner Douglass and others