The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-03-18
SUNDAY RECREATION.

"Blackstone in his Commentaries says:
"A corruption of public NOR lis usually fol-
lows a PROCLAMATION of the Sabbath, and the
student of history will be able to lind
abundant illustration in proof of the asser-
ton. In rr93, when the French Assembly
decrced the abolition ofthe weekly Sabbath.
and appointed one day in ten as a day or
rest. we witness period Of national frenzy
during which the women Of France became
so degraded that they were accustomedt TO
take their needlework and sit to witness the
executions as a. morning pastilne. When
the influence Of England among the nations
was ut its lowest ebb, the Sabbath was dis
honored and desecrated by the publication
of the Book of Sports for Sunday reyelries.:
"The specious plea of those who would
have our museums, galleries, news rooms,
public libraries, concert halls and eIhiDl-
tjons opeN on Sunday, il that it would re-
suit in drawing the people away from the
public house and dcmoraliZlng pursuits.
But this is no argument for deprlVlng the
thousands Of persons employed at these IN
stitutions of their day of rest. They, like
the rest of the community. are entitled to
the privilege Of one day $ rest in seven, in
which to build up and recruit their physical
and mental energies. The people who fire.
olleut public houses on Sunday are, more
over, not the class Of people who are thirst
ing for opportunities to spend their leisure
in museums and galleries"
There are numberless ways in which the
irreligious sections of society can provide
recreation for enjoyment In there own
homes. There are books and newspapers
for the tired toller, the society of his wife
and children, friends and acquaIntances with
whom be can spend the day There is no
need to be contrving schemes for attracting
rcOplc from their homes; what Is wanted IS
that men as well rs women be induced to
take a deeper interest i'll their homes 10
keep them clean, and make them attractive
and bright. AS, Dr. Guthrie says: The
whole tendency Of the habit Of visiting
theatres, gardens, singing ana dancing
saloons, and above all cafes, Is to weaken
family relations, to, blight the d0mGstlc
virtues. to loosen the marriage ties, anu py
mutual neglect to. promote mutual aleha-
ton"
Again, nothing can he more delusive
than the supposition that the cry for the
opening OF museums on Sundays comes
from the working people. They do Lot
want it; they value Sunday Is day OF rest,
and have common sense enough to perceive
that open museums and galleries, and libra
ries. OH Sundays means Sunday labor Tor the
labor classes. There is no mistake about
this Trades Union Congresses have voted
and wcrkngnen' 5 representatives IN ara out
of Parliament have spoken upon the mat
ter, and all are opposed to opening public
places Of amusement on Sunday.
"The Lords day is one of the greatest
be0nS ever given TO man 1t Is absolutely
necessary for his physical health, and to ell.
able him to rccuperate firm the wear and
tear of six days work. The Sunday opening
Of museums means the destruction of Sun
.lay rs day Of re t to numbers. Sunday
opening means Sunday labor; it means the
secularzation Of the Sabbath. Let the Gov
,rnment >et The example of SUNDAY opening
and there will be no possibility of keeping
private entertainments and exhibitions
closed"