The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-03-05
SUNDAY Law STANDS
The OdiOus Owings Bill Soon
Laid on the Shelf.
PASSAGE OF RAILROAD BILL.
Il Awaits the Governsr's otgnaeare-
Pretsctisa Of Oystsrmen-1hs Nor
NAL scheol BIZ

OLYMPIA, March 41special The Owings
anti-Sunday bill was indefinitely postponed BY
the Senate today, after one Of the most spirited
debates Of the session. The bill had been made
special order for today at 3 oclook, ana when
that hour arrived an immense crowd Was present
in the lobby. when the special order was an
nounced Senator Dyer promptly moved to In
definitely postpone.
Senator Kneeland objected, making lengthy
speech on Sunday laws in general, declaring
that Sunday ID not state institution and thatt
II entitled to no more consideration and pro-
lection than Saturday or Monday. The senator
was, however, In favor of making Sunday legal
holiday. The bill under discussion had nothing
in it to give saloons or gambling houses wider
berth or power. ~ hope to live TO zee the day."
said the speaker, "when we shall be free from
any dogmas or faiths contrary to our convic-
tons"
Thompson of walla wslla desired to 10 down
to history in favor of this bill, and he spoke for
1t ct some length. Dyer was ready to go on rec
ord, not in the interest OF any sect, but In the
cause of morality, and Senator Parkinson Joined
him in an eloquent speech In opposition, de-
claring that everything which tends to weaken
the moral tone Of the government weakens that
government.
Senator Owings then arose to defend his bill,
saying that this measure had already been preju-
diced, and he fairly expected its defeat. II had
been the object Of many fntemperate and vicious
attacks, but he would try to present the bill on
Its merits, free from passion or vituperation.
The senator then attacked the weakness
OF the present law, which does
1t Is one thing to pass laws, and
another to enforce them. It ID impossible to en-
force any statute where public opinion is not In
accordance with the Law. The liquor interest
does not want the present Law disturbed, be-
cause 1t suits their purposes and their business.
4 "a *
1t Is at present. except that 1t leaves incorporated
cities to enforce that observance OF the "Sab-
bath" As it is now, the city authorities tell you
to go to the state authorities about the matter,
and vice versa - and nothing is done.
The bill places the responsibility In one
place. Can anyone explain why cities which
regulate their light and water. their fire
department and police, in short everything else,
do not control the observance of the ''sabbath?'
Is it because you dare not trust the people living
In the incorporated towns of the state? Are
not the local officers better equipped to enforce
local laws than the county or district officers?
The speakers conclusion was as follows: Now,
If it is necessary to enforce the DEGREES Of the
Creator OF the universe, ii 1t IL necessary that
United states-a mere speck on this globe-ifi It
IL necessary for these 10000 people out Of 1000,
10000 on this globe, which 10 only speck float
mighty system Of the universe, to place 3
law on its statute book to enforce the
DEGREES OF Him who raised the dead and
cast out devils; who set aside the law of gravita-
ton and parted the waters of the Red sea and
let the tribe of Israel through and held the wa
tiers until Pharaoh and his mighty hosts were
swallowed up; of Him who commanded the
elements and Numbered forth the law from
Mount Sinai, and suspended the movements Of
the whole solar system that Joshua might lead
his chosen people TO yictory-I say, II 1t il neces
sary for US to pass Law to enforce that decree
which declared, Remember the Sabbath day to
keep it holy" let US pass an honest law. Let M
not indulge In delusion and snare. Let as
place this power in the hands of one set of ON
GERS who can enforce it.
Claypool Of Pierce regretted that he was COM
PEELED by the sentiment Of his constituents 70
vote against this bill, bat more useless law
than the present was never on the statute books.
Van de Vanter said that the committee had
recommended indefinite postponement because
there were 1900 petitioners against and num-
Der for the bill.
Kinnear opposed the bill from . legal stand
point, and Eshelman because he was Demo
crat
The motion to postpone indefinitely was then
carried by the following vote: