The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-09-22

lous society, or any Institution, society or uIl-
dertak1ng, which is wholly, or in part, under
sectar1an or ecclesiastical control
1t had been hoped that the committees
would have reported with celebrity. Both
committees gave the league hearing and
were addressed in its behalf by Hon.
William Allen Butler, Hon. Charles Ly-
man and DR.. James NJ. King. But whether
the power of the church was too great, or
the fear of the politicians too general, no
report came from either committee.
Yet it is agreed that no other PROPOSE
ton, except those of the anti-slavery
agitation, ever went before Congress
backed by such an array of petitioners.
Three hundred thousand citizens, voters
in mostof the States of the Union; men
of standing in their communities and
whose names represent worth, courage,
conviction and American patriotism,
stood behind the petition and prayed for
the submission of the amendment.
Among these petitioners no party, no
religion was known. Republican and
Democrat, Protestant and Catholic, Jew
and Gentle, Conformist and Liberal, the
Agnostic and the Calvinist, stood on
toe line abreast for the amendment and
gave to it their signatures in petition.
Governors, the Vice. President, educators,
men distinguished in letters, art. poetry,
mechanics. commerce, arms, science,
politics, invention, agriculture and
finance stood in the ranks. Some Of the
most illustrious of our scholars, clergy,
lawyers. physicians and statesmen gave
it not only their names, but letters o.
warm Endorsement.
1t would be supposed that such petit
tons would have commanded some re-
Spouse. But they did not. That they
will, however, is assumed. It cannot be
that the National Legislature will refuse
to consider the question that one Presi-
dent submitted by special message, that
two others Endorsed, that Secretaries Of
State have advised, that Governors and
statesmen, patriots and lovers of free
dom by the hundred thousand demand
shall be given a hearing in the national
forum.
However, the league is not one whit
discouraged; it is more deterninedly re-
solved than ever to secure constitutional
and legislative safeguards for the protec-
ton Of the common school system and
other American institutions and to pro-
mote public instruction in harmony with
rian or denominational appropriations of
public funds. Within a year the league
has secured about 200 local Secretaries at
the centers of population in the various
States; two national conventions have
adopted the principles of the league
| practically and pledged the co-opera-
| ton of 100000 voters thereby,
The league has secured the enforcement
| of the Church Bureau of Indian Missions
from the National Government; it has
| adjusted its lines for the reintroduction
of the proposed amendment in the COM
| ing Congress; it secured the defeat of the
freedom of worship bill in the New
York Legislature, but the measure was
introduced anew in 1892 and passed, but
with many of its most offensive features
stripped off, owing to the labors and pro-
| tests of the league.
The league has won decided victory
/ in inducing the Territory Of Arizona to
incorporate the proposed amendment in
| the Constitution it offers with its petition
for admission to the Union. Some 100,-
600 more names have been added to the
petitions to Congress, the active assist
ance of the most influential newspapers
and magazines in the nation has been en-
listed with the league, and its officers
| have delivered scores of lectures upon its
purposes in various sections ofthe nation.
So that all in all the league has every
reason for encouragement, and to feel
warranted in opening the battle anew be-
fore the next Congress.