Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-12-15
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An American Sabbath Union Mass Meet
ing In CHICAGO Turns Down Resolu-
tlon to Close the Worlds Fair on sun
day.
CHICAGO, December 14.-The Ameri-
can Sabbath Union suffered defeat
last night at one or its meetings which
40 surprised the leaders present that the
Incident was a Veritable sensation. IL
was an unexpected blow, ana the more
yrieyous because IL was administered
by one of the most Ssbbatharian OF
Christian denominations. Arrange
ments were made for four mass meet
lngs throughout the city last night
10 forward the movement. one
Of the meetings was held at
The NJ. z. Church, South Park avenue
and Thirty-third street. 1t was small
mass meeting, but everything went on
smoothly for a time and the american
Sabbath" had everything its own way.
Or. II. II. George, a leader in the move
ment, Mr.. Lock and others advocated
the closing the Worlds Fair on Sunday,
and vigorously denounced the efforts OF
the directors and Of the Mayor and City
Council to have Congress repeal the
closing act These speeches were
warmly approved by frequent "AmenS"
aDd applause. No one looked for any
opposition, to long set or resolutions
which were read condemning the efforts
being made for an open Fair on Sun
day.
When the reading was concluded,
Rev. II. n. Axtell put the question to
vote. To his surprise, the "ayes and
nays" seemed equal. The chairman
then said that a rising vote would seem
to be in order, and be requested all in
favor Of the resolution to stand up. The
Secretary counted thirty on their feet.
"All opposed will arise"
The rest Of the audience, with the eX-
ceDtlon Of four, who seemed to have no
opinions on the matter, stood up, and
the secretary, looking astounded at the
evident majority, paid little attention to
counting heads and declared there were
at least thirty-fve against the resolu-
tions, and what seemed strangest was
that many Of them were women. After
n moment OF wonder, the chairman said
he would like 70 have some explanation
OF the action Of the majority.
Rev. A. d. Jones, editor Of the Ameri-
can Sentinel, of New York, the
organ OF the Seventh Day Ad
yantiSts, stood up and, despite Interrupt
tions and questions, made long and
aggressive speech. Personally, he said,
he would not turn over his hand to de-
termine whether the Fair should be
opened or closed on Sunday, but he
- -
it condemns the effort to have the Fair
opened on theological grounds, and be-
cause Congress had no right in the first
place to say whether itshould be opened !
or closed. The action was uncOnstitu-
tiOnal because no power on the subject |
Of religion had been delegated to Con- !
gress. The fourth commandment, !
he said, had been sent up for read !
ing by Senator Quay as reason
for the passage of the act and |
Senator PETER was right when he said |
the Senate was engaged In a religious
discussion as TO whether the first or the |
seventh days should be observed as
Sunday. In answer to questions, he
said the employment Of chaplains in
Congress and in the army was uncOnsti-
tutiOnal, and that the United States
Congress could not in any way establish
or legalize 3 Sunday law.
Then you are an infdel."
mo, sir; I am a Christian. God never
gave his pledge in favor of Sunday.
he always said the seventh day was
Sabbath, and when you say he meant
the first day, where is your respect for
the law OF Gud@''
Mr. Stowe, Mr.. Locke, DR.. George
and others replied to him. and the Rev.
Mr.. Jones came back with UVl.~- oruu-
mentS.