The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-01

an election, and no definite opinion has yet
been given justlfying such step. If the cleo
ton is held there may be some question as to
the legality OF asking the City to pay the bill,
while other and very serious obstacles are
likely to arise which may considerably en-
barrass the whole movement.
A cursory resume OF the history of Sunday
closing in Oakland shows first, strong, favor
able public sentiment. Surely no Council
could make very serious mistake in voting
for an ordinance supported so unanimously by
the best citizens OF this city.
Second, that some of the members of the
Council have fallen far below their pledge of
the Wednesday night hearing before the COM
mittee of the whole Why did they recommend
the ordinance if they did not intend to stand
by it?
Council which is controlling some of its men,
bers. Why this change of front? Why these
deliberate attempts to escape the original
proposition OF Sunday closing? Why this ap-
parent jockeying with the public wish? 1t is
hardly within the scope of this paper to inquire
into the motives of men and to name the in
huence upon the minds of several Council
men. We are inclined to think struggle is
going on between private business and public
duty and there is no doubt that such need not
only our sympathy but our practical support.
The knife of the boycott is at work. When
man assumes the responsibility OF public
servant he must count the cost We do not
impugn the temperance sentiments of these
men who are caught between the upper and
neither millstones. But it is clear that they
are the victims of some influence which may
tions.
The situation in brief is this: The original
ordinance after suffering decided change, is
in the hands of the Judiciary Committee. The
Council recommended in its place a vote of the
people in special election, which may or may
not be legally held, and which, if held, is at
tended by many possible difficulties.
The California Protective Association mean
while is smiling. The saloons are not dis
pleased with the present attitude of the Coun-
ell, and the anti-saloon people are preparing
for great demonstration in the Tabernacle on
Sunday night
The temperance people have not asked for
prohibition, bull that the saloons be closed one
day in seven. They have not attempted
neither do they expect, to regulate private
drinking by law. They are asking for Sunday
closing on the grounds of social justice. They
have right to expect a fulfilment of the
pledge made by the committee of the whole
sealed by their votes in the presence of the as
sembled multitude in the Council chamber.
proposition provided the election be legal and
without subterfuge. We hope to see our Coun-
cilmen stand for the right, for the people and
for mutual self-respect. Also, the people who
believe in the ordinance in question are
earnestly urged to assemble in the Tabernacle
on Sunday, to participate in another
demonstration calculated to exhibit the
opinion of the people and prove the strength
and scope of the sentiment against the Sunday
saloon.
A number OF prominent speakers on tenn
perance will address the mass-meeting
mentioned and monster petition to the
City Council Will be prepared.