The evening times., 1896-03-06

misunderstanding as to the time when
the House District Committee would give
hearing on the bill yesterday introduced
by Mr.. wellington for a day Of rest and
worship in the District. neccssitated a linn
itatiOn of argument by those interested in
the measure.
large delegation, representing the
Womans Sabbath Alliance, was present,
among them being Miss Morton, president.
and Mrs. Teunis s. Hamlin, first vice presi-
dent OF the organizations; Mrs. Secretary
Hoke Smith. Mrs. Postmaster General Will
son. Mrs. Senator Culiom, Mrs. Senator
Teller, Mrs. Dr. Better. Mrs. DR.. Childs and
Mrs. Taber johnson. secretary. WILDER F..
Crofts, representing the National Bureau Of
Reformers. and Rev. DR.. Elliott were also
present.
Brief but forcible arguments were made
by Mrs. Hamiin, Mrs. W. F. Cox OF New
Jersey, DR.. Elliott, and Mr.. Crofts.
TEXT OF THE BILL.
The bill under discussion differs mate
rally from those that have heretofore
been introduced, and is as follows:
THAT it shan not be lawful for any per-
son to keep open any place OF business nor
or articles of profit during Sunday, ex-
cepting apothecaries, for he dispensing of
medicines, ard undertakers. for the pur-
pose of providing for the dead. or others
for the purposes OF charity or necessity;
nor shall any public playing of foot
ball or baseball or any other
kind of playing. sports. pastimes.
or diversions disturbing the peace and quiet
OF the day be practiced by any person orper
sons within the District of Columbia on Sun
day; nor shall any building operations or
work uDnn railroad construction or other
labor, except works Of necessity and mercy.
be permitted upon said day; and for any
violation of this act the person offending
shall, for each offensc. be liable To- fine
of not less than So nor more than $50,
and in the case of corporations there shall
be a like fine for every person employed
In violation Of this act laid upon the corpora
ton offending.
IL shall be sufficient defense to a
prosecution for servile labor on the first
day of the week that the defenda Mt uni
formly keeps another day of the week as
holy time and does not labor upon that day,
and that the labor complained of was done
in such manner as not to interrupt or
disturb other persons in observing the first
day OF the week as day OF rest and worship.
ANOTHER HEARING PROBABLE.
Owing to the misunderstan nding in re-
gard to the hearing and the consequent
brevity of time, 1t is expected the commit
tee viii be asked to hear additional argu-
ment before reaching a conclusion.
The four speakers today were strongly
in favor OF the bill and none spoke in oppo-
sition to It,
The House District Committee, in ex-
ecutive session today. directed favorable
reports to be made on the following bills:
To provide for the care and cure Of
hebriates in the District, With an amend
rnent extending the benefit of the hospital
to those who are the victims Of the opium,
cccoaine and other similar habits. The
Of the hospital will be required
to give bond of $4,000 for the faithful
performance of his duties.
Requiring bills OF sale, conditional sales,
ges, or deeds of trust OF chattels
in the District to be recorded.