The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-02-03
SACRED TO THE HEROES.
BIZ PASSES 10 Prohibit Memorial Day
DegecrntiOn

Dissertation.
Senator Frenchs bill to prevent the
dissertation Of Memorial Gay passed the
senate yeSterday-after a fashion. That
Is to say. when it passed it was chang
ed so its father would hardly recognize
his child. The judiciary committee cut
two hours Of the time limit in the first
place, the senate took another slash
at the time, and then limited its oper-
alton to certain circumscribed bits of
territory. This is where the question
arises as to the force Of the law as
passed.
It provides for the closing Of saloons
and the prohibition of all kinds of ath-
letic sports and other games Within
half mile of any public observance Of
Memorial day between certain hours
This puts it within the power of the
temperance people to institute q series
Of meetings to oStensibly observe Me-
moral day, but in fact to so locate
them that they can for the time being
close every saloon in the state. The
contention will be made however that
this is not so much to be feared as the
danger Of malicious parties using the
measure to infliCt temporary annoyance
on individuals who chance to be en-
gagged in operating base ball games,
bicycle races, saloons, or other affairs
covered by the law.
bill, comes from Redwood Falls.
where the services in the cemetery
are annually interrupted and distract
ed by the races in the track which ad-
joins one side Of the graveyard. The
Judiciary committee recommended the
bill to pass as amended.
Senator Iltis led the fight on the bill.
He said it was a violation of that
liberty fer which the soldiers fought
for whose graves the day had been
established.
Senator Thompson thought the bill
was an abridgment Of liberty.
Senator Greer thought the bill was
worthy. Certain classes had destroyed
the observance of the day in some To-
calities by their molestation Of the
sacred services. The bill only applied
to the hours from 10 a. m. to Q M
There was reasonable time left then
for athletic sports.
Senator SperTy said the bill was one
Of the most worthy, in his opinion, that
the senate would be called upon to
consider.
Senator Roverud thought the mothers
of this country could teach patriotism
without this law.
Senator Ringdal thought the bill was
beyond the power Of the legislature to
pass. 1t was a revival Of old "blue
laws" It's effect would be reactionary
punishment of unintentiOnal transgres-
sOrs as a satisfaction for the personal
hatreds Of others.
Senator Hits thought the golden rule
should be remembered, and he did not
wink at Senator Theden either.
Senator Stevens moved to amend to
make the law applicable only within
One-fOurth of a mile Of cemeteries or
other places where the patriotic obser-
VanceS are in progress.
Senator Johnson moved to strike out
4 o'clock and insert 8. This was
adopted, and Senator Sperry moved to
amend the Stevens amendment, making
the inhibition one mile. Mr. Stevens
accepted the amendment.
Senator POttg1eser thought a mile
was too far. He moved to make it
one-half mile. It closed up the saloons
within such limits. This amendment
was finally adopted.
Senator ROVerud moved to change 10
g. m. to II. Lost.
The committee then voted to recon-
mend the amended bill to pass.