The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-11-29
FOR HALF
HOLIDAY
SATURDAY

Last evening some labor leaders of the
city, comprising a committee appointed
from the two leading bodies among the
labor unions Of the city met In confer
ence with a committee from the clergy
men of the city at the residence Of Bishop
William n. McVickar and a general in
formal discussion OF the proper observ-
ance OF Sunday was held. Among the
gentlemen assembled were Rev. Bishop
McVickar, Dr. Charles NJ. Meldea and
Rev. a. u. Cristy on the committee from
the clergy, and Messrs. Thomas +. Kear-
ney, r. A. Ripley, James Coleman, George
r.. Brown and George f. Brady.
Some time ago there was a meeting Of
the clergymen for the purpose of dis
cussing the best ways and means for mi
uating n proper observance OF Sunday
throughout the state, at which tim a
committee was appointed 90 take charge
OF the drafting of plans.
This committee thought to meet the
labor people OF the city and draw from
them their views upon the subject and
a subcommittee was appointed to meet
with them and discuss the plans.
That committee met last evening and
the two bodies exchanged views. with the
result that some definite plans are now
afoot.
The union men were asked 10 give their
views OF the observance OF Sunday. and
IT was found that they were all opposed
10 Sunday work and had been advocating
for a long time the abolition OF all work
on that day, with so much success that
at present all, or nearly all the unions
had made arrangements with their en-
ployers such that all Sunday work was
either abolished or the pay for the same
was doubled. This had been found to nave
the effect desired generally.
Having discussed that feature OF the
work the committee then discussed plans
for the proper observance Of Sunday and
three measures were advocated. which
will be presented TO tho committee OF
clergy at their next meeting, when some
definite stand will be taken as 20 how 10
secure them.
SATURDAY HALF-HOLIDAY.
The first Of these was that there should
be a movement on the part of the clergy
and the workmen throughout the state
for a general Saturday afternoon holiday.
I'm man OF the unions this is really an
assured fact. among these enjoying that
half-holiday being the plumbers, oarpent-
ers, partially. and the painters also, IN
part.
A number Of the other unions advocat-
ing the half-holiday nave not been wholly
successful In securing IL from the en-
ployers.
A second plan wa sto advocate the es-
adjustment of parks nearer the homes Of
the working people. where, with their
families. they might have the benefit OF
the outdoor air without the crowded car
rides TO the country and the outer dis
tricts. These parks 20 be without the
demoralizirg influences such as obtain
at present wherever the recreation parks
gre In use at the present time.
One portion OF the park plan was to
have the city or state purchase one Of
the shore resorts n conduct Il along
moral lines IN contrast with the method
with which these places are conducted
during the summer seasons.
one of the duties Of the committee. as
stated by Bishop McVickar. will he to Sc
cure the cooperation OF the Roman Catho-
lie church in the plans, and he said that
n conference would shortly be held with
Bishop Harkins looking forward to the
same. After all the Investigations have
been made the general committee OF the
clergy will meet and take up the matter
with 1.-THE proper authorities ~ the state
or city and urge such adoptions as will
be recommended.
After 1880 O'Clock last evening. and all
the plans had been discussed. the confer
euce adjourned.