Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1906-04-11
SUNDAY THEATER. CLOSING.

There appears TO he an indispositlon
on the part Of the city Council TO pass
the ordinance introduced by Mr., Wells,
providing for the closing Of theaters on
Sunday. From present appearances.
n IL probable that the measure viii be
defeated a number of the members
seem to think that sunday theaters, so
FAR from being improper, nre really
beneficial by providing places Of enter
tainment for people who might occupy
the time IN manner less conducive 10
public morals. We will not stop to
argue as TO whether those opinions are
bona iide. or are IN the nature Of sar-
casm. That does not matter very much.
The point If that the ordinance pro-
posed is unlikely to he enacted.
The Ministerial Association has taken
considerable Interest In this matter,
and It's members entertain very strong
opinions as to the evils resulting from
Sunday theatricals. They have petit
toned the council TO pass the ordinance
and they are backed by very large
proportion of the citizens, They offer
arguments from their side Of the quos-
ton that are vigorous and consistent,
if not convincing, The general sentI-
ment IN this city has always been on
the side Of quiet, orderly and. Christ
Ian Sabbath. Even persons Of very
liberal minds. who do not wish TO in
terfere with other peoples affairs nor
90 establish Puritanic sunday have
beer opposed TO the opening OF the the
nters on the fret day Of the week, and
their views have been EXPRESSED In
State statutes and city ordinances.
The opening OF two OF the theaters on
Sunday evening Is an innovation, and
while II may be oonsonant with west.
ern laxity and disregard of those re-
strictions that prevail IN the best East
ern towns and cities It Is not In har-
inony with the sentiment OF the ma
Jority of our population.
In view OF the likelihood of the re-
tection of the ordinance introduced by
Mr. Wells, we call attention to the
laws and ordinances as they appear
upon the books. II VIII BE- seen from
careful reading of those provisions,
that II there il a disposition TO close
up the theaters on sunday there are
ample means already IN the law to
accomplish that purpose First We will
quote from the Revised statutes Of
Utah Of 1895:
'Sec. s23i Every person who keeps
open on Sunday any store. workshop
bar saloon, banking house. or other
place OF business for the purpose of
sransactins business therein. Is puniall-
able by fine not less than Ave nor
more than one hundred dollars"
sec. 1886 The provisions ot the pre-
ceding section do not apply to persons
who, on sunday keep open hotels,
boardipghouses. baths, restaurants.
iaverns, livery stables. or retail drug
stores. for the Legitimate business Of
each. or such manufacturing establish
ments as are usually kept In continued
operation"
Sec. i2aS Every person who performs
any unnecessary labor. or does any an
necessary business ON Sunday, is guilty
OF misdemeanor. and shall be fined
tn any sum not exceeding s2j.
Sec. 4239 Labor performed by ON
ployes of such works ~ are usually
kept in constant operation and IN irrl-
eating is not included in the forego-
ing section"
These provisions Of State law may be
enforced by the prosecuting attorneys
and the sherlffs and their deputies In
the several counties OF Utah. They are
operative also IN the cities where no
similar regulations are established by
ordinance. In salt Lake, however the
ordinance on Mlsdemeanors cove.s the
ground completely. as follows
sec. 49,. II shall be unlawful FOR
any person go keep open on Sunday any
store Workshop, bar. saloon, banking
house or other place of business for
the purpose OF trausGcting business
therein. The foregoing provisions DC
not apply to persons who. on sunday
keep open hotels boa Lighthouses
baths, restaurants. livery stables or re-
tail candy. cigar or drug stores for The
legitimate business of each. or such
manufacturing establishments az ar,
usually kept in continual operation"
This is In accord with the State sta
tutes An exception is made however
of sunday sacred musical concerts, fol
which license must be obtained. tn,
Zee being i've dollars for each concer
given (See Soc. 3ali. There VIII be SOM
query as to the meaning of the wor,
business" It VIII probably Doe ar
gued that a place open for amuseman
IS not place for business. But tn
point Is not well taken when the
Rtrical manager throws upen theats
and charges an admission fee for IN
entertainment provided. h. Is certalnl
running his business. When per
former plays his or her part on n
stage for pay, that Is engaging in bus
'ness. II II IS 50 on any other day r
the week, Il "a SO on Sunday.
Webster defines the term as, IAN
particular occupation or employmer
for a livelihood or gain" also tina
which occupies the time. attention, q
labor Of one. az his principal concert
whether for a longer or shorter time,
II this does not apply to running
theater, or acting part In play b
one whose usual occupation Is that
an actor then lt has no applicatio
anywhere Further; exceptions to n
provisions Of tho law and ~ the OF
dlnance are named. and they imply Il
exclusion, as exceptions, OF those tn,
arc not mentioned. Therefore, any kir
Of business conducted on Sunday, NJ
specially excepted by the law. rs TO
hidden. and persons engaged there