The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-02-07
acknowledgements Laws.


Sunday-Observance Laws.
Massachusetts is considering the advis-
ability of amending her Sunday-observ-
ance law, md special committee Of
the Legislature is soon 10 report a
bill
The present law uses tho phrase
works OF necessity and charity" IN spcci-
flying certain exceptions The committee
has changed It to read necessity or
charity the courts In some cases hav-
ing so construed It.
According to the newspaper reports
the committee are divided, wholly and
only, on the question OF public anuse-
ments exhibitions, etc, including Sunday
concerts. a majority OF the commit
tee are in favor of and will report
bill allowing only concerts OF sacred
aud classical music, and entertainments
given BY public authorities. and lec-
lures.
:: A minority of the committee will re-
port a bill allowing the Metropolitan
Park Commissioners to grant licenses to
theatrical exhibitions public shows, pub
lie amusements to which admission is
charged, on Sundays, In the metropolitan
Park reservation district and within two
thousand feet thereof, Outside Of the
park reservations and the 1000 feet
adjacent the minority bill will give the
power OF licensing such entertainments
tn ,it 10 %ho
and Aldermen, and in towns to the Sc
lectmen.
In the minority bill. practically the only
change in tho existing laws will be to
strike out absolutely anything which re-
lates to charity or religion SO far as the
disposition Of a part Of tho proceeds Of
these shows is concerned. The minority
believe that tho greatest hypocrisy has
prevailed under the existing law. This
provides that whoever, on the Lords
| Day, is present at q game, sport, play
or public diversion. except concert of
| sacred music, or al entertainment given
in good faith by a religious or charitable
society in aid of charitable or religious
purpose, the entire proceeds of which,
/ II any, less only the necessary. and rea-
sonable expenses, not to exceed twenty
five per cent. of suc, proceeds. are to
be devoted exclusively to o religious or
charitable purpose, shall be punished by
a fine of not more than IS for each Of
! Tense"
Any change in the interest of honesty
and whose design is to check hypocrisy
is worthy of commentator.
The most interesting part of tho re-
port is the local-option feature. The COM
mittee believe that there are sometimes
occasions for doing certain work which
might not under strict construction
: of the law, be termed works Of necea-
] sity or charity" So .hcy have agreed
, to report a bill that the police commits:
, sioner in cities having such an official
r or officials, the chief of police or city
marshal of other cities. and the select
c lncnt Of towns, on such terms and con-.
s dtions as they think nt having In view
5 the proper observance OF the day, may
q by written certificate, permit the doing
r of such works on Sunday as they deem
Il that the necessities of the public or til,
+, persons for whom the work Is dono re
"a qu!re, and they may ut any time re
yoke such permit. Said certificate shall
set forth that in the opinion of sucl
licensing authority. the said work Is on
Of necessity Or charity, or Ia q work O
act necdtul for the good health, safet,
= and comfort Of the community. Said Ger
t,ticate shall be prlma fac!e cvi
~ dence that such work is on
y of necessity or chaTlty until the su
'e preme Court of Massachusetts shall hav
: passed upon said question, and, until sal
~ decision, shall be conclusive evidence thu
y said work IS ono Of necessity or Chart,
as protecting the holder thereof frol
IN any penalty for violating the law; an,
G. after such decision. said certificate sha
q not afford the holder any protection frol
es illegal acts.
is This gives a certain discretion to II
n executive officers which Is necessary
IL the successful administration OF any Su,
Vi day-observance law without making
ID. work hardship in some deserving case
e. We should like to see it adopted
,st Virginia.