The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-05-07

pret that the general prevalence OF
harmful amusements does not dimin-
ish. We still firmly hold that they are
'antagonistic to vital plety' proHiotive
of worldliness and especially pernlelous
TO youth - We recommend not
that paragraph 24S be stricken out,
but that it be amended by striking
out the confessedly partlal nst Oh
worldly amusements found therein, be-
ginning with the last word IN tns
eighth line and ending with the word
'oiher' in the eleventh line. which We're
inserted in 1872, leaving as the ground
for church trial in case such trial be-
comes necessary that portion OF the
paragraph reading: Taking such
amusements as are obviously of mis-
leading or questionable moral tendency
as disobedience to the order ana dls-
cipIine of the church, and especially
our original rule to taking such diver
siors as can not be used in the name
of the Lord Jesus Grave injustice
will be done if this recommendation is
interpreted as an abandonment of our
early opposition to worldly amusement.
Indeed it is a return to the principles
and to the exact words furnished by
John Wesley"
In the course of a discussion of civic
righteousness the address says:
I'VE say clearly that within the next
generation there are to be great social
changes. The influence Of wealth on
political life and measures is to grow
less whether it be in the hands of in
dividuals or corporations. The working
men are to have more power, the ldlerS
less. With restless and 1conoclastlc
future before us, we must both lead
and restrain by religious forces. The
social philosopher and the sociologist
can detect injustices and wrongs, but
he can never create the desire to rem
edy the wrongs which are the issue OF
greed.
Satisfaction is expressed that there
has been prevented the re-establish-
ment of the canteen and the fouling
again of the nations hand by direct
participation in the sale OF liquor.
As to Divorce.
1.-THE consecutive polygamy permit
ted by the divorce laws of some of our
states is a disgrace to our country. 1t
continues to undermine family life and
to break up into helpless and warning
factions that which God means snail
be unit. We greatly rejoice that the
ened on this subject and that the de-
mand for uniform divorce laws IN
creaSeS.
AS to Mormonism the bishops de-
clare:
1--WE believe from the best evidence
we can obtain that the polygamous
practices of the past are still found in
the states and territories occupied In
part by representatives OF the Mormon
body In several states they have such
political strength and furnish such
sympathetic juries that the law against
such polygamous practices can not be
executed We believe that as in di-
vorce these must be brought within
the scope of national legislation be
fore the evils can be reached with suf-
ficient vigor to punish them as they
deserve. We trust, therefore, you Will
consider whether it is not wise for
you to advocate some constitutional
amendment, which will make polygamy
and polygamous practices a crime
against the United States"
In the section devoted to child Ia
Dor the address says:
"In the name of Jesus Christ we
protest against the sacrifice of child
hood on the altar of mammon,
the greed of proprietors. We demand
from legislators such laws as will, in
| securing freedom to children from ex-
| hausting toll, contribute to the
| vitality. the growth and the moral
power and moral sense of all youth
| full employees"
The bishops have something to say
| as to workingmen and the church and
also to trade unions, part being as
| follows:
For those who labor with their
| hands and whose reward is a wage
| the church has great sympathy. We
| hold the right of those workingmen
who desire to do so to form labor
unions for the advancement of their
| interests as we hold the right of in
dividual laborers, who prefer to do So
to seek the control of their own Ia
Dor. The church and the trades
| unions should seek each others help
| for the uplift of mankind. The
| church can not refuse it's help and
| countenance to any one who pro-
fesses to accept it's principles and to
seek a better life, be he either capital
ist or laborer No where in the world
does wealth manifest tits obligation to
| contribute to the public welfare as
| in the United States
The reading of the address fire.
quently was interrupted by applause
as the venerable bishops voice reach
ment. When he read it's scathing de-
nunciation of the liquor traffic he
| called upon the delegates to rise here,
now and with the bishops pledge
eternal enmity to this foe of MAJ
and Cod the entire assemblage
sprang to it's feet, uttering cheer af-
ter cheer. One of the delegates start
ed to sing America The great
throng caught up the hymn and the
hall resounded with it's strains. AS
the last refrain ceased some one be-
gan the hymn "Glory, Glory, Hallelu-
jah, Our God Is Marching On" This
new outlet for the enthusiasm which
seemed to grow was seized upon and
to the tune of John Browns Body" /"
the verse was repeated several times.
Tremendous handclapping greete2
the announcement of the position OF
the bishops on the subject of amuse-
ments.
Reports of the various boards and
the special commission appointed by
the last general conference were then