The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-04-14

One striking feature of legislation has been
the enactment and attempted enactment of blue laws
Without discussing the practical side of enforcement of
such laws let look at the ethical side of this matter
First lest ourselves be accused Of fanaticsm, just
word or two about fanaticsm History to prove
that great accomplishments have resulted only from
what generally is called fanaticism," although the
results have not been fanatical.
The of ST Bartholomew did not produce either
nation OF Catholics or Hugenots produced events that
led to tolerance from each side of the great religious par
ties. Cromwells victory at Naseby did not long
tnued Puritan rule for England but did purfica
ton OF the state that despite later events is plainly notice
able today in British power The bloody of
Marat and Robesperre did not ages of gullotne
rule for France but more equitable distribution of rights
and privileges The surrender of Lee at AppomattoX did
not produce social equality with white for the negro,
but caused better socoogicalpotca condition for the
nation.
The evil of generally inferred with it's bones
it the good that lives after Fanacism in burns
OUT the good that achieved through fanatcism lives
The NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. of war or potcs-ls a cruclbe
that destroys the baser elements of All of which
is say that the present of legislation against mat
tiers most of to look personal prvi-
leges guaranteed by the principles upon which gov
ernment founded unquestonaby has it's merits its
and its good effects But carried to the extreme that it
will be- without the opposition its strength merits will
suffer longer than should before eliminate the
worthless part and enjoy the beneficial
1t is good thing to have day rest in 1t is
an ethical and economic calamity to close all places of
amusement on Sunday. Even theologicaly there is a
chance for an argument the Sunday question: but
that is another story This is merely plea for good
wholesome SUNDAY amusement, founded bellef that
Sunday amusemens of the proper sort of mmeasur
able value to people who no longer spend six days
week in hard, physical out-of- doors pursuits
This is not argument against Sunday spent at
church, but that side already is we'll defended and
gressve, there necessity here for unfolding it. It is
the other side-which is evaded by most newspapers
that we defend
One contention of the champions of strict Sunday OBJ
is that the Sunday amusement is the ally of the
saloon The Sunday amusement is the foe not the friend
of the saloon. 1t is equally the foe of the liquor traffic
eliminating the saloon. Few sit down and systemat
caly befudde themselves if they have day Of
outdoor recreation other hygenic amusement The de-
sire to keep himself in condition for the Sunday ball game
between two shop teams has kept many young from
too much drinking, too much smoking, too many late
hours.
The workingman who likes to take his family to al
amusement place Sunday isn't liable to be sleeping of
the Saturday night effects all day Sunday His desire fol
Sunday amusement should be encouragement frowned
upon.
There is plenty of time Sunday for both sermon
and baseball game.