The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-09-08

tanning Sunday as a holy day is the heritage Of
the American people i is gift to the present
from the founders OF this republic It is In har-
mony with the strong and deep religious spirit
and principles upon which this nation is estab.
llshed Under our laws men from other lands
may come to our shores in quest Of larger OPP
portuuity. but having come. maintain that
they should respect the spirit Of this land and
observe It's laws. And we maintain further that
citizens Of this republic have the original and
iualienabie right TO resist any assault Of aliens
upon the ideals and faith and principles that
have inhabited the hearts of our people through
the years Of their history
Upon the other side of the question there 10
hopeful meaning In the recent order OF secre-
tary Meyer. Of the navy demanding str,cte,
Observance of sunday lie demands that sun.
day inspection af ship and crew be discontinued
and all unnecessary work be dispensed with
This is gratifying and hopeful sign Of gov
ornamental recognition Of our national day Of
rest ana an executive protest against the dis
position to disregard tie American reverence
for the sabbath. Am. rlgaHs have the right TO
expect their government to protect their Sab
bath against those who would aespoh its sane
tity and change it into a day of work or mere
pleasure.
The latest protcst against sabbath desecratton
comes from the Episcopal clergymen Of New
port. Rhode island, which protest has the Official
endorsement Of their bishop. On last sunday
each rector Of that city denounced the general
and growing disregard Of the spirit and sig
nifcance Of the Lords Day among the members
Of the fashionable circles Of society 1t has
come TO pass that all sorts of games, asaus4
ments and social functions are permitted and
patronized by the wealthy and frivolous mem
bers Of the exclusive set The elimination OF
their scaudalous conduct was reached in dance
given ~ Newport on a Saturday night and at
tended by 300 guests. Among those present
were Mrs oelrichs Mrs Nick Longworth aud
Mrs Reginald Vanderbilt
The hall lasted until four o'clock sunday
morning After this the guests organized q
parade to the golf links Accompanied by a
band they marched in fancy dress to the golt
links. wher they played until six o'clock
Such eord0et ts not Only irreligious and sqcri
leetous but it is disrepntable as wen. Tho more
blame attaches to the participants because OF
their prominence and influence The Eplscopa
Church is to be congratulated that its elergy
are bold enough to denounce tho indecent auC
outrageous purpose OF divorced HbertHe t(
marry an innocent and beautiful young girl
These signs of the times lead TO indulg
the hope that reaction Is setting In from
the immoral. excesses and eXtravagaueos Of thcs
last years It may appear trite and common
place in tho utterauce but the annals OF histqr.
enforce the truth of the saying, that nation
can exist in strength and achievement only s.
long az it remains sound at the core. Whcl
disregard Of moral sanctions and religious prin
ciples are apparent. and sensuality runs ram
pant. the day of it's decline has da~ned an
dissolution waits only upon the gait of the going
1t bchooycs not only men of religious spirit
but all good citizens, to withstand those en-
, croachmeuts upon the Sabbath and those mora
delinquencies that threaten not only the char
acter Of our people but tie perpeuity Of ma
tonal life as well.