Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-12

action by Congress can not be expected.
Several European countries now at war
have been on prohibition basis, or par
tial prohibition basis, for some time. The
beneficial effects of this are already
recognized by the rulers and governing
officials of Europe, with the probability
that, in considerable measure, this pro-
hibition on intoxicants will be continued
after the great war is ended and the ma
lions settle down again to vigorous COM
petition in peaceful pursuits. Conse-
quently with the curbng of drink evils In
Europe, which evils are now conceded to
depreciate the commercial and industrial
efficiency of people, there will be
more friendly disposition to the reform in
the American Congress.
Demand for Sunday Observance Law.
Senator Burleigh has also presented a
petition from Camden and Portland for
compulsory Sunday observance law in
thes District of Columbia, which includes
the city Of Washington. Efforts have
been under way for many years to bring
about a stricter observance Of the Sab
bath at Washington, over which Congress
has sole jurisdiction, but it Is resisted by
Washington people who claim Sunday is
quite as well observed here as in any
other American city of it's size. The mat
ter rests primarily with the District of
Columbia committees Of Senate and
House, neither Of which has reported any
bill at this session.
There have been reports that the
European Sunday was gaining a foot
hold at the federal capitol. Many diplo-
%s ne har nj
Bring their home customs with them.
Sunday visiting is quite prevalent in So
cial circles but not so much as before the
European war for half the ambassadors
ana attaches and the women of their
families are not speaking with the other
half and will not be until after peace Is
declared. Theaters are not open Sundays
at Washington, but there are moving pic
ture shows galore. Sunday baseball
games of the major league or any games
at which admission is charged, are not
permitted by the authorities. Boys, how
ever, get out upon the vacant lots and
play scrub ball on Sunday afternoons
as happens in many other communities.
Nearly everybody who possesses an au-
tomobile, and there are many thousands
of them in Washington, go riding Sunday
afternoons. This has become the favorite
pastime. There are many roads within
the lines of the District Of Columbia and
hundreds Of miles of excellent macadam
road in the adjacent state Of Maryland
Indeed one can ride clear across the state
of Maryland in several directions on
roads, every foot Of which is as smooth
| and ridable as the asphalt streets OF
Washington. Accordingly there is less
temptation than of yore to Sabbath
breaking at Washington. Stores are not
open, save drug storess cigar stands and
garages and sentinels where gasolene and
lubricating oil may be purchased,
A number Of Maine people are still pass.
ing this way, chiefly those who are re.
turning from sojourns in the South
Capt Benjamin Woodbury., Of South Port.
land, is one Of them. He stopped OF
here and was a caller at Senator Bur.
leigh's offices. where the two had LONG
social talk. Ex-Mayor william Ingrahan
Of Portland has also been in town re.
Gently. He and Mrs. Ingraham have beer
on trip to the West Indies and are now
homeward bound. AL these visitors en-
countered week Of bad Washington
weather, when snow and sleet were fan
ing and nipping winds swept through thu
broad streets and avenues. It was the
| worst brand Of April weather Washing
ton has known in many years.
New England high school students are
still thronging the town. These student
visits will continue till after Easter.
Mr.. and Mra William II. Williamson al