Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-02-12
OTTAWA A MODERN
MONTE CARLO SAYS
BAPTIST PREACHER
REV. CHESSMAN RAPS MORALS
OF CITY AND TAKES BLOW AT
ADMINISTRATION IN SUNDAY
MORNING SERMON.


ing Rev. G. w. Chessman spoke ca
the subject The Good Of Ottawa
He said:
"'For he. .. built us our syna-
gogue. Luke rs. The centurion
here recommended by a deputatiOn OF
Jewish elders was public spirited
man. picture him as an unselfsh,
high-minded citizen promoting the
highest interests of Capernaum. | am
sure he was keen for good streets.
beautiful buildings. sanitary measures
and the like. | am sure he aided to
make the city big business center.
But more than this, he made contribu-
tiOn to the moral and religious wei
fare of the city. He built the Jews
synagogue.
This act is worthy our attention
today. The material interests are
not the only interests Of the city. 1t
is not so in Ottawa. We esteem as
highly commendable the efforts of the
Rotary Club and the Chamber Of Com
merce to promote the business and
aesthetic interests OF the city. 1t is
a good thing to procure decorative
lights, good streets, and for the WO-
mans Club to promote the city's
health welfare by employing city
nurse. But 1t is as vitality important
to look to the moral welfare Of the
city.
1T is alarmingly true that Ottawa
needs law enforcement. No matter
! how we attempt to smooth over the
boxing exhibition held little while
ago, fundamentally 1t was the break
ing Of law on our statute books to
hold it. The Ministers Association OF
Ottawa made protest to Gov. Lowden
and It was the only open protest |
heard.
Another matter. Ottawa is a veri-
table modern Monte Carlo That
gambling obtains in wholesale man.
ner is matter OF joking on the
streets If you complain you are told
to get the evidence and prosecution
will follow. But we have had sam
pie of prosecution after evidence has
been obtained. There Is a two day
sensational activity in the enforce
ment of laW--that's ALL
THE supreme need of Ottawa Is a
vital, persistent sentiment for law
enforcement. If there Is enough per.
sistont noise for law enforcement
there will be law enforcement. The
trouble is, in my opinion. the senti-
ment for non.enforcement of law is
strongest in the city. There is con
stant pressure upon our officials to go
easy, not to be too Puritanical.
in the matter OF the Sunday clos
Ing of saloons. Officials have declared
The people don want the town
closed tight 1t is the truth If the
people wanted, really wanted it So
the town would be as tight as the
keel of battleship. 1t is hard say
ing and many may take issue with
me. but the people don't want the
town closed tight. Men in Office don't
60 against a preponderating hostile
sentiment for long II they do at
all. A criterion that law enforce
ment is not wanted is the fact that a
lax administration is given a new
term by vote of the people.
Personally feel that conditions in
Ottawa are an indictment of the
churches Of Ottawa. The combined
sentiment of Catholic and Protestant
church members in ottawa could back
up our officials to make Ottawa a law
abiding city. What's wrong with oul
Christian profession? Is conscienc,
narcotized? Is the sense Of Christian
responsibility atrophied? Have Otta
wa Christians turned, by wholesale
from the worship { God to the wor
ship of Mammon?
We need religious revival BE
ginning with priest and preacher
believe we need repentance and re
dedication Of life to function NOR
heroically for righteousness, decenc
and order. The spirit of God alon
can effect the revival"
Denounces Boxing.
Rev Carl Stackman, pastor of tn
Congregational church, gave scatl
Ing announcement of boxing yesterda
morning from the Congregations
, church pulpit He objected to boxin
! for the reason that 1t Is illegal In a
interview given Free Trader-Journs
reporter this afternoon he said
Il object to boxing because it
, against the law. We oppose anythin
that Is unlawful. 1t is extremely har
to lead public opinion when men hig
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