New Britain herald., 1926-07-19
SESQUI EXPOSITION AND SUNDAY LAWS

] nlS IS Tree COuullS aIlu "i' those who object to the opening Of the Sesquicentennial exposition on Sunday have the right to stay away on Sunday or any other day and endeavor to influence others to do the same, provided they do so in a legitimate manner. Thus we find that organizations believing "in principaP' in a closed Sunday are active in the endeavor to give the Philadelphia exposition black eve for the decision of it's directors to keep the doors open on the Sab bath.
 It is anybody else's prerogative to attend the exposition regardless of opposition by the organizations seeking to maintain Sunday observ- ance. There can scarcely be question that those who are not in- clined to get excited over the hne points of Sunday observance will attend, if they wish to make the trip to Philadelphia.
 In these days of Sunday automo- piles, Sunday moving picture shows and Sunday recreation generally, the sesqui directors concluded 1t would not be improper to open the exposition on that day. Those who oppose Sunday open doors at the exposition claim such action vio- lates a pledge to keep them closed, and If this is so they perhaps are justified in taking umbrage. But on the basis of Sunday observance generally, it is probable that most citizens will conclude open doors to the exposition on that day are no worse than the other types of Sum day recreation we are accustomed to enjoy, and can be no worse than open doors on Sunday to amuse- ment parks.
 The sesqui exposition will be better patronized on Sunday than on any other day of the week. The mere fact that there is an exposi- tion in Philadelphia does not give the working population of the city a better chance to see it if they must continue working during the week. They are in the same posi- tion as workers elsewhere; they cannot take time off in which to enjoy themselves as they see fit - their best day for such purpose is on Sunday. Therefore, if the ex- position is to function as a great educational factor it would seem Sunday is as good day as any other for that purpose.
 The claim is made that exposi- tions are also commercial under- takings, and as such should not operate on Sunday. But so far as catering to the amusement of the multitudes is concerned, Sunday all ready is the best day of the week. This is not anybody's fault, IS may be supposed in some circles, but IS due entirely to the change in our social life. The person who goes 10 A baseball game on Sunday, or at- tends an outing on that day, or goes pleasure riding, in the strict sense is breaking the Sunday op- seryance principle just as effective lv as the person who attends the sesoui exposition on that day Ihe reason more people seek reasonable measures on Sunday than on any other day is due entirely to the fact 
 they have the time on this day - and in the estimation of many ob- servers such legitimate Sunday measures need not interfere wlth religious activities.
 The Sesquicentennial will be Tn existence only limited time. Per haps it's directors wish to serve the greatest possible number while 1t exists. Sunday attendance has been heavy. Philadelphia and enVirons has large population and good portion of it will be able to attend on Sundays while unable to go near if during the week. To visitors from other cities, the weekend will be the easiest for the trip to Phlladel- phia, if they intend to stay there only one or two days at d time. Viewed from this angle opening the exposition on Sunday will con- tribute the greatest opportunity ana good 10 the greatest number. It Is regrettabIe that others take a con- trary view; but as previously stated, this Is their privilege. The objee-
 Q