The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1937-03-04
REMEMBER THE SABBATH
An Editorial

Remember the Sabbath Day to
keep it holy" This is the third of the
Ten Commandments of God, given by
Moses centuries ago to all people.
Since that time the commandment has
been observed, and has been desecrated
countless numbers of times.
Citizens of Oakland will have a
chance to make their choice concern
ing this commandment next Monday
when they vote for or against Sunday
moving pictures.
Strictly as a question of religious
principles, with no personal motives
involved, The Republican is opposed to
Sunday moving pictures in Oakland.
1t could not do otherwise and attempt
to obey the laws of God.
There is no question involved as to
the quality of the pictures. Mr.. B. I.
Gender, manager of the local theatre,
has given the public good motion pic
lures six days of each week and should
the people ask for them seven days Of
each week he will continue to show
good pictures all seven days. Should
they decide that the Sabbath should be
day of worship, day Of rest, day
of change, day of relaxation, they
can be assured of continued first class
pictures on the other six days. Upon
more than one occasion Mr.. Gender
has cancelled films that were morally
unfit for people to see. So it is not
question of lowering of morals.
It is just the plain fact that six days
is enough for moving pictures, just as
it is enough for business houses to re-
main open, banks to conduct their
affairs, professional men to attend to
business. 1t is the Lords command to
labor six days and rest on the seventh.
Sunday moving pictures are not
necessary. Many of those favoring it
point to their neighboring town Of
Terra Alta. "Our young people go to
Terra Alta on Sunday evenings, attend
moving pictures and afterwards go to
a beer joint and get drunk. They come
home in horrible condition. Is it not
better that we give them moving pic
lures here?"
If person wants beer or liquor he
will go to West Virginia after the
show here. That also is moral ques-
ton, but one that Sunday moving pic
lures here would not correct. That is
responsibility for parents and every
one. Don't expect Sunday movies to
cure this evil.
The bill passed in the Legislature
requiring a referendum vote on the
question gives the people their chance
to decide.
If they want Sunday movies and
have no religious scruples, they will
get pictures above moral reproach.
If they feel that pictures are I'M
necessary, that they conflict with their
religious beliefs, they should at least
register their protest on Monday. If
it's wrong, it's wrong, and should be
voted against.
From The Private Papers of Henry
Ryecroft, written by George Gissing,
an English author, who was known
as an Atheist, comes the follow
ing: "There was a time when it de-
lighted me to flash my satire on the
English Sunday; could see nothing
but Anticipated foolishness and modern
hypocrisy in this weekly pause from
labor and from hustle. Now 1 prize it
as an inestimable boon and dread every
encroachment upon it's restful stiffness.
"Let one whole day in every week
be removed from the common life of
the world, lifted above common pleas
ures as above common cares"