p. 9 | Decent” and “American

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 11, 1897

Decent” and “American

“Decent” and “American.”—In the Record-Union’s report of the Sacramento Sunday-law convention, issue of January 21, it is said:—

“Dr. Cantine, who was the next speaker, thought there ought to be State pride enough in California for its people to be decent, and to be American. California was the only State in the Union of any prominence that had no Sunday law.”

It might be well to inquire as to what is “decent” and what is “American.” Is it “decent” for a certain number who happen to be in a majority to compel a certain other number who happen to be in a minority, to observe a religious institution just because the majority hold it? Is it “decent” or Christian to adopt in practice the rule, Whatsoever ye would not that others should do to you, do ye even so to them, while at the same time professing the Golden Rule? Would these earnest Sunday-law makers agree to submit to a majority who voted for the Mohammedan sixth day? Is it truly “American” to legislate on religious matters, enforce religious dogmas by law, and thus unite Church and State? California is the only great State which is in respect to Sunday laws truly “decent” and truly “American.” Let her so abide.