THE Times, of Denver, Colo., bearing date of May 9, contains portions of an opinion rendered by Chief Justice Gabbert, which was concurred in by all the justices of the court, making the decision unanimous in support of the ordinance closing the Denver barber shops on Sunday. We note the following expressions:
The experience of centuries has demonstrated the necessity of periodical cessation from secular labor. This rule of conduct with respect to secular pursuits is recognized by the entire civilized world as essential to the physical and moral welfare of society. Sunday ordinances are therefore sustained as constitutional, upon the theory that for the purpose of promoting the general welfare of the inhabitants of a city it is necessary that their usual and ordinary avocations, except those of necessity or charity, should be suspended upon the Sabbath day, and that for this reason such ordinances are within the domain of the police power of the municipality enacting them. This is settled by a practically unbroken line of decisions.
The business of carrying on a barber shop is in every respect lawful and respectable; it is in no sense objectionable from any point of view, but these are not the tests to be applied to the ordinance in question.
The business is purely secular, and not a work of necessity or charity.
To this the Times adds that officers of Journeymen Barbers' Union No. 205 of Denver have expressed their thanks to the ministers and others who have helped in the contest to uphold the ordinance.
Should there exist a lingering doubt in the minds of any that Sunday laws are religious in character, the foregoing opinion of Chief Justice Gabbert would remove it. The justice frankly says, "The business of carrying on a barber shop is in every respect lawful and respectable; it is in no sense objectionable from any point of view."
What! a business which "is in every respect lawful and respectable," and "in no sense objectionable from any point of view," considered a crime if performed on Sunday? All can plainly see that it is the religious character of the day that renders "lawful," "respectable" work which is "in no sense objectionable from any point of view," a crime on Sunday.
This opinion emphasizes the idea that the reason the work of a barber is unlawful on Sunday is because it is "secular." Secular means worldly, pertaining to the world. Thus again it is seen that this decision pertains to things which are heavenly or sacred, and are therefore religious.
The justice says further that "the experience of centuries has demonstrated the necessity of periodical cessation from secular labor." That people should refrain from secular pursuits on one day in the week is not the only thing that "the experience of centuries has demonstrated." Experience has proven it a necessity, for a man's spiritual good, to pray, go to church, get baptized, and partake of the communion. But because centuries have proven the necessity of these things, shall the state enforce by civil enactment these things which are necessary to one's spiritual good? An opinion requiring the recognition of these Christian duties would be just as consistent as the foregoing opinion concerning Sunday observance.
Another thing which the experience of centuries has also demonstrated is that, as the result of the opinion of civil magistrates, of which the chief justice of Colorado is typical, we have had as the fruitage the union of church and state, with all its baneful bigotry, oppression, and persecution, which has stained the pages of history with the blood of countless martyrs who have dared protest against such an opinion.
K. C. RUSSELL.
Bialystok Massacre
The recent outbreak and massacre at Bialystok, Russia, indicates that conditions in that ill-fated empire continue almost indescribable. The loss of life is estimated at about three hundred, mostly Jews. Not only were people killed, but they were horribly mangled, showing that veritable demons must have inspired the onslaught. One correspondent says he personally counted 290 Jewish corpses, while but six of other races were noted as killed and eight wounded. Anti-Jewish riots were also reported at various places in the provinces of Ginondz and Lornza. Several Jews were also killed at Grajewo, in Russian Poland, and at Starcheltz all the Jew's shops have been destroyed. A correspondent at Bialystok says that he saw both soldiers and officers engage in the murder of defenseless men and women.
VIVISECTION.
By Thor Harris.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SIGNS:—It seems incredible that in this enlightened age and in connection with one of our higher educational institutions, there should, from day to day, be committed acts of barbarism which rival in their cruelty the most fiendish plots of the Dark Ages; but such is the case. The daily press reveals the revolting practises perpetrated in the name of science by a certain professor in the University of Chicago.
This man does not scruple to experiment upon live animals, without even the employment of anesthetics, in the following fashion: He severs the spinal cord of a cat, he probes into the brain of a dog and scalds his feet. These inoffensive creatures are thus made to endure indescribable agony to demonstrate the most common experience of every-day life—the reflex action of the nervous system.
Such acts of barbarism in the presence of a class can not but tend to destroy every instinct of humanity in the breasts of those who are compelled to witness such outrages. This is not the kind of education our young people need. It is not the unfortunate animals alone who suffer. Every such cruelty has a “reflex action” upon ourselves.
“I would not enter on my list of friends. . . the man who needlessly sets foot upon a worm.”
THORO HARRIS.
RETURNING TO THE WALLOW.
JULY 5 was the date set by the supervisors of San Francisco for reopening the saloons. The license fee has been fixed at $500 a year. Until further notice the saloons may open only from 6 o'clock A.M. to 8 P.M. No bars will be permitted in connection with grocery stores. No saloon will be permitted within 150 feet of any church or school. Licenses will be issued only to citizens, or persons intending to become citizens. Saloons will be open Sunday, the same as on other days.
Senator Wolfe appeared in behalf of the grocery stores, in opposition to the prohibition of bars in such stores; but he incidentally spoke against high license because it put "merchants" out of business, and thus would not increase the revenue. In speaking favorably of the traffic, he said that the lack of drunkenness in the city was not entirely due to closing the saloons; but that "the earthquake and the fire had put the fear of God in the hearts of the people, and caused them to realize that they should not continue in their old ways. If the citizens had wanted to drink during the past two months, they could have gone to Oakland."
This was a very lame argument. The awful drunkenness and debauchery of the first day or two of the fire, until the liquors were destroyed by the fire and the authorities, showed that the panicky fear and dread caused an extraordinary resort to strong drink. It is a fact, too, that many did go across the bay for drink, until it was necessary to close the saloons. But, if the fear of God has been the cause of the sobriety in the prohibition city, is the restoration of the saloons an indication that this fear is departing? or that the official advocates of the traffic are desirous of seeing it depart? Surely nothing will so conduce to that end as the restoration of the drinking-houses and their natural adjuncts.
Presbyterian Book of Common Worship
The Presbyterians, after a three years' effort, have adopted a prayer book entitled the "Book of Common Worship." We have not seen it, but the Sabbath Recorder says of it that "considerable struggle has taken place over the introduction of such a book of worship; but the majority of Presbyterians represented in the General Assembly ordered it." Also that "the book is in many respects similar to the 'Book of Common Prayer' of the Episcopal Church." Such disasters as recently befell San Francisco are happily provided for in the following petition:
Almighty God, who art a very present help in time of trouble; let not the heart of Thy people fail when fear cometh, but do Thou sustain and comfort them until these calamities be overpast; and since Thou knowest the cause and reason why this grievous disaster of earthquake and fire hath fallen upon men, so do Thou heal the hurt and wounded, console the bereaved and afflicted, protect the innocent and helpless, and deliver any who are still in peril, for Thy great mercy's sake. Amen.
To people in this vicinity it would almost seem that this prayer was prepared for the special occasion, but the compilation was a previous work, and no doubt there will be occasions for its use in other localities in the future. We are in the time of "earthquakes in divers places."
Sunday Closing versus Temperance
Sunday Closing versus Temperance.—A correspondent says that the city council of New Ulm, Minn., has refused the request of the majority of the saloon-keepers of that city to enforce the Sunday-closing laws. Why such a request should come from that class of men is not stated, but the action of the council is to be commended. If the saloon-keepers want to close their own places, the council is surely not compelling them to keep open on Sunday; and if the request was to have legitimate business places closed on that day, the purpose could not have been a benevolent or unselfish one. The liquor traffic does not run in such lines. The fact that the Sunday-closing movement finds favor with saloon-keepers is evidence that there is something in it that is not in harmony with temperance. Such action as that above noted ought to forever settle the point, which we have long maintained, that enforced Sunday observance can not be reckoned as a temperance measure.
Homestead Land
Homestead Land.—The register and receiver of the land office at Redding, Cal., have received notice that a tract in this district, hitherto in temporary forest reserves, is thrown open to settlement, but can not be filed on until due notice has been given by ninety days' advertising. The homesteader can settle upon the land now, establishing a squatter's right, tho he can not make a genuine filing until the advertising is completed. The land lies in the Lassen Peak, the Klamath and Trinity reserves, and is situated in eastern Shasta, eastern Tehama, Trinity, and Siskiyou Counties. This area contains considerable rocky and brushy hills, of little or no value for agriculture, and fit only for grazing. The climate is excellent.
Unwitting Admission
Unwitting Admission.—While the newspapers of San Francisco have endeavored to make it appear that the earthquake of itself was really an insignificant affair, and would have caused but little loss but for the fire, they sometimes forget, and stultify their positions. For instance, the Chronicle, in noting its return to its old home, is inclined to boast a little about its substantial building, and says: "The Chronicle building was among the few in the city that was entirely unharmed by the earthquake. The shock that humbled so many of the proud buildings of the city to the ground, shook the solid walls of the Chronicle building in vain." Now if there were so few buildings unharmed, and so many of the "proud buildings" humbled to the ground, surely the earthquake was no light affair.
Revolutionary Spirit in Russian Army
Evidence of an extensive revolutionary spirit in the Russian army has been discovered by the authorities. All doubt of a military revolutionary league's operations have been quelled by the discovery of the seal and official documents with soldiers attached to staff headquarters at Vilna. Martial law was proclaimed at Odessa on the 3d inst., because of the ferment among the troops there. An incipient riot is reported to have occurred among the Cuirassiers of the Guard at Tsarskoe-Selo, where they had been ordered not to read the newspapers. Officers of the guard who were questioned on the subject declared that the severity of the measures taken to prevent the spread of the revolutionary propaganda among the troops is arousing such intense resentment among the men that the lives of the officers themselves are endangered.
Another Phenomenon
Another Phenomenon.—It is reported that Chrystle Peak, near Verdi, Nev., has undergone a wonderful change recently. A prospector tells that he came across enormous rents in the side of the hill, varying in width from two to twelve feet, and extending far up the mountain. In some places the trees were torn up and broken. Parties who went out from Reno to see for themselves report that from one large fissure a vapor resembling steam was issuing. As the people of that region did not experience any quaking of the earth, the cause of the conditions there is yet a mystery.
Cloudburst at Lincoln
Cloudbursts have been generally experienced in mountain regions, but a remarkably heavy one occurred in the vicinity of Lincoln, Neb., on the night of the 1st inst., causing heavy damage to property. A current report says that "in the business streets of Lincoln the water was more than two feet deep. The sewers overflowed, and the water ran into the basements of most stores. The city pumping stations were flooded, and the water supply was cut off. The damage in the residence portions of the city was heavy." It is also stated that all the streams of southeastern Nebraska were out of their banks.
Venezuela Rejects Pan-American Congress
The president of Venezuela declines to participate in the Pan-American Congress at Rio de Janeiro because he suspects that the United States Government will seek to use the convention as a means of obtaining control of the South American republics. Our government's encouragement of the Panama secession from Colombia, and getting control of the canal zone, was the cause of much suspicion that there were further designs in the south not entirely benevolent.
Italy Bans American Canned Meats
The Italians are not at all to blame for barring out canned meats from the United States, after the official reports of inspection of the great packing houses by the government. But some of the newspapers are suggesting retaliation. It would seem that refusing to buy the polluted preparations is the only effective means of enforcing cleanliness in the preparation of the stuff, which is bad enough at best.
Union Labor Exposition Planned
A "union exposition" is being arranged for by representatives of the American Federation of Labor, to be held in Minneapolis, probably in November next. The object is to celebrate the achievements of union labor in every branch of industry.
Tornado Strikes West Station
A tornado passed over West Station, Texas, twenty miles north of Waco, on the 2d inst., and blew down a score of residences. Mrs. Mary Allen and a man named Adams were severely injured.
Government Loan for San Francisco
To assist in the rebuilding of San Francisco, the sum of $10,000,000 is to be deposited in the national banks of the city by the government, with the city's bonds as security.
CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER.
By Editor
Poetry.
God's Training for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
When Jesus Comes to Reign, FLORA E. VERGIN . . 9
Beside the Golden Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
King All's Quest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Editorial.—The Abiding Word—How the World is to Know—Falling from Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Question Corner.—Nos. 1853-1866 . . . . . . . . . . . 5
General.
The Royal Law, F. C. GILBERT . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Not God's Fault. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Highly Exalted with God, H. A. ST. JOHN . . . . . . . 7
Work for Souls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
"After—Days" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Temporal Power of the Papacy, C. E. MILTON . . . . . . 8
Faith, S. H. CARNAHAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The Home.—Take Care of Your Boys—A Triumph of Newspaper Medicine—Words Seldom Used—Two Gentlemen 10, 11
Missions.—Reasons for a Mission to the Mountains of India, J. L. SHAW—Railroads in Africa . . . . . . 12, 13
Outlook.—Denver Sunday Ordinance Sustained, K. C. RUSSELL—Another Phase of San Francisco's Calamity—Still Blind to the Lesson—Vivisection, THORO HARRIS—Returning to the Wallow . . . . . . 14, 15
We have omitted this in past issues because of press of work and other important matter pressing for recognition. Up to date it is as follows:
Previously reported, $429.15
Marie Beyele $1.00 A. F. Arkebouer $10.00
Alice Afton .50 Herman Rust 1.00
M. L. B. 2.00 A little boy—Phila. .10
Rosalie Nickline 5.00 Mrs. F. A. Johnson 5.00
Mrs. Robert Reed 1.00 A. T. Robinson 1.50
Mrs. I. J. Kiesling 1.20 Luke Blakely 1.00
A. Friend-Bryant 1.00 Upper Columbia Soc'y 14.15
John Biron 5.00 B. Wilson 1.00
Mrs. E. E. Smith 22.45 Maggie Anderson .70
Mrs. H. A. Hoiland 2.00 Friederika Stork 5.00
W. H. Smith 4.90 John A. Pease 4.38
A friend in Nebraska 1.00 Wm. Marshall 1.00
Mrs. S. A. Fitch 1.00 Mrs. B. A. Johnstone 1.00
Paul Iverson 1.00 A. J. Thompson 1.00
Daniel Hollinger 2.50 E. Chinnery 8.00
Mrs. A. Carter 1.00 Franklin Hess 2.00
Mrs. C. E. Bishop 1.70 Mrs. A. D. Smith 3.00
V. P. S. Halifax, Nova Scotia 4.00 From Stockton, Kan. 1.18
W. H. Hall 12.79 Luman Ferris 1.00
Wealthy Greenleaf 1.00 Mrs. Francis Cramer 1.00
J. A. Dye 1.00 Mrs. Anna E. Cline 1.00
Mrs. Emma Emmonds 1.00
Total (June 1) $567.20
Sent April 22, F. W. Field $350.02
May 31, “ “ 217.18
The receipt has not come as yet for the latter remittance. We give below a facsimile reproduction of the Japanese official receipt of the first remittance. The beginning is at the right, and it reads from the top down.
It may be of interest to our readers to learn through Mr. Field that the government department of affairs in the provinces, says that while the money was needed, and has been used for the needy, that the accounts published in American papers were often greatly exaggerated. There has not been the great loss of life reported. The great distress is now over, and there is a fair prospect for crops.
We will give receipt for second remittance as soon as it comes.
EARTHQUAKE AND FIRE SPECIAL.
By Editor
"Signs of the Times" Souvenir Edition.
THIS is our third and last and best edition on the great misfortune which befell the Pacific Coast. It is of much more than ordinary interest; it is the best thing yet gotten out. Let us tell you a few things it contains:
I. In Art and Illustrations.
1. A fire picture of the burning of the city in colors.
2. Two two-page panoramic views—one of the great fire and the other of the ruins, in colors.
3. A portrait of the governor of California, Hon. Geo. C. Pardee.
4. A whole page (seven views) of Stanford University buildings before and after the great temblor.
5. A whole page (six views) of refugee scenes, camps, etc.
6. A page on areas covered by earthquake and fire, including a relief map of San Francisco, with burned district in red.
7. A fine page-view of fire and ruins, looking up California Street.
8. Twenty-four other illustrations of graphic earthquake scenes, seismographic records, ruins of noted places, such as San Francisco City Hall, Palace and Fairmont hotels, eruption near Healdsburg, safe-opening scene, etc., etc., etc., with interesting stories of each. A total of forty-seven illustrations. The six seismographic records alone, including tracings taken in California, New York, and Austria, are worth the price of the paper, as are several of the other illustrations.
II. The Articles.
1. "California: Her Condition and Resources," contributed to this paper by Governor Geo. C. Pardee.
2. An article on Why This Issue.
3. "The Earthquake."
4. "The Queen City of the West in Sackloth and Ashes."
5. "Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda." By A. J. S. Bourdeau.
6. "Stanford University." By President David Starr Jordan.
7. "How San Jose Fared." By C. M. Snow.
8. "Mountain View's Experience." By W. N. Glenn.
9. "What Do These Things Mean?" By J. O. Corliss.
10. "Santa Rosa's Sad Story." Mostly from the pen of Mr. Geo. E. Peery.
11. "Some Direct Causes of the Earthquake." From "Patriarchs and Prophets."
12. "A Mighty Ruin—Sure Trust!" By C. M. Snow.
13. "Divine Law—Normal and Abnormal." By the Editor.
14. "The Eruption in Alexander Valley." By Prof. L. A. Reed.
15. "Some Graphic Descriptions." A few extracts from Hewitt's and Hopper's articles on the earthquake and fire.
16. An official list of contributions to the Relief Funds up to June 16.
17. Some Disasters of the present year.
18. Increase of Earthquakes, a list of the most destructive.
19. Destructive Fires in the United States.
20. Fire Losses in the United States from 1875 to 1905.
This paper is an issue which you will wish to keep. Twenty-four pages; price 10 cents; in lots of 5 to 500, SIX cents each; 500 and upward, FIVE cents each. Mailed direct from this office, lists of names furnished in lots of five or more, six cents each. Orders are coming in splendidly. News agents are doing well in selling it. It will be a good seller till autumn. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.
Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear
“Perfect love casteth out fear.” He who has such love for the Maker of heaven and earth will not live in constant dread of earthquakes. He will say in the language of the psalmist, "I will trust, and not be afraid."
Governor Pattison Dies
Gov. John M. Pattison, governor of Ohio, died at his home in Milford, June 18. He was elected on the Democratic ticket, but was a pronounced Sunday-law advocate. Lieutenant-Governor Andrew L. Harris, who now becomes governor, was elected on the Republican ticket. He has been three times elected lieutenant-governor.
Glad to Be Agreed
Glad to Be Agreed.—Messiah's Advocate says: "One of the greatest trials of our people in this state is our being confounded with the S. D. Adventists, as many persist in doing." We feel about that way, too, when we have time to think about it. There are so many wide, vital distinctions between commandment-keepers and antinomians that we are glad to agree in one point.
Earthquake Special No. 2.—We have still on hand a few thousand of Earthquake Special No. 2, which retails at 5 cents a copy, but which many news-dealers have sold at 10 cents. It has sold splendidly. California, north of Tehachapi, has sold 128,198 copies of this issue. Individuals have sold from 200 to 500 copies a day. To close out quickly we will furnish this in quantities of from 10 to 1,000 copies at two and one half cents a copy; 1,000 or more at two cents a copy. At an average sale of 150 copies a day an agent will clear $4.50. While the supply lasts we will be glad to furnish them to any who are interested in advancing the great work for which the SIGNS OF THE TIMES stands. Order from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.
South Lancaster Academy Announcement
South Lancaster Academy's "Twenty-fifth Semi-annual Announcement, 1906–1907," has come to our table. It is a very neat production, and is accompanied by a neat calendar for the year from June 1906 to May 1907 inclusive. The calendar contains scenes of beautiful South Lancaster, one of the prettiest places in Massachusetts, which abounds in them. The school is a good one. A list of its graduates is given as far back as 1888. No center of information is given. Address the president, Prof. Frederick Griggs, South Lancaster, Mass.
The Darien Ship Canal
A ship canal across the Isthmus of Darien is the latest canal proposition. The project is being agitated by the Colombian Government, and is said to have the assurance of co-operation by other South American republics. It is claimed that the work can be done in six years, at a cost of $70,000,000, and be a sea-level thoroughfare. It is assumed that $50,000,000 can be secured from European capitalists. If the enterprise should be successful it would prove a shrewd retaliation against the United States for encouraging the Panama secession.
Official (facsimile) receipt for our first remittance of $350.02.
