the matter was referred reported adversely. An extract or two from that report is here presented:---

It should, however, be kept in mind that the proper object of government is to protect all persons in the enjoyment of their religious as well as civil rights, and not to determine for any, whether they shall esteem one day above another, or esteem all days alike holy.

After showing that some good citizens esteem Saturday holy, and other good citizens observe Sunday, the committee says:---

With these different religious views, the committee are of the opinion that Congress cannot interfere. It is not the legitimate province of the legislature to determine what religion is true, or what false. While the mail is transported on Saturday, the Jew and the Sabbatarians may abstain from any agency in carrying it, on conscientious scruples. The obligation of government is the same on both these classes; and the committee can discover no principle on which the claims of one should be more respected than those of the other, unless it be admitted that the consciences of the minority are less sacred than those of the majority.

It seems that the above principle need only be stated to be recognized and accepted by every fair-minded person, and Congress at that time summarily disposed of the petition. But how stands the case today? Congress has bowed to the behests of the clergy.

Sunday legislation for the World’s Fair

The session of Congress that has just closed [1892], has decreed that the World's Fair at Chicago must be closed on Sunday, or receive no financial aid from the United States treasury. I quote again from the Congressional committee:

Extensive religious combinations to effect a political object, are, in the opinion of the committee, always dangerous.