CASES OF PROSECUTION

During no biennial period since 1891-92 have there been so few arrest for Sunday work among our people in this country. Twenty-one cases have been reported to us in the United States and Canada. Aside from these, thirty of our brethren and sisters in Raratonga were condemned to work upon the public highways in November, 1900, for failure to attend church on Sunday. The chief who imposed the sentence is also pastor of the church, which is under the supervision of the London ary Society. It will be remembered that Raratonga belongs to the Cook Islands, where the natives rested on the seventh day until about a year and a half ago, when the custom was officially changed.GCB April 7, 1901, page 110.11

We make brief mention of a few cases in the home field. On May 16, 1899, Brother A. J. Waters, of Gainesville, Ga., was convicted of violating the Sunday law, and placed under fine and costs to the amount of $65, or in default 100 days in the chain-gang. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court, which sustained the decision of the lower court. A petition was circulated, however, by the citizens and officials of the county, and upon presentation to the governor, pardon was granted.GCB April 7, 1901, page 111.1

On May 24 of the same year, J. T. Eaton, of Rome, Ga., was arrested, and, having been tried on December 15, was adjusted guilty, but was recommended to the mercy of the court. A minimum fine of $15 was imposed. This was paid, and with the passing of these cases, the Georgia Sunday law stands vindicated by the State courts.GCB April 7, 1901, page 111.2

In Mississippi the cases of Elder R. S. Owen and Josiah Nash resulted more favorably to justice. The former was arrested May 27, 1899, charged with having worked in his garden on Sunday, “against the peace and dignity of the State.” He was tried on the 19th of July, the jury returning a verdict of “not guilty.” On the same day Brother Nash was arrested, and two days later he was tried and acquitted by a jury of six men. These cases were the subject of unusual interest throughout that section, and afforded excellent opportunity for disseminating the truth. Our friends in the Southern field are asking for a worker who can devote himself to this specific line of effort, and this plea we commend to the consideration of the General Conference.GCB April 7, 1901, page 111.3