May 25, 1876
 

Large Meeting in Opposition to Opening the Centennial Exhibition on Sunday.
 

Last evening a large and enthusiastic meeting of citizens opposed to the opening of the Centennial Exhibition on Sunday was held at Musical Fund Hall. The large hall was entirely filled some time before eight o'clock, and the overflow of people was directed to the Washington Square Presbyterian Church, where a similar meeting was organized.

The platform was occupied by a large number of gentlemen prominent in the Church, the legal profession and mercantile community.

The meeting was called to order by Joshua L. Hailey, who nominated Hon. Wm. A. Porter as Chairman, who was unanimously elected. Along list of Vice Presidents and Secretaries were elected, comprising many prominent citizens. As their names were read they were received with cheers.

Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Wheaton Smith.

Judge Porter, on taking the chair, stated the object of the meeting. He said that this is a Christian country. We are not Mohammedians, nor should we take the advice of those who have left Christ out of their religion. This is a Christian Government also. The laws of this Commonwealth recognize the sanctity of the Sabbath, and there is no law of greater authority which can abrogate that law. If the whole Congress of the United States, headed by the President should come to this city they would be subject to the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. These gentlemen of the Centennial Exhibition have set us a noble example, and we shall see whether there is moral power enough in this city to sustain the laws of this of this Commonwealth.

Mr. John R. Whitney moved the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas, the government of the United States was originally founded on the principles of the Christian religion which form the only sound basis of good government, and:

Whereas, in exhibiting to the world, after the lapse of a century, the progress which the nation has made in the arts and sciences, in commerce and manufacturers, it is proper that we should exhibit our attachment to hose institutions of religion, which are essential to all national prosperity and power. Therefore,

Resolved. That we do hereby testify our high appreciation of the course adopted by the United States Centennial Commission in closing grounds and buildings of the Exhibition on the Sabbath day, and we do hereby tender to the members of the commission our cordial support in the noble stand which they have thus taken.