Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 199, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 August 1919 — MINISTER ASSERTS NEW TIME DEMORALIZES PROGRAMS. [ARTICLE]

MINISTER ASSERTS NEW TIME DEMORALIZES PROGRAMS.

Ex-Governor J. Frank Hanly, who was scheduled to make an address at the Methodist church in this city Sunday afternoon, failed to put in an appearance, due to his train having been delayed two hours. By the time he reached Monon he was due at a meeting at that place and left •the train there. It was greatly regretted that Mr. Hanly was unable to be present here as there was an immense crowd on hand to greet him. In the evening Mr. Hanly made an address at Kentland. In the absence of Mr. Hanly, Rev. Strecker took charge of the meeting and made a short talk. The Rev. Strecker had made on Saturday night a canvass of a number of hi. e members who are store Clerks and proprietors and had urged them to be present Sunday morning at the Bible school. In response to this invitation many said that it is impossible to get to the Sunday school on account of the stores remaining open so late Saturday nights. The pastor put the question of earlier closing up to his congregation and reports that fey a standing vote they were almost unanimously in favor of earlier closing on Saturday evening. The hour suggested was 11 p. m. The pastor feels that the late closing is having a demoralizing effect upon the young men of the city by depriving them of the opportunity ‘to attend the church services. The question of handling the new condition created by the automobile is not only one for the consideration of the church but also of the business men.

Business men appreciate the patronage of the farmers, indeed their very existence depends upon his trade. It must be the aim of every city to fee attractive and to entertain its guests in the most pleasing manner possible. There must be harmony and co-operation (between the city and the rural population. i Stripped of all sentiment it is a cold business proposition. If farmers are not satisfied with the conditions in Rensselaer, they will go elsewhere. The hard, tiresome grind of the heavy toil necessary on the farm during the harvest time deserves the recreation afforded by the social opportunity offered in the cool of the evening while busy shopping. Gertainly the behavior of our guests on Wednesday and Saturday evenings has been above criticism. We have no disorder, and the crowds enjoy intermingling and social conversation. • We are delighted that our rural like our town and we are mighty glad they enjoy being with us. The fact that our streets are congested with automobiles, that our sidewalks are crowded with happy people enjoying one another’s company and that our wide awake merchants are kept busy until late at night should be matters of appreciation rather than criticism. To meet this new condition the business men have had to readjust matters. -It may be necessary for the churches to do the same.