Separation of Church and State / REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE

Description: REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, WITH WHICH THE SENATE CONCURRED, JANUARY 20, 1829. Messrs. Johnson, of Kentucky, Ellis, Tyler, Johnson, of Louisiana, and Silsbee, the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads, to which had been referred various petitions remonstrating against the Transportation and Delivery of the Mails on the SABBATH, Report:--; [followed by 14 paragraphs of dense text printed in three columns, each separated by a thin rule] Author: [Separation of Church and State] Title: REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, WITH WHICH THE SENATE CONCURRED, JANUARY 20, 1829. Messrs. Johnson, of Kentucky, Ellis, Tyler, Johnson, of Louisiana, and Silsbee, the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads, to which had been referred various petitions remonstrating against the Transportation and Delivery of the Mails on the SABBATH, Report:--; [followed by 14 paragraphs of dense text printed in three columns, each separated by a thin rule] Publication: Baltimore (MD): Wm. Wooddy, printer, (1829) Description: Broadside printed on silk (backed with linen), 51 1/2 x 40 cm. , employing several sizes and styles of type, the entire text and illustration enclosed within a wide ornamental border. The printer William Woody (ca.1788-1863) was active as a printer in Maryland from about 1817; he had served in the War of 1812 as a lieutenant in the Maryland militia (obituary in the Baltimore Daily Gazette, 26 August 1863). Not in Threads of History. Several other versions of this broadside exist; however, we have been unable to find another copy from this printer on either OCLC or in "American Imprints," and none mentioning the illustration of the mail coach. Some light fraying in left and right margins and upper right corner, not touching the decorative border, remains of old glue residue on verso along one side, just a touch of rubbing to border in two spots where the broadside was once folded, one pinhole size spot, affecting a letter or two of text. A bright clean example of a rare broadside, excellent for exhibition. Folded. (#6212). The subject of mail delivery on Sundays was hotly debated in Congress for nearly twenty years (1810-1830), as the post office handled and carried the mail seven days a week during this period. Petitions by various religious groups over these years requested that such work on Sundays be terminated. The text of this Senate report is a distillation of the controversy, and clearly takes the committee's opinion that a Congressional act halting mail delivery on the Sabbath, for religious reasons, would be contrary to the principles of the Constitution. "We are aware that a variety of sentiment exists among the good citizens of this nation, on the subject of the Sabbath day, and our government is designed for the protection of one as much as for another. The Jews, who, in this country are as free as Christians, and entitled to the same protection for the laws, derive their obligation to keep the Sabbath day [on Saturday] ... with these different views, the committee are of the opinion that Congress cannot interfere ... our government is a civil, and not a religious institution ... the transportation of the mail on the first day of the week, it is believed, does not interfere with the rights of conscience. The petitioners for its discontinuance appear to be actuated by a religious zeal which may be commendable, if confined to its proper sphere; but they assume a position better suited to an ecclesiastical than to a civil institution. They appear, in many instances to lay it down as an axiom, that the practice is a violation of the law of God. Should Congress, in legislative capacity, adopt the sentiment, it would establish the principle, that the Legislature is a proper tribunal to determine what are the laws of God. It would involve a legislative decision in a religious controversy; and on a point in which good citizens may honestly differ in opinion, without disturbing the peace of society, or endangering its liberties. If this principle is once introduced, it will be impossible to define its bounds. Among the religious persecutions with which almost every page of modern history is stained, no victim ever suffered, but for the violation of what government denominated the law of God. To prevent a similar train of evils in this country, the Constitution has wisely withheld from our government the power of defining the Divine Law. It is a right reserved to each citizen; and while he respects the rights of others, he cannot be held amenable to any human tribunal for his conclusions." The head of the committee in the Senate, Richard Johnson (ca. 1780-1850) of Kentucky, was praised for this landmark report; his political rise, to nomination as Martin Van Buren's vice-president, followed. Sunday mail delivery continued until after the Civil War, when rapid delivery of news became more a function of modern technology than seven-day a week diligence. Seller ID: 57826 Subject: Americana We are a Washington, D.C. based bookstore in business for over 40 years. We specialize in Americana and general Antiquarian books. Terms All orders ship within three business days. Standard mail is USPS Priority Mail. Expedited and international shipping are also available. We offer combined shipping on multiple orders. All items are guaranteed to be as described or they may be returned within 30 days of receipt for a full refund.This listing was created by Bibliopolis.

Price: 5000 USD

Location: Chevy Chase, Maryland

End Time: 2024-12-17T08:18:51.000Z

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