Sheriff John Griffin will be asked to prevent the events scheduled to take place next Sunday at the Des Moines speedway by a committee from the national convention of the Gideons in session at the Shops. Following an address given by the Rev. Noah B. Wickham, field day for the Lord's Day alliance, the Gideons indorsed the move on the part of the organization for the strict observance of the Sabbath and appointed a delegation of five men to see the sheriff this afternoon and enter a protest against the "desecration of the Lord's day" by the automobile and flying machine races.
The committee is composed of J.R. Williams, Minnesota; M.M. Logan, Missouri; W.R. Krebs, Iowa; E.L. Vogel, Illinois, and M.P. Ashbrook, Ohio. The Gideons back of the move said they have no inclination to "butt in" in the city's affairs, but that they will make a vigorous effort to see that the Sabbath is observed. They stated that Attorney General Casson referred them to the sheriff as able to stop the speedway event.
This morning's session was taken up mainly with state reports. The Rev. E.M. Griffin led the quiet hour services. The afternoon will be devoted to committee reports and will be followed this evening by a banquet at the Y.M.C.A. at 6 o'clock. The speakers will be E.F. Todd of Georgia, John M. Cousart of Pennsylvania and Mrs. George Richards of Missouri. At 8 o'clock a campfire will be led by J.R. Williams of Minnesota and the work of the Gideons will be informally discussed. Gospel meetings will be held on the streets at 10 o'clock in connection with the Salvation Army and the Volunteers.
The Gideons will occupy most of the Des Moines pulpits Sunday. Pastors who wish speakers are asked to call at once. The schedule is being made out today.
"I'll enforce the law wherever it is violated," said Sheriff Griffin. "I will also serve notice on these speedway men not to violate the law. If they do, I'll arrest and prosecute them. I am wondering what a strict interpretation of this Sabbath law would do. I am inclined to believe that if it is so interpreted, the churches could not pay their choir singers as they do now."