The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-11-06
Nh. SIMPSON, OF THE PARK THEArsx-THE sA

Mr.. SIMPSON, OF THE PARK THEATRE SA
CRED DRAMA-THE MORALS OF THE SrAeE.-We
publish the annexed article on the recent movement
OF Mr. Simpson, of the Park Theatre in relation to
morals and the third tier, as specimen of the feel
ing, good taste, and Justice of the "rigidly right
eous" Of this day and generation. tfF
1t ought to be observed, however, that the very
persons who make the severest objections to the
third tier, never visit the theatre and hardly know
what it is. All persons are admitted into a church
provided they behave with decency-yet the excu.
sion might be urged with far more propriety on a
holy church, than a sinful playhouse If, how.
ever, the moral and pous people wish really to pu-
/ rfy the theatre, and make it fit for their reception,
they can easily do so. Let them propose an ar
rangement with Mr.. Simpson, to fill the third tier
with themselves and their friends, and we have no
doubt the manager will agree to it. By this means,
they can effecually abolish the system at once and
forever.
To EDMUND SIMPSON ESQ.,, MANAGER OF THE PARK
THEATRE
You are at the head of this establishment: its al
fairs are under your management and you are there
fore looked upon public character. As such you
are responsible TO the public for your official acts
whs have right, and 1t is their duty to examine
your career; but, be il understood, not as man,
but as management your private character but
your public character.
You have had for long period the control of the
Park Theatre under your charge it has been one
OF the principal sources of amusement of this large
metropolis; and upon you has devolyed portion Of
the responsibility of its effects. What have you
done, SIR during this time to purify the theatre.to
elevate the stage And by means of il to improve
the morals OF the community 7 You have carried
the star system-lhat curse Of the art-to its great
aSfh haul So
fecs of aperfect WHOLE TO the meretricious personal
excitement OF some single performer, and have
broken up completely the school for the profession
GU have introduced, SIR, at this theatre the seduc
OF all worn out countries; and by means of it have
pandered to the most depraved passions Under
your management It has reached maturity and a
perfection OF sensuaity never before known in this
taste Of the public BY presenting to it lascvious
fruit, which gave it false and diseased energy,
you have suffered the effects of the reaction, in the
slckly feeble support you have of late received.
You have continued the practice OF admitting
abandoned women; you have appropriated tier
and saloon for their accommodation YOU have
made the theatre a public " change" to carry on
their commerce! In Short sir, the stage has. under
rated In talent, strength and purity.
But, sir, the public was much gratifed by the an.
nouncement that you had determined to cut off this
graduated themselves that you were about to make
some atonement for your managerial errors that
you were about TO break the accused chain of Gus
tom, and purify the temple. They hailed the an.
nouncement as the first step towards regeneraring
the stage Upon examination, however, they found
that this reform was to last only during the per
Torrance of the sacred drama" This they thought
was an error in phraseology they could not believe
period, but for all future time. They visited the
theatre they found it we'll and respectfully attend.
ed. It looked like the palmy days. You, how
ever, soon undecelved them. On the fourth night
open to the odious traffic! Three short
nights and your managerial virtue melted
like wax IN the fire. What excuse, sir,
and by those in point of character whom
manager should feel proud to have within his walls,
You perhaps beheld the FIRST circle empty and wish.
ed IT hlied You opened it to its old inmates for
the house by their abscene You forgot your own
substantial interest-your promise and pledge-and
sold your great advantage your moral strength for
ess than a mess of pottage Are you, sir as |
manager, free from the vice of growing ape-ava
ice
Let us hope that in spite of this alterng, that you
VIII take new courage, and commence again your |
Ieiorm with the determination to carry it through
me public will be willing to think thau you have
been influenced against your better judgement by
those who have interested motives, and by your
professional brethren, who, lacking the larger wis.,
dom, have urged you against their true interest
to continue this abominable practice. However,
sir, of this be sure, that whether you abolish it at
present or not, the time is not far distant when it
will be done, with or without your consent
There are influences, powerful and strong, at |
work to abate this Observation-Disclosures all who love
pure stage and those who love not any all who |
wish to- stem the torrent of vice which has reached
such fearful! pitch in this city, and all who are
friends of public morality
Depend upon it, sir these influences will accom- |
pllsh their object, even though in consequence the
est 1e should lose its present manager.
These remarks are addressed to you with no i'll |
will or personal feeling, but by one who seeks the
highest good of the stage, and as necessary con-
your own.
remain, Your obedient servant,
HAMILTON.