The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-07-22

To the Editor of the Washington Chronicle:
I read in yesterdays issue the co mmunication
of the Rev. Mr.. B. a. Nadal, relative to the thea
trc. Waving much concerning the profession OF
the actor that deeply Regretted 70 see as coming
from 90 able and brilliant minister OF the gospel,
merely wish to say, thaf up TO July my theatre
was for sale at stated price, value placed npon
Il nv real estate men in this city, including w.
r Spalding, ESQ, owner of Growers theatre
Falling 20 SELL my next duty was to occupy and
nae the building. Ny necessities required i'm
mediate action the necessities OF others having
claims upon me were equally urgent, including
large number of dependent people. The proper
ty Is mine and my business is one alike legitimate
and lawful Coupled with my rights was the
failure 20 purchase, in itself some evidence that
the public were not averse to the continuance Of
dramatic performances in the building. If did
not appreciate the national feeling and the ma
tonal conscience" am only guilty The late pres
ident was alike my friend, my patron, and my ben
efactor / tried practically to do all could in
respect and reverence for his memory. Cheap
lin service is distasteful TO me, and where find
but little else begin to doubt the sincerely Of
those who question my motives ! do not now
refer to your reverend correspondent.
object however, to an inference which may
be justly drawn from your article of the 4th inst,
and his communication. The theatre does not
carry profanity and pollution" with it, Older
than the christian church i; ennobled by the
grandest intellect which God in His infinite wis.,
dom, has yet vouchsafed mankind; patronised by
the good and great everywhere, and here by
every president from George Washington to
Abraham Lincoln inclusive IL is worthy ofkinder
words than you give, and capable of better re-
suits than your reveren correspondent appears
willing to acknowledge even should it retain its
home in the house on Tenth street.
For the church Taught within its sacred port
ais some lessons, the results Of which, | hope,
have become evident in my life) have no words
but of respect and duty and can fully appreci-
ate the Rev. Mr.. NadaPs good intentions and
will say am willing at any time to test the sin
cerity of those who appear to desire a change in
the uses Of the building. But must claim the
rights belonging to my citizenship-the absolute
| control of my property, and the perfect right to
prosecute my lawful business do not fear in
Washington the slightest interference from her
citizens. Ali that could hear were words OF
kindness. had received but one anonymous
note ia weak invention of the enemy') previous
to last Monday night. have heard of no other
| threat, and feel sure that lawless violence will
not intrude again in my building The mayor
and superintendent of police both concur In this
opinion. On Monday evening last not the slight
est manifestation of i'll feeling was apparent
| Citizens and soldiers appeared alike astonshed
| at the order closing the doors. Consequently, il
was too much to say shat such an idea 1.-THE
opening) could only be agreeable to the enemies
of the cause in which Mr.. Lincoln fell"
Now, on my account, and in behalf of my help
less and unemployed company, ask of you and
| of your reverend correspondent, that, if your
| views cannot be carried out Immediately, to ad-
vocate the next best thing-my rights, in legal
| lawful, and a moral sense.
Very respectfully, JOHN T. FORD.
ForG's Theatre, July l3.