The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1865-08-02

from Mr. Ford
TO the Editor Of the Washington Chronicle.
read in yesterdays issue the commu-
.nication Of the Rev. Mr.. B. II. Nadai, re.
Iative to this theatre. Waving much con
corning the profession Of the actor that
deeply regretted to see as coming from so
able and brilliant minister Of the Cos
pei, merely wish to say, that up to July
LIST. my theatre was for sale at stated
price, value placed upon it by real estate
men in this city, including w. E. Spalding,
ESQ owner Of Growers theatre. Failing
to Sell, my next duty was to occupy and
use the building. Ny necessities required
Immediate action; tho necessities Of others
having claims upon me were equally ur-
gent, including large number of depend.
emit people. The property is mine, and my
business is one alike legitimate and lawful.
Coupled with my right was the failure to
purchase, in itself some evidence that the
public were not averse to the continuance
Of dramatic performances in the building
II I did not appreciate the national feeling
and the national conscience" am only
guilty? The late President was alike nv
friend, my patron and my benefactor. |
tried practically to do all could in respect
and reverence for his memory. Cheap lip.
service is distasteful to me, and where
lind but little else begin to doubt the sin
certify Of those who question my motives
] do not now refer to your reverend CORES.
pondent.
I 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 pol.
iution'' with it. Older than the Christian
church, ennobled By the grandest intellect
which God, in His infinite wisdom, has
yet vouchsated mankind; patronized by
the good and great, every where, and here
by every President from George Wash.
ington to Abraham Lincoln inclusive, it is
worthy Of kinder words than you give, and
capable Of better results than your rever-
end correspondent appears willing to &C.
knowledge, even should It retain its home
il the house Of Tenth street.
For the church taught within its sacred
portals some lessons, the results Of which,
hope, have become evident in my lifel
have no words but of respect and duty;
and can fully appreciate the Rev. Mr.
Nadals good intentions; and will say
am willing ct any time to test the sinceri
y Of those who appear to desire Z change
In the uses Of the building. But must
claim the rights belonsisg to my citizens
ship-the absolute control of my property,
and the perfect right to prosecute my law
lul business. do not fear in Washing.
ton the slightest interference from her cit
issns. All that could hear were words
Of kindness. had received but one anon.
ymous note ia weak invention Of the
snemy") previous to last Monday night
I 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 slightest manifestation Of i'll feel.
Ing MAS apparent Citizens and soldiers
appeared alike astonished ct the order
closing the doors. Consequently, it va,
too much to say, "that such an idea 1.-THE
opsnine) could only be agreeable to the
eosmiss Of the cause in which Mr.. Lincoln
fall"
Nov, On my account, and 10 behalf o.
my helpless and unemployed company
! Ssk Of you and Of your reverend corres'
pondsnt, that, II your views cannot b
carried ont Immediately. to advocate thu
naxt best thing-my rights, 10 . legal
1B0obl, and . moral sense.
Xay respectfully, Jous T. FORD.
h31S Theatre, July IS.