The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1865-07-21
Reply Of Manager Ford to a Meddling
Clergyman.

To tie Editor Of the Chronicle, Washington:
read IN yesterdays issue the communica-
ton of the Rev. Mr.. B. H. Nadal, relative to
this theatre. Waving much concerning the
profession of the actor that deeply regretted
to see as coming from SO able and brilliant
minister Of the gospel, | merely wish TO say,
that up to July lst my theatreswas for sale at
stated price, value placed upon it by real
estate men in this city, including w L. Spaul.
ding Esq, owner of Growers Theatre. Fall
ing to sell, my next duty was to occupy and
use the building. My necessities required im-
mediate action; the necessities of others having
claims upon me were equally urgent, including
a large number of dependent people. The prop
erty is mine, and my business is one alike .egit-
innate and lawful Coupled with my rights vas
the failure to purchase, IN itself some evidence
that the public were not averse TO the continu-
ance of dramatic performances in the building.
If did not appreciate the national feeling and
the national conscience" am alone guilty =?
The late President was alike m friend, my pat
ron and my benefactor. / tried practically to
to do all l could in respect ana reverence for
his memory. Cheap lip service Is s5as!eful TO
me, and where | find but hide Else ] begin to
doubt the sincerity Of those who question my
motives. | do not now refer to your reverend
correspondent,
/ object, however, TO an inference which rnay
be Justly drawn from your article of the 4th
instant, and his communication. The theatre
does not carry profanity and pollution" with
it. Older than the Christian Church, emo
bled by the grandest intellect which God in His
infinite wisdom hos yet vouchsafed mankind;
patroniH0a by tire good ;ElIt great everywhere
and here by every President from George Wash
lngton 10 Abraham Lincoln inclusive, it is wor-
thy OF kinder words than you give, and cana
bic OF better results than your reverend CORE
spondent appears willing to acknowledge. even
should 1t retain It's home or house in Tenth
Street
For the Church Caught within It's sacred por
tails some lessons, the result of which, | hone.
have become evident in life) have no words
but OF respect and duty; and l can fully appre-
ciate the Rev. Mr.. Nadals good intentions; and
l will say am willing at any time to test the
sincerity of those who appear to desire change
IN the uses Of the building. But | must claim
the rights belonging to my citizenshp-tbe
absolute control of my property, and the per
feet right to prosecute my lawful business
do not fear in Washington the slightest interfe-
renee from her citizens. All that could hear
were words of kindness. ] had received but
one anonymous note {''a weak invention Of the
enemy previous TO last Monday night have
heard OF no other threat, and I feel sure that
lawless violence will not intrude again in nv
building. The Mayor and Superintendent of
Ponce both concur in this opinion. On Mon
day evening not the slightest manifestation of
hi-teeling was apparent. Citizens and soldiers
appeared alike astonished at the order Of closing
the doors. Consequently, it was too much TO
say "that such an idea (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
helpless and unemployed company, l ask of you
ana OF your reverend correspondent, that, if
your views cannot be carried out Immediately,
to advocate the next best thing--my rights in
a legal, lawful, and moral sense.
Very respectfully, JOIN 7. FoRp.
Ford's Theatre, July l3