, 1880-10-17


In England there has been formed what Ia
called Church and Stage Guild,' composed
Of many eminent clergymcn and prominent
actors and actresses. The object Of t..is Guild,
we understand, was to eudeayor to break down
the barrier that has always existed be-
tween the Church and the Stage, and bv
mutual discussion try to clear away erroneous
Impressions In the minds of many wel-meaning
but misiaformed Christian people with regard to
the theatre, and to bring the two great factors
of civilization into closer bond OF sympathy.
The NEE tngs OF this Guild hare attracted con-
siderable attention In England and in America
already, for at these meetings some startling
apeeches hare been made By notable clorgymen,
which, although often Qu1otic in their character,
clearly indicate the growth OF liberal views IN
regard to the theatre among those who have
generally bitterly opposed it. Tbs London Times
has devoted considerable space TO the report Of
recent meeting Of this Guild, at which the
Bishop Of Carlisle presided. In the course Of
tho debate the Rev. H. c. Shuttleworth delivered
Rspecch upon popular amusements characterized
By candor aud justice seldom found among
tho enemies Of the stage. 4 few extracts may be
made from that speech, as Indicative Of the
spirit OF that meeting "Ot all the influences
which act upon society,"" said Mr.. Shuttier7orth,
erful. The dramatic instinct il natural to nan
kind. and the stage viii never cease to be an in
struuent OF trcmendous power for good or
E$A AltAfCu NLARE SuUU14 ED Nauu III QAQQ4
That they are rather rivals than fellow workers
L. TO my mind one Of the saldest facts OF modern
life. And cannot pretend 10 conceal MY st1ong
Church s 1au1t- We have scolded, We have de-
uDuneFd, we have condemned the theatre from
pnlldt and platform. The clergy have refused
TO attend the theatre themselves, and have done
their utmost to prevent Christian people from
doing SO. We have despised the actor and the
as an honorable calling. We have adopted to-
ward the stage that most fatal policy,-the policy
Of isolation. Is it surprising. then, that the
After dwelling upon the benefcept intiucnces
exercised upon society by the standard DRAMA
tho speaker went on to say that, to the town
hail affords 4 temporary escape from 1T the e. ter
riby crushing duliness OF his life, from its hide
GUS and brutaltzing surroundings. claim for
the lighter drama. even for genuine burlesQue
and for stage dancing. If modest free from silly
yul.arity, and true to art, their place among
helpful and Wholesome atnusements: and for
comedian. the singer. the dancer-f claim the
respect due to members OF useful and honor
sire 10 enter my protest, With Mi tho Indignant
emphasis at which words are capable. against
the too common opinion that such persons are
actcr. There are plenty of black sheep, no
doubt in the theatrical as in other professions:
es %s then
ance." While, however. granting all
.nts; This, he s,o,,. believed a there was ysry
called loudly for Improvement. 70 % aid in tie The
which he considered the thentre
needs he submitted that the Church '.musI re-
member that the stage is the nnirrnr of life. and
that the corrupuous Of the theutrc are tho index |
OF tie vices OF corrupt society," What the taste
OF audiences demands the manager will provide |
And II 1t is de5ased. it points to the imperfect
fulditinent by the Church of her work Of rcgcn- |
Grating society. We can do something. then, to
create the demand for pure nn1 healthy stage |
RMuseme1ts, and TO rouse just indignation |
against all that degrades them. When good |
and evil are mixed together. the wisest why /
70 do battle with the evil is to recognize |
10 much to this end by standing ut a distance. |
We should surely counsel earnest Christian peo- |
3le to give the support OF their presence to tho
arres which are conducted on high principles; |
ind, further, I confess that cannut see why |
he Clergyman is to have another standard than |
he laytnan.-why we should cut ourselves of !
rom the tremendous lessons Of the tragic stage,
lighter drama. Only III this way can we use our
,owcr as members OF society, and bring 1t to
,ear upon the character Of the play represented.
we hear or See what is doubtful we can rise
nd leave the theatre and write to the manager.
could tell you OF cAses In which this has been
one. with the result Of getting the objection
lie phrase or joke cut out OF the piece" =
.ARD FROM MANAGER EMMETT.
To tht Editor Of The Chicago Tribune.
ACADEMY or Music, CHICAGO, Oct. 16.-Since
be destruction OF the Academy by hre last
'uesday have received many letters from city
nd other managers, actors, and citizens gym
athizing with me and Offering me substantial
i'd. Allow me to record my grateful apprecia-
IN nf all s,fr}1 rf consideration IN