The morning call., 1891-03-22
ABOLITION OF
CENSORSHIP.
What Dramatic Authors Say Of CGnsUrG, y
A Relic Of Middle Ages.
The Way in Which Inspectors of Theatrical
Plays Perform LaboT-Interview Between
an Author and Censure.
Special Paris Letter to THE SUNDAY CALL

PARIS March /, 1S9l.-The suppression OF
"Thermidor' has brou ght before the public
the often-discuSsed and never solved ques-
ton of the ceHsors hip (censure).
Until July 90, 1881, there was literary
censure, but on that day liberty of the press
was proclaimed, and now we are troubled
only with a dramatic censure.
In 1706, during the reign of Luis XIV, the
censure was regularly organized. During
the Revolution the censure was suppressed.
re-established and again suppressed. I'm
der the Directory it was vigorous; by Ma
poleon it was again restored to its first glory,
only to be abolished in 1880; after that date
the censure had bright and dark days, until
the law oil July 81, 1850, when it was firmly
re-established.
Every time that the censure has been
abolished the French have pleaded for its
restoration; every time it has been in favor
the tickle people have asked for its dis
grace.
The censure or "lnspection OF Theatrical
Plays" may he preventive. repressive or
facultatVe. Its rule is usually preventive
one. Authors and theatrical managers
nave guarantee against lawsuits in case
of scandal, because the play is suspended,
but author and manager have no redress
for the money expended in preparation.
Although this is not very agreeable, it is
better than the repressive role of the CEN
sure; this allowed managers to produce
what plays they pleased. but they were
obliged to bear the consequence The con-
sequence was often imprisonment for both
author and manager. Under Louis MI,
actors were at liberty TO do what they
pleased, provided that they respected ladies'.
For any diSreSpect they were punished
with hanging.
Facultative censure allowed authors to do
what they pleased with reference to the
examination OF their plays; if they sub
mitted their plays to examination. they. we're
not res pOnSlDle IN case OF disorder, II they
did not submit their PLAYS, they were
liable to severe punishment i'll case OF
scandal.
To-day the Ministries of Public Instruc-
ton and the Fine Arts furnish four inspect
orS called the "censure." These four are
MesSrs. Philippe de FORCES, Paul Bourbon,
Georges Gaune and Adrien Bernh elm. In
order
TO THOROUGHLY UNDERSTAND
The duties of these four inspectors let my
reader imagine himself dramatic author
your play is accepted by a manager; the
roles are distributed read TO the artists and
the rehparsaS begin. The ''cenSure' Is not
heard from until ten or twelve days before
the time appointed for the first perform
ance. Then the manuscript is sent to the
Ministry of Fine Arts-not by you, the ALL
thor, but By the director OF the theater. AT
the beginning is written the name of the
theater where the play will De represented,
and the ''censure" begins its work. One OF
the inspectors reads carefully, examines
the play to see that it attacks neither NOR
ality, religion, politics nor diplomacy.
When the examination is finished the in
spector makes his report. Should it be a
favorable one the visa is placed on the
manuscript that is returned to the director
of the theater, with permission to announce
lis representation for a certain date.
Should there be sentences or paragraphs