The sun., 1894-10-27
PURISTS WIN IN LONDON.
TEE COUNTY COUNCIL RESTRICTS
THE EMPIRES LICENSE.


uts Prou.s- saes Barred 60 the Deni-Moudo
"A I.iee.ss vvitho.t This Restrictio-
ar.-tes 60 she Aihamsr.-A Great
Prayer Meeu-s Heia Near ny Dur,ne
the Courcips te..ion-Au London Ex-
cited over the Observation-Disclosures on the
Stock Exehsrse-Ths Empire May Close.
LONDON. Oct. 9e.-The fate Of the Empire has
been hanging in the balance to-day. and all
London has been awaiting the decision in tip
toe excitement more eager than that on the eve
of q general election. The situation becomes
almost ludicrous when II is explained that the
momentous question at issue was the fate OF the
Empire Music Hall at the hands Of the London
County Council and not any OF the great political
questions which threatened TO embroil the nation.
The matter had. however, developed into an
issue Of the first public Importance, for upon
the action Of the Council depended the policy
of the worlds metropolis toward the social
evil This question, readers of THE Sun know,
has during the past two weeks, been paramount
in London. There has been a marked change
the last few days in the terrific struggle
which has been waged upon the very un-
pleasant but very real, issue In all public
prints and in most religious and public meet
ings of the metropolis the storm OF angry pro-
test which at first greeted the action OF the
Licensing Committee OF the County Council. in
refusing to allow the music hall to continue on
its present lines, has brought about a reaction.
The attacks upon the licensing body becam,
80 bitter and threatening that they defeated their
own object. The full power Of religious bodies,
not only In London, but In all England has been
brought to bear this week In defence OF the
Council, and the agitation spread throughout
the country. Then the opposition took such de-
fiant tone that most OF the members of the
Council, when 1t assembled to-day, were In such
an exasperated state Of mind that they were
determined to resent the attempted dictation at
any cost. The result was the most Inconsistent
action which could have been taken.
Crowds thronged the Council chamber and
the visinity all day. The crush wac so great
that 1t became necessary TO close the gates
of ST. James's Park. through which the
main entrance to the Council chamber is
reached Nothing else seemed to be dis
cussed on the streets. Even the business OF the
Stock Exchange was seriously interfered with
and there was more betting on the result
between brokers than on Derby day. The cur
rent odds were six to four In favor OF the
Councils granting a license to the Empire with
out restrictions.
The manager Of the Empire announced in the
morning papers that the question whether the
theatre wOulu Dc open tO-nlRnt Wouiu oe ucOiueu
after the decision OF the Council was made
known. The debate in the Council lasted from
10 o'clock In the morning until nearly o'clock.
One hundred and ten out Of one hundred and
thirty six members were present
The question OF renewing the license OF the
Alhambra rival music hall in the same square
as the Empire, came first. This house presents
precisely the same class Of entertainment, and
It's promenades are thronged nightly by mem
bers of the demi-monde equally with the En-
pire. In this point Of view OF morality II is not
a whit superior to the other house. Two mem-
bers of the Council emphasized this fact. and
moved to postpone the question of renewing the
Albambra's license until the case of the Empire
was decided. The Council refused, and almost
unanimously voted TO renew the Alhambra's
license without restrictions.
The debate which followed on the Empire was
not edifying. and 1t Is quite plain that resent
ment against the management for what the
Council regarded as its bluffs and manufactured
agitation was q more potent influence than con-
siderations OF morality. Tho Council finally
voted rs TO 10, to uphold the restrictions recon-
mended by its Licensing Committee, which the
manager OF the Empire declared would compel
him TO close the theatre.
A great prayer meeting was held all day In
Ht. Martins Town Hall, close by, where religious
leaders have been imploring Heaven to guide
the council to a wise decision. When the vote
was made known, the meeting resembled
political ratification more than religious
gathering
Despite the threats OF the management the
Empire was open tonight, and 1t was crowded.
the demi- monde being conspicuous as usual.
When the curtain fell Manager Edwardes
stepped forward and. amid cheers and groans,
announced that, much as they regretted de-
priying poor people of their means of livelihood,
the directors had decided to close the place after
tonight. The general impression Ii, however,
that this Is also part of the game of blum.