The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1895-11-13
Amusenents.

Amusements.
People of all denominations aud race
have always INDUCED In some form O
amusement, and history establishes III
fact that there has been no end to the va
riety. Some kinds OF amusements ar
innocent and ennobling, while others ar
harmful and degrading. The line is draw
very tightly by some parents in regard t.
what kind their children shall indulge il
while some do not care particularly, sc
long us no trouble comes from 1t to worry
and annoy them.
The subject is one worthy Of deep and
careful thought. The amusements afford
ed at the present day in aud around oul
city are not of the most refined nature, il
one chooses to go behind the scenes and
investigate. To be DIR. Parkhurst and
see for yourselves would astonish and
cause the blush of shame to cloud the
brow Of many fathers and mothers. In
the public haunts of vice and immortality
everything which tends TO enslave the
moral nature is INDUCED in to gain Gus
tom and reap riches. Even so-called sa-
cred concerts are given on the Sabbath
and the cloak ''sacred" which covers up
multitude of sins, is accepted by really
pious people sometimes, and encourage
ment is given when there should be con-
domination. The youth of our city want
and expect enjoyment or amusement, and
1t is far better II the kind that does not
degrade can be furnished them.
In many of our prominent cities of late.
Young Mems Christian Associations have
to great extent filled this want in a sue
cessful manner. Everything that is un-
exceptional is allowed, and within the
neatly arranged, beautiful surroundings,
amusements can be found which satisfy
and strengthen not only the mind but the
body as well.
Many people condemn the theatre,
dancing, cards, billiards, bowling and
other popular pastimes because of the
surroundings. Where these things have
been tried with good Christian and moral
influences surrounding them, good has
been accomplished.
1t is no part OF this argument In favor
OF amusements to say that all the amuse-
ments enumerated are just such as one
would like his or her children to indulge
in but, II your boy, for instance, has a
liking for theatrical performances, would
1t not be better to let him enjoy himself
in such way, provided 1t was done In
proper manner, in proper place Sup
pose the good people of this city should
take il into their heads TO lease Lyceum
Hall and fit the stage up with scenery,
and say to the young men and women,
Here is place you can have to meet at
| night and enjoy yourselves. You can re-
hearse some appropriate play and when
ready, give performance for our benefit,
one TO which we can invite our wives and
children, knowing that there will be
nothing to give offense or demoralize. To
be an elocutionist, or to perform well an
actors part on the stage, does not unfit a
person 10 fill any sphere in life. Because
one can sing well an operatic part, does
not prevent him or her from entering into
the best society. Other amusemenlt
could be added which would draw many
who row resort to places where there II
no restraint so long as the money holds
cut.
The so called "Social Clubs OF the day
are not elevating in their nature aud ten'
to do more harm than good. Open amuse
ments that will bear the scrutiny OF pa
rents and friends and receive their ap
prevail and encouragement, is what vi
need here at home II the demoraling 10
fluence Of the private amusements furn
ished for gain are to be overcome.
1t will require money to accomplish
such an object, but who would begrudg
a few dollars to help their children Il
happiness and honor2 Look back few
years when you were young yourselve
and you can better appreciate how neces
sary it is TO have good wholesome enjoy
ment for those dear to you. There
many regret for some folly Of you'll
which might have been avoided II sucl
a scheme had been on foot In our day.
AMUSEMENT.