The San Francisco call., 1898-06-07
THEATERS
 AND HOPS
 TlBo0ED Ministers Brown on Too Much Gayety. EVIL LURKS IN THE DRAMA. YOUNG GIRLS SHOULD BE CHAP ERoNED TO CAMP. Interesting and Instructive Meetings Held by Various Denomina- tional Pastors in This City
 Yesterday.
YOUNG GIRLS SHOULD BE CHAP
 ERONED TO CAMP.

Dr. J. W. Phelps of the California Stree Methodist Episcopal Church created some warm discussion at the regular weekly meeting of the Methodist ministers yester- day by reading a cleverly written paper on "Amusements.' His brother ministers were astounded at the trend of the paper and were open in their expression of dis approval, until he explained that the thoughts he had read were those of a friend. which he had put together with a view to ascertaining the views of his fel- low ministers on the subject.
 The reader declined to give the paper for publication, but in substance 1t was as follows: An amusement should not be considered an evil because 1t amuses. The mere fact that 1t is entertaining does must remember that the first year of life is given over to amusements."
 Dr. John Coyle said he was opposed to theaters owing to their surroundings. That if Hamlet could be placed on the stage with moral accompaniments, the public would be benefited. He then told how Booth tried to elevate the stage, and of his failure owing to the Black Crook being put on to big houses at the time he was appearing in legitimate plays.
 The question was asked how long a minister who went to theaters would be retained in his pulpit, and the answer was quickly made "as long as Burrows had been. The speaker felt some compas- sion Tor Burrows, as he was insane. He denounced dancing in parlors, as it led to dancing on the outside, also card play ing, as one familiar with the pastime might De tempted to take a hand in a game while travelling.
 pr. Robt Bentley was opposed to dances, as he said they are generally held on Sat uroay night, and are kept up until far into into ne Sabbath. He deplored the prac. tlce Of Christian parents taking their chil- dren to baseball games and bicvcling races on Sunday and he denounced danc- ing again as a danger to the church.
 Dr. Matthews said: While the individ- uall consclence Is supreme, it must be re- garded by the best and wisest. that tbe cnurch IS against such amusements and uiFerSlonS. l believe 1t is reported or Thrte4, Hiiiteq at mat large proportion of the Chrlstlans of this city and vicinity patron lze the dance, and that it eats out the spiritual life of the church Ii is lime e.IaI t1e christian pulpits should be a1oussd against the evils Dr. Matthews consldered the country dance a curse and mighty power to turn young peonle aWav from the church. peop'e ' !" d y
 pr; J. A. B. Wilson remarked that eaeater thea sTodp dproprietors ought to be willing to give SlOO0 to the brother who read tbe paper, and that dance halls should have a million copies struck off and circulated as 1t excellently served their cause
 -'Ai OdPldll Fry or the Salvation Army addressed the Methodist ministers on the demoralizing effect of the camp fife here on the young girls, and Suggested that something be done immediately to remedy the evil. The following committee was appointed to look into the matter: pr. E. R. Dille (chairman), pr. F. D. Bovard, Dr. Hammond, Dr. c. E. Locke and pr. J. A. B. Wilson.
 H. J. Waters of Oakland read a paper before the Baptists on Systematic Civ ing" and Rev. E. A. Woods, DID,, who went from here as a delegate to the an- nual Baptist convention held in Rochester. reported that the next convention would be held in this city next May. Among the societies represented will be the Baptist Missionary Union, Home Missionary Society, Publication Society, Educational Society and the Womans Baptist Home Missionary Society.
 The Presbyterian ministers resolved themselves into devotional meeting, and prayers for the nation were offered.
 Miss Mindoi Berry and Mrs. Captain ters during their session. Mrs. Berry spoke on behalf of the Christian Endeav- orers, and asked that the aid and inf1u- ence of her listeners might be brought to bear upon the volunteers in camp. She said many of the boys in blue now en- camped at Richmond are members of the society.
 Mrs. Fry notified the ministers that the Salvation Army had erected tent in the Pennsylvania division, and asked their aid in carrying on meetings nightly.
 Rev. w H. Atkinson read a paper on "Congregational Church Benevolences,' V and Mrs. A. J. Jordan spoke on the or ganzation of mothers association to chaperone young girl members of the Christian Endeavor Society to the camp: Club. also spoke, and their remarks brought forth quite a discussion.