The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-16
Shall 1t Be Rung in
Worcester?
OPINIONS.
A Variety of Ideas Regard
ing Its Practicability.

Shall curfew ring in Worcester?
1t may be that the city fathers of the
heart of the commonwealth will have
this question to decide in the near fu-
ture.
In many cities and towns curfew agi-
tation is now active. in come places a
curfew law has recently been adopted;
in other places the advisability of the
enactment of curfew law is being dis
cussed.
This movement in other cities has
been felt in Worcester The pastors
of the city, voicing as they do the SEN
timents of the parents, educators and
charitable organizations, are practical
ly agreed that there is need of work
Tor the young boys and girls of the
city, but they are divided upon the
best method for accomplishing this
end
Some of the leading divines favor the
old fashioned curfew IN all its severe
simplicity, while others are opposed to
its adoption on the ground that it is
beneath the dignity of city the size
of Worcester. Several of the pastors
were seen yesterday in regard to the
matter.
Rev. Archibald McCullagh, pastor of
Plymouth Church, was one of the
clergymen seen. When asked what he
thought of the feasibility of attempt
ing the enforcement of the curfew or
dinance in this city, he said: 81 ques-
ton if it is practical or even possible
and wise to enforce such a law in a
city like Worcester in such an age as
this.
Il do not" said DR.. McCullagh, "op-
pose the principles underlying the cur
few, but l question the expediency of
attempting to enforce it in city the
size of Worcester
/ realize only too keenly that some
thing must be done for these boys who
are going about our streets smoking
cigarets. l feel for these little raga-
mullins, and there is a chance for the
press and the people TO do good work
in the salvation of these boys
Rev. Daniel Merriman, pastor of Cen
tral Church, heartily approves of a
curfew ordinance.
| think it would be a good thing"
said DR.. Merriman, land / can't see
how those who favor law and order
can find grounds on which to oppose it.
| have not investigated the question
thoroughly, and there may be such
grounds, but it seems to me that the
curreW would be good thing"
DR.. Merriman said he thought the
curfew would work as well in Worces-
ter as in smaller town, but he stated
that he should favor a later hour than
o'clock for the sounding of the retir-
ing signal on summer nights.
Rev. Almon Gunnison, pastor of the
First Universalist Church, when seen
IN regard to the matter said that he
had inquired into the subject of the
curfew sufficiently to express an opin-
ion for or against the adoption of a
curfew ordinance. He expressed HIM
self, however. as not fayorably i'm
pressed with the movement at first ac-
quaintance.
Rev. Frank D. Penney, pastor of the
Lincoln Square Baptist Church, is an
other believer in the merits of the cur
few
If it means the restoration of the
old quiet New England evenings, it is
a good thing and we want it" said Mr..
Penney. IF it means the closing of
the saloons, let it come and the sooner
the better"
When asked if he thought the curfew
'SNAo WIN III q SllJ Tic SIZE VI w OF
cester, Mr. Penney replied: Work!
Why, make it work.
Rev. A. H. Vinton, rector of All
Saints Church, when seen by a Spy
reporter. said: 1T is a question which
should like to hear discussed very
much. but at present I prefer not to
be one of the debaters"
Rev. j. E. Tuttie, pastor of Union
Church, is strongly in favor of the
adoption of a curfew ordinance
Most certainly, favor it," said Mr..
futile. In my opinion, the principles
OF the curfew must be worked out in
each locality, according to the needs
of that locality, but 1 favor trial of
1t IN this city in one form or another,
for something must be done to keep the
young boys off the streets after 8
o clock at night"
Rev. DIR. Willard Scott of Piedmont
Church said: 81 am unable to Judge as
yet of the practicability of the applica-
ton of the curfew scheme to Worces-
ter. do not know whether there is
truancy enough to warrant it. On gem
eral principles, it is a good thing. and
became convinced of it's value by see
ing it applied at Evanston. Illinois
Where it worked splendidly. At first It
was pooh poohed, then people became
convinced that it was a first rate in
stitutton. The problem of the influence
OF street life on the children of TODAY
is a very serious one, and 1t rs a pity
that the responsibility is not met in ali
homes by all parents
When asked for his opinion, Rev.
William j. Thompson of Grace Church
said: "On the whole, ] am opposed to
the scheme on the ground that it is a
curtailment of liberty, but realize that
In some places the problem of rescuing
the youth from the influences of the
streets is very heavy. 1t seems to me,
however, that Worcester is a remark
ably clean city for it's size, and l do
not personally know of immediate need
for the curfew scheme. / have not.
however, thought the thing over
enough to talk with conviction. 1t may
be necessary here, but it does not
seem so to me at present"
Rev. DR.. A. u. Conrad of Old South
Church expresses his views as follows;
'The curfew would be the best thing
in the world for Worcester. / believe
III it with all my heart and soul. The
condition of the city warrants it. The
curfew would, be the salvation of hun
dreds Of boys and girls. 1t has proven
a success elsewhere, and it has got to
come in Worcester. 1t will be univer-
sal at some time. / think 16 years the
maximum age to which the curfew rule
should apply"
Rev. Spenser b. Meeser Of the First
Baptist Churchill have not examined
into the subject at length. If every
one in the city felt on the subject as
do, it would be success here.
do not know how the sentiment of the
people of Worcester would be on the
matter. 1t might not be. practicable
here on account OF the feeling of the