The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-11-30
SECRETARY GEE
IS TO CENSOR
THE PICTURES

Tho police oommfss toner's. by unani-
nous decision. have voted 20 maintain a
strict censorship of the pictures exhibit
cd IN the penny vaudeville and like
amusement places and have issued ef-
fective instructions to- that end
They declined 20 be swayed by clamor
from an inspired source into rcvolNing tho
license Of John b. Nash, in one Of whose
places an offensive picture was exhibited
without the knowledge or consent and
against the wish of Nash, but they pun
shed him by keeping his place closed
from last Friday night until tomorrow
morning.
They accepted his explanation and alsc
caused Nash 10 issue the following apol-
ogy:
ITO Ny Friends and the Public Gen
orally:
Il wish TO state that nobody regrets
more than / do the exhibition OF tho i'm
moral and offensive scene in one of my
places OF amusement, which has brought
about the suspension OF my licenGe. l re
gret IL because OF its indecent character
and because Of the tustihable indignation
which II very properly provoked from my
II is no excuse for me TO plead either
press OF business or ignorance of its char
acter. IN jusuhcat ton Of its appearance.
II was simply wrong and i should not
have allowed II, or anything Ike 1t, 10
appear. / regret IL heartily and am
ashamed OF Il. / feel that l should say
this publicly TO the citizens of Provi-
dence, whose decency l have allowed 20
be offended In a place OF amusement
hVH Af
authority rs gned) JOHN b. NASH. -
The boards decision was as follows:
THE above apology Is satisfactory TO
the complainant and the board Of police
commiss toner's. The complainant IN the
case however, expressed the opinion that
the penalty imposed be left entirely in
the hands OF the board, and after care
full consideration the board decided that
the places OF amusement conducted by
John 3. Nash remain closed over the
holidays and that he be permitted 10 re-
open on Dec I, Mr.. Nash declaring un-
dor oath that the picture was sent here
by the American Mutoscope company and
that he did not know Of its existence un-
IN after It's confiScation by the board.
The board further required Mr. Nash To
discharge the employe guilty OF placing
the picture In the machine before II ha,
been brought TO his attention.
THE picture. from all appearances and
from statements uade TO the board has
been used in other cities.
Nash believes. and others share MS
suspicion. that the complaint was made
by an emisSary Of his enemies and
is very anxious TO ascertain the identity
of the individual who made the COM
plaint He is also determined, no says,
TO watch moro closely the pictures sent
to his place hereafter.
The board, in order 10 keep the closest
watch over such exhibitions here
after. instructed Secretary Samuel Gee to
examine all pictures before they are put
on exhibition; and he Is TO hold up any
he may regard as OF doubtful proprlety.
pending the opinion OF the board.
'If there is any more trouble Of this
character" said Chairman WILLIAM IA.
Luther. today. "G shall not favor granting
licenses TO any such places"
In this opinion Col. Harold J. Gross
heartily colncided when It was repeated to
him this afternoon.