New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-12
TIE PRESS AHn TIE THEATRE

The opinion seems to he extensively enter
tanned. particularly among members Of the the
atrical profession, that when a newspaper ma
received a paid advertisement of a theatre, II
thereby becomes bound to supply praise, or at
least Ia refrain from censure as to whatever
may be presented an attraction for public
patronage. That opinion is erroneous and the
persons who entertain it disparagc, Ivy imphca-
ton. the integrity Of the displaying both
ignorance and insolencc This condition has
existed ever since there has been Press and
a Theatre but its prevalence has never been so
extensive as II is now; for scarcely a day
passes without somewhere In this country.
noisy complaint that a newspaper, having ac-
copted a paid theatrical advertisement, has also
published adverse opinion Of the advertised
performance. There IS apparently. complete
misunderstanding Of the relation properly eX-
isting between the Theatre and the Press.
Neither Press nor Theatre can he considered as
a Shop. The theatrical manager who pays for
advertisement gets what he pays for. when
that advertisement is published. Neither crit
rism nor notice" should be written for his
benefit His advertisement is transaction
with the COunting-room, and If ought TO be I'M
derStood that it ends when the advertisement
is published Mercantile prosperity Is always
an important consideration: hut the theatrca!
manager who thinks that he is conducting, eX-
cluSivCly IA private business has mistaken
his vocation. The journalist who does not look
beyond advertising patronage has no proper
comprehension of the responsibility of the
Press to the time IN which il lives Whoever
assumes TO administer an art or to weld an
intellectual influence owes a solemn obligation
to society. That obligation is To foster. sustain
and stimulate. to the fullest development. all
than is conducive to the public welfare. The
Drama Is an institution that ought to he de
veloped to the highest point of excellence. On
that point there can be no dispute and need he
no argument The accomplishment of that
good result is dependent principally, on actors.
For the newspaper the only question is as to
the right performance Of professional duty.
There is but one way, and that is the speaking
of the truth Ii may he proper and necessary
10 exercise discretion as to the time and man
ner in which the truth IS spoken but rs TO the
duty of truthful criticism. there Is no question.
That which is good should be recognized and
commended. That which is bad should be eX-
posed and condemned Those are the simple
principles thar govern criticism. We do not
censure because we like to CenSurc; and. though
glad to prosper, we do not praise for the
sake Of advertisements Such suppose to he
the critical policy of all newspapers that are
conducted with a right sense as well of the
requirements of the Drama as of the duty and
dignity of journalism.
There is only one ground on which the Press
and the Theatre can work in harmony. That
is the support OF the Drama an institution
for the moral and intellectual benefit as we'll as
the amusement Of society. With the theatres
az mere places of business the Press has no
more concern than # has with moonbenms
means of growing cucumhers. For selfish
reasons it may wish theatres TO succeed in
business, and It may. IN some sort. try to help
them With the theatres as conservatories OF
the Drama. the other hand. the Press has n
direct. vital concern. The same sense of duty
that enioins the manager Of a theatre 10 up
hold the drama as an art which he has assumed
TO administer also enjoinS the critical journal
list to aid that manager with all the power Of
which the Press is possessed. Good theatres
good actors and good plays have no reason 10
dread the Press Integrity and talent dsarIn
nurOSifiOu