Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-01-22
THE ROW AT ELLSWORTH.

AT Ellsworth, thrifty little town in
Hamilton county, one Of the biggest
rows with least occasion IS keeping
everybody busy leading or blocking
Ellsworth is all torn up. The preach
ers do not speak as they pass by; the
townspeople it may be imagined from
the stories sent out glare when they
meet and guard low lest a swift one
come home on the solar pleNus; even
the editor rears back in wrath and
hints at what he might publish about
a church member. And it all started
because of differences Of creed or
church belief and discipline Now what
do you know about that. IN this early
sunup of the Twentieth century.
Some of those Ellsworth folks like to
dance. Some other Ellsworth folks
thing dancing sin. The one whirled
to the blessings OF lutes: the other
looked on in horror at the sight. shock
ed at the sin and apprehensive of the
future Of those who thus INDUCED
themselves. From plain polemics the
discussion ranged into sociology and a
lot Of other things. Il got so extremely
good and warm that compromise was
effected. The dance was to be sus-
pended and roller skating was TO be APP
proved and given countenance. An or
SI, ~
Instead of the dreamy and voluptuous
waltz. the strenuous and strident Two
step the erstwhile dancers whirled
madly round and round the rink; the
Racine was banished, the barn dance
sent to its stall. Peace reigned and
above the stilled voices Of dispuration
and over the grinding OF rollers rose
the tuneful twangings Of the orches-
ira like the music OF the spheres. And
all was we'll.
But into this Arcadian dream bursts
the raueous note Of renewed war. The
preachers can not agree that they
agreed. It is as the bali upon the eve
of Waterloo. When the ministerial
artillery opens and the dread sound
calls upon the ears OF the beauty and
chivalry of Ellsworth cheeks grow pale
which but one short hour before had
blushed with praise o. their own love-
illness and the violent exercise Of the
rink. Each hurries each 70 MS camp.
The bugles are sounding and the long
roll is beaten. Where but Meeting
hour agone all was nerriment and
peace and love the embattled hosts O
a divided neighborhood stand breathing
hard thru their noses.
Now Ellsworth is a village noted for
It's intelligence and education and gem
eral prosperity. So prosperous is that
community that We are informed that
at least one OF the clergymen owns an
automobile. It is what you would call
a mighty good neighoorhood- Let it De
suggested in all friendl.ness and with
the kindlest concern that IL Is time
Ellsworth quit scrapping over if
tenth century problem and ore that
ne have long ago agreed should and
must be settled by the individual.
The church is out Of is place when
1t attempts to make hard and fast rules
OF conduct for those outside lis pale.
It IS not the MAKER Of civil Or aven
moral Law. Il may claim 70 interpret
he latter for It's own comm unicants. Il
mast lose power and influence when il
insists on a complete censorship OF
social aznuseznenrs- There is not the
slightest doubt that the public skating
rink and the public dance ara eyesores
OF the larger cities. It IS not at all
credited generally that dancing and
rolling skating when properly conduct
ed are devices O. the devil.
Ellsworth should cut it out and gel
together as community allowing TIC
.=a:. Ist,e-tv of conscience TO select his
own srnusements under the geenra
law.