The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-08-25
BY ALL MEANS svcn AN ORDINANCE

We trust that Mr.. Lynch viii be Of the same
mind when the City Council meets again as he
Indicates In his present determination 10 intro
duce an ordinance designed to prevent chill
dren from ATTENDING unaccompanied by adults
the moving picture shows We cannot imagine
any reasonable consideration that could inspire
any opposition to Us passage upon the part Of
his colleagues.
The dangers of the picture shows are reooguiz-
cd by thoughtful minds to be considerable
means of recreation and entertainment. that
might be merely innocent but positively
instructive and helpful has too often presented
a positive menace 10 the mind of immature
youth. And this danger is not altogether capa-
BILE of avoidance by the strictest censorship
The censors are men Of fixed character and
mature mind Motion pictures that would APP
pear TO only amusing or innocent might
present TO immature minds thoughts that were
evil and suggestions that were dangerous, 1t
is but fair that thoughtless childhood, incapa-
ole of deciding for itself what things are worthy
and safe, should be protected from the posi-
bility OF harmful suggestion by the prohibition
Of their presence unless accompanied by an
adult In so far does the city prove faithful
to the limit of rs legimate guardianship and
the responsibility is then thrust upon parents.
where it properly belongs. but where, too often
in this day. it is forgotten or ignored.
There has been distinct elevation in the
zone of the pictures hoy thrown upon the can
Yas. They we're formerly both vulgar and
Immoral at times Now, however, the gross
and glazing breach OF proprley Is not often
evident. Yet there remains. in the effort TO
display pictures of human interest the me, /
tate suggestion awakened by situations not
primarily designed to produce this effect Il
is but fair to parents also, Who desire to
shield their children az far as possible from
the evil that they be assured Of the protection
OF childhood by the law. An ordinance, deny
ing small children the right Of admission IN
accompanied by an adult. would guarantee te
parents that their children would be removed
from evil situations were such to develop during
The progress of the show.
But there other periis, and greater thar
the mere fact OF watching the moving pictures
that threaten the children that are permitted
to roam the streets at night, often upon pre-
text of attending the cheap theaters. The,
need no presentation here, They are easil.
apparent to any mind that has knowledge O
the citys life after nightfau Especially il
this true Of young, susceptible and innoc~n
girlhood. To read the Indictment Of the pic
ture show as drawn by the experience o
some OF larger cities is to shudder at In
possible ruin of boys and girls given libert
n follow their. own lncljpatlons, in tbs scare
Of pleasure, after the lights lit. 1t ia
furthermore. to marvel at the ignorance or in
difference of parents whose permission mus
be obtained before the child has the freedom
Of the night
BY all means let have an ordinance tina
will safeguard the life Of the innocent child
and take out of their mouths the pretexts OF
fered for leaving home by those who have a
roady grown more worldly wise