New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-05-11
FOLKS FACES BIG FIGHT
Opposition Expected for 0rdi.
nance on Moving Picture Houses.
HEARING ON NEXT TUESDAY
National Board of Censorship
Objects to Film Veto Power
That Mayor Would Have.

a hot fight Is expected in the Board OF
Aldermen next Tuesday when Alderman
Folks's proposed ordinance for regulating
the construction OF moving picture houses
comes up. There are six hundred OF these
houses In the city, with a patronage OF
nearly 10000 a day. and they have already
seriously cut INTO tho business OF the regu-
lar theatres and variety houses.
Alderman Folkss proposed ordinance
provides for the construction OF moving
picture houses with maximum seating
capacity OF 60 under special provisions for
fire exits. lighting. ventilation and sani-
tation. When the seating capacity exceeds
60 the buildings have TO be constructed
under the theatre law, a much more expen-
sive form OF building. The present law re-
quires construction under the theatre law
when the seating capacity exceeds 800,
while there are practically no special re-
quirements for moving picture houses with
a seating capacity under 800.
The difference in cost OF putting up a
building under the laws governing ordinary
buildings and under those governing thea
tire construction is such that few OF the
moving picture shows could continue II
they were obliged 10 have their houses con-
form TO the theatre law The obligation
TO conform TO the theatre law. where the
seating capacity is more than 800. has put
A limit on the amount OF business done by
the moving picture shows and the extent to
which they could cut into the business OF
the regular theatres.
To double the seating capacity OF the
moving picture houses would mean Sc
rous loss 10 the theatres and for this rea-
son a great deal OF opposition has devel-
oped 10 the ordinance proposed by Alder
man Folks. Opposition has also developed
from two or three civic organizations that
want municipal censorship OF moving pict-
ures. and those whose reasons are COM
mercla have Joined with the ones who
want municipal censorship 10 defeat the
proposed ordinance. But the sincerity Of
the opposition of the commercial interests
Is shown by the proposition made TO AL
derman Folks this week to Withdraw their
objections, II he would make his proposed
ordinance require theatre construction
where the capacity Of the house exceeded
800.
Commissioner Fosdick Approves.
Raymond g. Fosdick, Commissioner Of
Accounts. said yesterday Of the Folks ordi
nance: II believe IL represents the most
constructive and satisfactory legislation
along this line to be found in any city in
the country. / am familiar with the NOV
ing picture ordinances Of most, II not all,
OF our cities. In increasing the seating
capacity from 800 to GOO, in minutely pro-
yiding for the construction. ventilation,
heating and lighting Of picture theatres. In
eliminating vaudeville. in centrng respon-
sibIlity and control in the Bureau OF Id
censes, the Folks ordinance constitutes an
intelligent and up-to-date piece Of law
making. II IS earnestly desired that II be
assed as II has been introduced"
The following is part OF statement is
sued Yesterday by Thomas X. Slicer, chair
man of the National Board OF Censorship.
the body that passes on moving pictures
for the entire country before exhibition:
Tho National Board OF Censorship favors
the proposed Folks ordinance because this
ordipance would morally and physically
safeguard the public who attend picture
,haatres The ordinance is scientifically
drawn 10 make possible a commodious safe.
theatre which .san he built In the |