New-York tribune., 1914-07-05

effects Of such films. The decisions OF
this committee, working in cOnjunc-
tion with the Department Of Licenses,
viii be CO sidered by ;he National
Board in compiling its special bullc-
tins. which arc mailed weekly to $50
or 400 other centres.
The method Of operation is simple.
| pon complaint from citizens and other
agencies the Department Of Licenses,
TIN ough its inspectors and the Ma
tional Board. will make an investiga
tiOn. Whenever the complaint seems
20 warrant action the committee will
Immediately view the picture. It's
report to Commissioner Bell will be
accepted. Orders will be issued by the
department to all exhibitors that the
condemned picture must not be eX
hibitcd under penalty of suspension or
forfeiture Of their license
Frederick c. Howe. director of the
Peoples Institute and chairman Of the
National Board of Censorship, spoke as
follows
"ln consideration Of this question
Of censorship Of motion pictures for
New York City il must be remembered
that freedom of thought is essential
for all classes of society. This in
cludeS the people on the East Side,
Washington Heights and Brownsville,
Brooklyn. Censorship must not take
this away. The Committee of Seven
must not look forward to drastic ac-
tion. They must maintain consistent
attitude toward freedom.
"The National Board has been inter
ested primarily in the ethical effects
of motion pictures on audiences. This
is the primary concern Of this com
L. h.
structive and not destructive.
"You will find most manufacturers OF
motion pictures are thinking of accom-
plishing certain dramatic, artistic,
emotional or humorous effects. Occa-
sionally they attain others which are
dangerous. Il is possible that critics
who do not live with picture may
find these. A very few irresponsible,
new and unethical manufacturers think
only of the selling power and gate re-
ceipts of films. These latter are many,
and need to be restrained
"Somc few exhibitors in New York
likewise will obtain and show these
films if they can thereby draw crowd.
They think nothing of the industry If
the days sale of tickets is large. These
men often minister to morbid. sensuous
and criminal instincts. The New fork
Committee Of Seven. working under the
Department Of Licenses, is designed to
reach these films and these men.
~ is equally true that there are al
wavs a few members of society who
are abnormally open TO dangerous sug-
gestions. Society needs TO be protected
from their actions.
IN a city of the cosmopolitan nature
Of New York il should be remembered
that pictures which are thrilling and
melodramatic have place, Just as the
theatrical melodrama of the Bowery.
Third av. and Broadway. Brooklyn, Of
the past. Many hard working people
need such thrill. excitement and change
as a contrast to their drab lives.
THE National Board has offered this
plan 10 the Department Of Licenses be-
cause of its desire to attain 100 per
cent efficiency. 1t indicates the con-
tinued effectiveness of the board.
"The attendance of children in New
York is about IS per cent OF the total
audiences. Many of these are accom-.
panied by their parents. They are OF
all ages from six to sixteen. The prop
lens of life depicted in many fl!ms arc
entirely beyond the child nina ana
have no harmful effect 1t IS those te"
pictures which are grasped by cnlidreR
which should come within the scope O
your committee.
"The criticism of motion pictures by
the National Board and by this CO.
operative Committee Of Seven for New
York should fairly represent public
opinion. 1t should be broad minded
disinterested and effective. Such crit
cism is only fair when the whole pub
lie is considered, and not one class
foreigners, women, trade or sex groups
The important work of this commit
tee will he to concentrate on the wild,
cat film. the disreputable exhibitor and
the abnormal member of society,"