The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-10-21
THE PUBLIC AND THE THTATER.

There was an unusually bad show exhibited
u the Bitou Theater Monday night IT was de
ScrSbed by those who saw IT, and by police Off
ciaIs presenting evidence in court. as the worst
show put on in Richmond We feel that
the police officers are to be heartily commended
tor arresting the manager Of the place. We feel
that Chief Werner is to he congratulated his
prompt action, While We would feel that the
Immediate soppage of the show at the introduc-
tion OF indecent elements would have been more
effective. It may be that for the sake of securing
conclusive evidence the police followed the wiser
rourse. In Police Court the manager of the
heater fined by the justice. and wish 10
smphasize the judges assertion that shows that
will go in Chicago. Pittsburg, New YORK ano
other cities will not and shall not 20 in Rich
mond. We do not object TO being called pro-
sinctal when the question Of public morality Is
concerned. We feel that any display such as
that Of Monday night should receive the full
and severe condemnation of the law and public
sentiment We. therefore, me porrce
ofncials tina, they have our fullest sympathy and
cooperation in their action.
We understand that the experience of the
first day in Police Court proved insufficient for
the theater managers and that the show. In
practically every detail was Reproduced yes,er
day. That being the case it is only proper that
the management be given the full limit OF the
law. The $50 fine seemed insufficient to stop
the exhibition. As matter OF fact a very small
attendance. hundred or so. would pay the fine
With ease We understand that the limit OF
the law is $500 fine and a month in jail.
So long as the expressed opposition of the police
and the public Is not sufficient to prevent the
production of such disgraceful exhibition we
fael that the limit of the law is none too severe
4 penalty for those whom responsibility for
the show can be fixed. We notify the police
that The Pfroinian will heartily endorse any
action they may take looking to the stoppage
Of indecent shows the stage of Richmond.
The theater problem is OF the real ques-
fious OF the day. There few institutions
ia this or other times of greater potential power
Philosophical and lesson shows like the Blue
Bird. Peter Pan and others of similar variety,
cfNen play TO half.flled houses, while exhibit
lions like that OF Monday night want for
crowded houses. 1t is sad commentary on the
sta4e OF public morality. but 1t is neverthe
ioGs. true. that few. IL any shows, however high
their general tone may be, find 1t possible to
make financial success without the injection
u some Objectionable element or suggestion al
some part OF the performance. We told the
pubaic demands this. and also that the theater
managers WIN give nothing else. Neither man
ayers or public will admit the fault for them.
selves. What we chiefly desire to see is an
American stage, where the public might never
D. In DOUBT AZ to what It is to see Then, II
inst something Is TO be always bad. would
b justified in abolshing It; II good in com
mending it unreservedly. Yet neither bad nor
eDod altogether predominates. and consequently
one must either condone tho bad to retain the
good or condemn the good to destroy the bad