The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1914-12-01
DAMAGED GOODS CONTROVERSY
GROWS EXCEEDINGLY INTERESTING
Manager Robinson Of the Rob-
inson Grand Replies to
Mayor Coles Letter.

Mayor Coles letter and also one
from j. H. Goodwin, which were
published in yesterday afternoons
Telegram caused such a sensation
among the local theater-goers, that
an Evening Telegram reporter called
on the management of the Robinson
Grand to see Just what course it
would take in regard to the perfor-
mances here on Saturday. Mr.. Rob-
inson had just finished. a letter to
Mayor Cole in which he tells real
acts and copy Of it, IS as follows:
facts and copy of 1t, is as follows:
mayor city OF Clarksburg, w. Va.
Dear Sir:
Your communication also letter
from Mr.. Goodwin is before me. Will
say in reply that Mr.. Goodwin is I'M
doubleday ignorant of the fact that
the SO called Damaged Goods" is a
performance that was put on in New
York City with one tremendous OBJ
ject in view, to benefit mankind.
The Rockefeller Institute coupled
with the Sociological Fund of New
York are responsible for its presen-
tation.
ut was first produced at the Fulton
|theater on an afternoon OF more
than a year ago, anG no admission
was charged. The best talent avail
able was secured and at the time
there wasn't the slightest thought Of
commercializing it. However it was
such sensation and so many persons
prominent In all walks of life volun-
tarily sent testimonials to the insti-
tute and to the fund praising their
efforts for their earnest endeavor to
show the world the horrible pitfalls
for the young, that they decided to
interest themselves with Mr.. Bennett
and the Henry B. Harris estate and
send the play intact on tour.
ITO simply state that the piece In
various cities has proved sensation
would be putting it very mildly. 1t
has been a stampede.
II appreciate Mr.. Goodwin's advice
to the public and his interest in the
matter. but honestly believe there
isn't man or woman in Clarksburg
but what knows the nature of the
play.
las for the children, Mr.. Bennett
nor the Rockefeller Institute wish to
cater to them. mean Of course chill
dren who are not old enough to un-
rderstand, consequently they have had
published in their ads the following:
children under 16 years of age
will not be permitted to see this play
unless accompanied by parent or
guardian
Nevertheless, Mr.. Cole. I am very
anxious for you to see and give me
your opinion of this play. The compa-
ny Is. in Fairmont on Friday night of
this week, and if 1t is what Mr.. Good
win says it is, do not wish to play it
here.
However there is one thing that
am absolutely certain of. This .organi-
zation plays or has played every city
of any Importance in the United
States and it has the distinction of
being the only play on the road that
'theater-goers everywhere clamor for
its return.
Surely Clarksburg cannot be any
different than other cities. What
pleased in Washington. Philadelphia.
Baltimore, Boston and all the other
large cities of this country would
surely be appreciated here.
"The Bennett management and the
Rockefeller Institute and the Socio-
logical Fund of New York city, under
whose auspices this company is tour
ing have herald an advertising
nature, which boldly claims that
prudes and hypocrits condemn this
performance, am very much afraid
that Mr.. Goodwin must come under
the head of one or both Of these
names.
Yours respectfully,
&c. ROBINSON"