Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-08-30
Reports Made on Sunday Pro-
grams Very Satisfactory,
It Is Stated.
MANAGERS OF HOUSES
MEET NEW CONDITION
Do Not Avail Themselves of Posi-
BILE Thirty-Day Notice-Patrons
Seem to Enjoy Shows.

Washinston's theaters yesterday. prac-
tically without exception. revised their
programs to conform with the spirit
and letter of the new police regulation
governing Sunday entertainments. ac-
cording to reports made by the police.
Although there is some question as to
whether or not the regulation becomes
effective until thirty days after date of
publication, theatrical proprietors APP
parently decided not to avail them
selves of the possible period of grace
in which to adjust themselves to the
new conditions.
Commissioner Brownlow made il
plain today that the lid is down to
stay. Should there be serious violation
of the regulation within the next thir-
ty days. the District authorities will
find way to punish the offender. it
was stated.
However. if proprietors continue TO
comply with the law as reports show
they did yesterday. the regulation will
be considered as taking effect within
thirty days from date of publication.
Authority to Enforce Rule Now.
In other words. the Commissioners
consider that they have sufficient
authority under joint resolution pass
ed by Congress to Immediately enforce
the regulation, and this authority
would be employed if occasion should
demand. But rather than have the
authority tested in legal action. which
might delay enforcement Of the regu-
la ton indefinitely, the District authori-
ties prefer to follow the course of having
the regulation take effect At the end of
the customary th!rty-day period. pro-
vided theatrical managers will cooperate
to this end
Corporation Counsel Syme said that
the regulation should be considered as
being in force and that fragrant viola
ton of it would assuredly be punished
District officials were pleased by re-
ports showing the general extent to
which the spirit of the regulation was
worked into the programs at the thea
tiers yesterday. Maj. Pullman, superin-
tendent of police. had several ponce
censors out during the afternoon and
evening and they found nothing TO
make complaint about.
Two Act as Critics.
Capt. Charles Peck of the first pre-
cinct and Precinct Detective Harry A.
Cole led the force of police dramatic
critics.
Character costumes and changes oil
scenery-the two principal prohibitions
of the new regulation-were not III
evidence at the theaters. However
there was dancing, something that the
former law governing Sunday enter
tainments did not permit The new
regulation also makes further con
cession in that it permits the exhibit
ton of trained animals.
SO far as the observation of the po-
lice censors went the audiences enjoyed
the revised programs equally as much
as the old, and the theatrical managers
did not experience any hardships in
conforming to the law.
The Rhode Island Avenue Methodist
Protestant congregation went on rec
ord yesterday indorsing 'the PROPOSE
ton of prohibiting all performances or
entertainments on the Lords day, COM
monty called Sunday, for which an adj
mission is paid. and We do further eX-
tend this Endorsement to the recent ac-
tion of the board of Commissioners and
the superintendent of police, voicng
their determination to enforce the eX-
listing law and regulations respecting
the observance of the Lords day