The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1916-02-04

(By G. D. Grain, Jr., louisville
correspondent of Moving Picture
WORLDLY
Frankfort, Ky.-Determined to
take stand that will have tend
ency to put an end to the frequent
controversies over the question of
Sunday picture shows in Frankfort,
KY, Mayor Rupert. after ascareful
observation and inquiry convinced
himself that a majority of the resi-
dents of the capital favor the Sunday
show, and addressed a letter to-
Councilman G. F. Strassner as leader
in the city council on the fight
against Sunday shows, in which he
declines to take any action.
The letter to Councilman Strass-
ner follows:
Dear Sir:
"The agitation relative to the Sun
day picture show again has become
prominent. Antecedent events in
police court and the county court
are well known, and without enter
ing into discussion Of past events
/ will take up this matter from the
standpoint of reason, based upon my
observation of public opinion.
II have been waited upon by
delegations favoriig Sunday picture
shows and also have given audience
to those opposed. have endeavored
to give the matter earnest considera-
ton and have, after mature delibera-
ton, become convinced that major
ity of the people of Frankfort favor
the Sunday picture shows.
Why the Mayor Fayors Sunday
Shows
Arguments of many persons fav-
oring the Sunday show urge that the
pictures now being exhibited at all
the local theatres are Of high class
and tending to elevate the morals Of
the community. II pictures that point
a moral and furnish elevating anfuse-
ment are shown six days week,
why should they be prohibited on
Sunday?
Among the delegations that have
visited me in behalf of the open Sum
day show were many persons COM
PEELED to work throughout the week
with only the Sabbath as period Of
rest and recreation. Worn out with
the days labors these persons can
not go out at night to seek their
Measures, but must respond to the
demands of nature, and after short
evening in their homes retire that
thew NAV be restored for the next
days efforts. 1t therefore becomes
imperative that they find their pur-
suits of pleasure confined to their
only holiday.
Needed by the People
1.-THE man who works with the
pick and shovel, no less than the
man who bends over his desk, needs
surcease from the daily grind; his
physical and mental development de-
mands recreation, else his intellect
becomes stunted. Naturally he will
spend his leisure in some manner
calculated to enhence his mental &C
tivities. 1t may be a religious devo-
ton, ride with the family or. a visit
to the picture show
"And that sounds the keynote.
Constante attendance at religious ex-
ercises turnout the day, if such were
possible, necessarily would become a
monotonous grind. And how many
of the people of Frankfort-the ma
jority of whom are counted in the
middle class-could afford to spend
the afternoon or evening driving or
riding about on the street cars with
their families?
an follows that If the doors of
! the picture shows are closed to them
! they must seek some other form OF
amusement. The result would be
that men gradually would drift away
from their homes and find amuse-
ment somewhere; somehow more
likely in place far morse than a
| picture show.
Blue Laws Are Out of Date
1.-THE old Blue Laws long since
have been abandoned. The people
of Frankfort in many instances have
registered their objection to closing
Sunday picture shows. The law reg
ulating labor on the Sabbath in my
opinion was not designed to put a
barrier in the way of innocent
amusement. The law in Frankfort
will be enforced, but with due regard
to reason and justice. To enforce
the law against Sunday picture shows
would be to close up every drug store
soda fountain, livery stable, garage
and many other conveniences neces-
sary to the public welfare.
1.-THE Sunday picture show in my
opinion is as necessary to a majority
of the people of Frankfort as any Of
these things.
IT trust that in the foregoing I
have made myself clear, and / assure
you my only interest now and during
the remainder Of my term of office
will be for the interest of the masses.
Most respectfully,
JOSEPH RUPERT,
mayor City Of Frankfort"
Mayor Rupert later expressed the