Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1916-02-05
MORE THAT THE FORTUNE HUNTER"
MIGHT DO

The play given two nights this week under the auspices
of the Social Service Center of the Salem Commercial
Club a splendid success Possibly it drew capacity
houses because the object one of charity, pos
sby because of the excellent entertainment the players
gave; more likely it combination Of both causes
which caught the popular approval and was coined into
real money through the box office receipts.
The Fortune Hunter" is clean comedy drama and
its popularity gives the lie to the superstition of heatr
cal managers that theatre goers are ever seeking the
morbid sensational and uncean in their patronage of the
stage Clean wit and humOr and good moral tone never
fails to fill house with people whose appreciation is worth
while when the play is properly staged and inteigently
acted The Salem company which was greeted by a
packed house Thursday night was forced to turn people
away Friday night because even standing room was at
premium Hundreds who wished to enjoy this entertain
ment were disappointed-and this fact leads to another
thought.
Why not have the Fortune Hunter repeated next
week for the benefit of worthy charitable movements?
There is the Jewish relief fund to which thousands are
literally subscribing all the country and in behalf
of which the president of the Unter States has issued
official appeal in the form of proclamation calling upon
Americans to do their full duty to relieve distress and
suffering in foreign lands The Jewish people have been
great sufferers in war which they in way re-
sponsbe for Their property has been confiscated their
homes destroyed their families scattered Father mas
been compelled to fight against son In opposing armies
brother against brother and Jewish blood has sodden the
ashes Of their razed homes in the path warke hosts In
all the history of the world there is more pathetic PIC
tre And if America heeds the appeaand needed it will
be-Saem must remember that it is an American city, the
capital Of great state and that it must bear its burden
with the rest willingly and in the manner that sanctltles
and makes holy the spirit of charity
Then there is local institution and the most worthy
one the old peoples home and assistance there would
not be amiss Many things needed there always that
little money would provide to cheer the lives of those
who are watching the lengthening shadows the sun
declines Who wouldn't help swell such fund and deem
it not burden but privilege vouchsafed by crcum-
stances of ease and comfort?
The proceeds of the next entertainment of the local
players might well be divided between the Jewish relief
fund and that for the benefit of the old peoples home
The spirit of giving is upon us while indications on every
hand of broader more permanent national prosperity
cheer us all. Let us give the impulse free reign,
not in narrow grudging measure but in the full sweep
of that good will and fellowship that reaches out to sue
cor the unfortunate and oppressed and makes life the
"gad sweet song" the Creator intended it should be-
Hundreds of our people want to the Fortune Hunter
and the entertainment would be enhanced by the thought
that others not so fortunate in life would share through
its proceeds the enjoyment that it has brought to the
city of Salem,
"In faith and hope the world may disagree
But all manknds concern is charity"