The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-12-09

DR., Paul Sorknss, city health OH
Ger, this, morning rescinded his or
der of Saturday evening closing Far
go theaters for an indefinite period
as a result of their alleged failure to
observe the order calling for so per
cent capacity crowds, and in its place
issued an order requiring theaters,
churches, department stores, pool
halls. soda fountains and other es-
adjustments where the public gath
ers to permit q crowd no larger
than 10 per cent OF their capacity.
The schools are excepted.
DIR. Sorkness action followed a
speciaI session OF the city commits
sion at 10:30 o'clock this morning,
called at the instance OF theater
owners who vigorously protested the
Saturday evening order, and declared
it discriminatory. Every Fargo the
ater was represented at the meeting,
Several theater owners and man
ayers. and representatives. OF ems
ployes addressed the commission on
the subject.
The new order, which is effective
Immediately, is sweeping in its
terms. and provides punishment by
closing for the individual. Special
officers will cooperate with the po-
lice in enforcing the order.
sfThe new order will remain in
force until influenza has been stamp
ed out in Fargo" Dr. Sorkness said
this afternoon. How long that will
be, cannot say. Ny reason in Or
dering the theaters closed was be-
cause reports had been brought to
me that they were not observing the
80 per cent capacity order"
Alex SternI president Of the COM
mission, said that he would see that
any establishment that violated the
order would be closed up. Such ac-
ton, however. will not be taken ur1-
til official investigation has deter
mined the facts.
Former Orders In Force.
Former orders requiring the isola-
ton OF every influenza patient, and
that they must remain away from
public places or gatherings remain N
force, DR.. Sorkness said. He added
that at no time did he favor a closing
order except to safeguard as far as
possible public health, and only then
when health regulations were not
being observed.
The city commission voted unani-
mously to sustain DR.. Sorkness in his
new order.
w. J. Hawk, of the Liberty; Wal
ter Junkin, of the Isis: J. j. Nc
Carthy, of the Grand; w. r. Dean, OF
the Strand; and A. e. Phillips. of the
Garricl, were the theater owners
and managers addressed the commits
sion this morning, each declaring
that he had no objetcion to having
his theater closed providing other
places where large crowds gathered
TTxa,-o also Fnrcad IN close
"The poorest ventilated theater in
Fargo is better ventilated than the
best ventilated department store" !"
Mr.. Hawk said. "The theater owners
are not asking favors, but a square
deal"
Mr.. Junlxin advised closing every
business establishment If the con-
dition warranted. Mr.. Mccarthy said
that he had no objection to closing
his theater IL the order were general.
Mr.. Dean declared 4 that to close
shows and permit other places to
run would be discrimination. Mr..
Phillips expressed the same view.
Prof. II. NJ Rhudd, president OF the
Fargo Musicians union spoke in be-
half of the musicians employed in
fhe theaters; and George Deering
stage, manager at the Grand, for the
ater employees. Mr.. Deering said that
60 theater employees. the majority the
heads of families would be out OF
employment If the order Were left
to stand.
Theaters Resume Business.
An but one or two theaters resurn
ed business this afternoon Several
theater managers cancelled orders
for pictures when the closing order
was issued Saturday evening, and
had some difficulty in Tesumtng their
bookings.