The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-04-03
lily ARDMOREITE

publishes as 10 what's going on?'
The mayor informed the board that
it was not the intention of the pro
visions of the ordinance TO limit its
effect on any specific person. but was
universal in scope. He read the ordi'
nance. and in the highest terms prais-
cd City Attorney Hodge for the fine
manner in which he had drawn il up
Appeals For Virtue
IL tell YOU as a grandfather, and q
father of boys and girls" the mayor
said. that we owe ii to them, and you
who have no children owe il to the
children of others, TO maintain that
sacred sanctum which tends to guard
the virtues of our boys and girls.
The mayor made an impassioned APP
peal to the members OF the board to
pass the ordinance, ''in order that II
might be a starter to fortify the cham
pions of virtuous things" and suggest
ed that companion ordinance estab
fishing the board of censorship might
be introduced later
During his address, Mayor Freeman
delved into Biblical history. attempt
ing to show that the Lord never desir-
ed a sinner to go out into the world In
an effort to reform others.
Lets forgive and be bit-hearted
enough to forgive" he said. Lets bal
ance out the matter. But let's not
for a moment elevate and heraldize
one who led such an unfortunate car
eer."
Women Applaud Mayor
Members of the womens committee
present applauded the mayor at the
conclusion of his address.
At one point during the discussion of
the matter, the mayor intimated that
attempts were being made TO dodge the
issue. by several persons present, who
were stating that the ordinance was
not adequate enough.
II want something definite to vote
on" said Commissioner Young, "Tve
been on this council to long and know
TOO much about ordinances" Mr.
Young implied that attempts to en-
force the provisions of an ordinance
usually ended UP in the supreme court.
.NOt tNttOTutN IOI Nidia
S. A. George, member of the law
firm of Champion and George. made
an effort to explain the Interpretation
Of. the Clara Smith Hamon contract
and also informed the board that he
intended to show that the ordinance
about to be voted on was untimely and
uncalled for in that 1t tended to aif
the large companies in sitting the ex-
istence of the Clara Smith Company
Mr.. George explained that he was
not appearing before the board as at
torney for Clara Smith, as might be
implied. He said that he happened to
be present at the meeting on another
matter, but after hearing the various
arguments, decided TO offer some en-
lightenmcnt, as was apparently neces-
sary under the conditions.
Holds Clara StOrk
Mr.. George explained that he had n
little stock in the company which will
produce the Clara Smith pictures, but
said that was his only interest in her.
He stated that he had personally drawn
up the contract which Clara Smith had
signed With the company.
"The ordinance is not so vulnerable
as ! had thought It might be-" said
Mr.. George, 81 had expected that 1t
might possibly mention specifically
Clara Smith Hamon, but it does, not. q"
Mr.. George expressed himself as be-
ing in favor Of board Of censorship
81 admire the zeal OF the mayor" he
said "and appreciate the sincerity OF
the women present. ! know the mayor
means every word he has said ana
that II comes from the bottom OF his
heart. and that he is honest in all
things
Ordinance tntimely
But ! believe that this ordinance is
untimek at this time. II has already
been flashed To the world that the city
officials have such an ordinance. u
the Clara Smith incident hadn't occur
red some time ago, no ordinance
would have been passed. | believe in
Il strict censorship. There are many
pictures which should not be shown.
If Clara Smith takes part In u picture
not fit. that picture should be pro-
hibited. and the man who exhibits
such a picture should be punished.
How can anyone criticize the pictures
of Clara Smith II those pictures have
not been produced as yet. The public
in general does not know what Clara
Smith intends to do"
I'VE Don't Want TO Know"
Mr. George then took from his pocket
the contract which Clara Smith had
signed with the motion picture produc-
ing company, and prepared TO read
several extracts from it. Before he
commenced, however, several of the
women present remarked, I'VE don't
want To know what is In the contract.
We've heard enough" Mr. George at
tempted to demonstrate, stating In a
polite manner that he merely desired
which they were not familiar.
well. wait until we've finished our
business" said one of the women, then
we'll excuse ourselves and retire. Az
ter that you may read the entire con
tract"
Mr.. George then Informed the wom-
en- that he desired To read the extracts
from the contract 10 the mayor ana
board Of commissioners. The mayor
called the meeting TO order, and In
structed Mr.. George TO proceed.
\ ripple OF laughter swept over the
room as Mr.. George continued his dis
cussion by addressing the members oi
the council as gentlemen Of the jury
having done so by a slip Of the ton
que"
Clara's Pictures Clean
Mr. George read extracts from the
contract to prove that the pictures IN
which Clara Smith was tn appear viii
not depict any of the relations which
existed between Hamon and the girl
nor any immoral or other such scenes
He showed that the company which
will produce the pictures will employ
and use only clean and competent poo'
pie. and viii not tolerate immoral liv.
ing. drinking or swearing. He stated
A.. ....s....I Of IA. Al.g tpnxtntf MIC