The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-04-03
By Special Ordinance
ArdmOre Puts Ban on
Indecent Pictures
lConlinued from Pnge onel

Continued from Page One)
enter a protest against permitting the
exhibition, in Ardmore. of pictures of
Clara Smith Hamon, and like charac-
ter.
The mayor informed Mrs. Foster that
there was an ordinance prepared re-
garding the matter and instructed the
city clerk to read it.
May Go TO Supreme Court
City Clerk Thurston read the ordi-
nance prohibiting the exhibition of pic
lures Of an immoral and sensational
character.
Discussion arose as to whether or not
the fine imposed (S100) was not too
small in that the theatre owners could
well afford to pay it and make mueh
money on the display Of the pictures
besides. Also, as to whether or not the
chief of police had the authority, under
the ordinance, to prevent the exhbl.
tions of the pictures. Some seemed to
be of the opinion that the matter would
find its way to the supreme court if
the police attempted to stop such exhi-
bitions.
Commissioner Young's Views
Commissioner Young remarked that
the ordinance does not ocver enough
ground. 1T mortifies me very much, ="
he said, that | cannot be in accord
with everybody, especially the women
who are present here tonight There
is no doubt but that the intentions of
these women are good and that they
want to do the right thing in asking for
a prohibition of immoral and the like
pictures My intentions are also good.
II am sorry that this matter did not
come up some months ago. Had II
come up then would have been strong
for il.
II respect the efforts OF the women
who are here this evening. IT will be
remembered that have always OBJ
jected to shows Of other than an educa-
tional and moral character, and have
opposed the exhibition in this city of
carnivals, voting on their admittance
only when the firemen desired to have
them here. | never attend the vaude-
vile in Ardmore. for dislike the man.
ner in which the woman race is put in
such a way.
II have travelled extensively and have
seen much. ! would have been glad
to put the ban on such stuff and most
movies a year ago,
'0ne Poor, Sinful Girl"
But | cannot consent when an eff
fort is being made to place the burden
on the shoulders Of one, poor, sinful
girl. This thing. has been hanging on
while we have been watching sin GO
ing on in this and other towns and af-
ter one girl went wrong, to undertake
to do this is too much"
Mr. Young praised Ardmore and its
people in the highest terms. He stated
that his conscience would not permit
him TO vote as the women desired be-
cause the ordinance, although it men
toned no particular person. neverthe-
less its provisions centered on one girl.
IF / voted for its passage stated
Mr.. Young, II would feel guilty as long
as | lived. am Just constituted that
way and can't help it,
!. K Mason, local attorney, stated
that prohibition of such pictures had
been discussed in private session at
the mayors office a year ago. lie sug'
gested what appeared TO be the most
popular phase of the situation-that
board of censorship Ne created for the
purpose of reviewing all pictures prior
10 their exhibition before the public.
Commissioner Doak expressed him
self as in favor of o board of censor
ship.
Mle II. II. Sayre. one OF the commit
tee of women present. stated that the
women appreciated Mr.. Youngs feelings
and said that If person had an opin-
ion 1t was his perfect right to express
it, However, she said. no personal
opinion Of anyone should be permit
ted TO hinder the proceeding desired by
the majority. Mrs. Sayre compliment
I'd Mr.. Young on his bravery" in ex-
pressing his opinion as he had
Ardmore Citizens Responsible
"The citizens Of Ardmore." said Mrs.
Sayre, ARE responsible for what has
recently occurred. Everybody knew
Of the conditions which cxisted-the
mayor, the chief Of police, and every
body. II has cost the county hundreds
OI uuliafSs FNNiltAliHN w must
an ordinance to put u stop TO such
things. We must make a beginning.
Various civic organizations composed
Of women have, at different times, at
tempted to stop such things and at
one time attempted to have the eXh,
bition OF a certain motion picture pro-
hibited. However. they had been in
formed that some specific charge was
necessary before action could he taken
by the higher authorities.
III exhibition of certain pictures are
permitted" continued Mrs. Sayrc, I'VE
will have a repetition of what has oc-
Cured. Whether II be the ordinance
or board of censorship, let's have
something which will cover everything
and put "a stop TO IT,"
Commissioner Young stated that nc
was In favor of board OF censorship
Mayor Eulogixcs Good Women
Mayor Freeman made jealous ap-
peal TO the commissioners 10 pass the
ordinance. He complimcntcd the wom'
On and others who attended the meet.
ing for the purpose OF entering the pro-
test. He stated ne had read papers
from various parts of the country, and
said that he had found the verdict ia
be- unanimous that the least publica'
ton and no,oriety concerning the Clara
smith case had been given in Ardmore,
and that much more had been prevalent
through the outside world.
lie stated that Congressman Charles
Carter had Informed him that people
at Washington. had asked, "What kind
Of n country and people have You In
Ardmorc that tolerate affairs such as