The Washington times., 1921-03-01

that have been made. The commits
sion proposes to eliminate these OBJ
.Jectionable scenes by making regula-
tions which will prevent their ap-
pearance on the screen. The commits
sioners do not believe the present reg
ulations are sufficient TO allow US to
make the eliminations we believe
necessary. Do you not then favor the
commissions proposed actionr'
Mr.. Griffith answered that he was
opposed to any censorship OF moving
pictures prior to their showing In
theaters. He declared he wanted
good and clean pictures: said every
other exhibitor OF high standing
wanted clean movies. but he en-
phatically declared himself opposed
to advanced censorship"
Commissioner KutE made II clear
that not only moving pictures. but
legitimate stage shows were to be In
volved in any regulations.
Mr.. Darr contended that the pres
ent police regulations were sufficient
to give the Commissioners proper
supervision over the films. He de
clared the exhibitors were ready and
willing to aid the Commissioners In
getting clean movies, but declared he
was unutterably opposed to any regu-
Iations which would pre-judge NOV
ing pictures.
Not only was the hearing full of
deep interest. but at times a laugh
was injected. Charges that the hear
ing was "cut and dried" were made
several times
Among those who took part in the
free discussion were Capt Julius
Peyser, an attorney; Thomas J. Dono-
van, president of the Central Citizens
Association. and a representative OF
Sydney S. Cohen, president OF the MO-
tion Picture Theater Owners, all OF
whom opposed censorship.
Col. John Temple Graves. author,
spoke in favor of censorship. HIS
speech was interrupted with questions
and caused quite an uproar
DR.. Clark and Mr.. Mcmahon. who
said they represented the Protestants
and Catholics. proposed to the Com
missioners that that the movie men
be put on three-months' trial.
during which time the exhibitors be
given q chance to clean the house.
They asked for better regulations
II the proposed trial did not result
In better movies for Washington
The Rev. Charles J. Hennessy, of
Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown.
suggested that citizens Of the Dis
trict organize an association. the
purpose of this association being
to aid the police in determining after
the movies were on the screen and
the police were in doubt whether
pictures were At to be shown. This
proposal was greeted with cheers by
both those favoring and opposing
censorship.
Representatives Of many. organiz,-
tions attempted to speak, but were
unsuccessful, the Commissioners
closing the hearing. However. Col
Robert N. Harper introduced into the
record q resolution opposing censor
ship by the executive committee Of
the Chamber Of Commerce.
Among the organizations with
representatives on hand to oppose
censorship were Rhode Island, Cen
trail, and Conduit road. Citizens As
sociations, American Federation OF
Labor, Central Labor Union, City
Employees Union. American Legion,
Washington Lodge No. Is Of the Elks.
Carroll Council OF the knights Of
Columbus, and the League Of Amer
ican Penwomen.
The Mid-City Citizens Association
last night discussed censorship and
a committee of five was appointed
to make an investigation and re-
port at the associations next meet
ing.