Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-09-21
Chairman Hurley
on Censorship of
Moving Pictures Z. S.

Moving Pictures Z. S.
Milwaukee, Wis. Sept 20.-There
are $1,000 motion picture theaters in
the United States and the revenue TAX
en- in at these places of amusement
amounts to an average OF s2,0e0,ooo
day. Hon, Timothy u. Hurley. chair
man Of the Motion Picture Commits
sion of Chicago told the National Con
ference of Catholic Charities here to-
night
1T follows, continued Mr. Hurley,
that no one Individual or combra
ton of individuals engaged in produc-
ing films for exhibition should have
tho uncensored right that any or every
MIN produced should he exhibited
without restriction. Such exhibitions
rightly come within state control
under it's police power. and have re-
pcatediy 50 been held by the court of
last resort
The seating capacity Of theatcrs in
this country is more than 5.40000a.
On the average 4his is filled several
times daily. According to the govern
mental figures motion picture theatcrs
in this country took in in admissions
1867, 100000 in the fiscal year ending
in June. 1920 .
The supreme court has held THAI
the motion picture business is not to
he regarded as part of the press or
an organ or organs Of public opinion
and arc subject al ali times to munich
pal control. notwithstanding court
have insisted al all times tina. they
have the right totexhibit any picture
that they see tit to produce, limiting
themselves Only To the borderlinc Of
criminal prosecution for producing
pictures which are prohibited by the
criminal law.
These interests do not question the
health regulations provided for by the
municipal government and relating
solely to the physical conditions Of the
place of public exhibitions. They in
sist however, that the police power
Of the municipal government should
not Interfere with their exhibits. hut
that they should he allowed to exhibit
any nlm that may appeal to their
judgment--that Judgment being based
largely upon the condition of prom
and loss as disclosed by their ledger.
The city council of Chicago recent
~ look 1909 pages of testimony of
various persons having control and
education of children and coming in
direct contact with the family. These.
flestionnaires, after being analysed
hy Professor Ernest w Burgess .f
Of cn~
- Motion pictures interfere with
school work
THE moral effect is bad
S-Thc View of life and lifes du-
ties are false and distorted
'4-That the sex and vampire Aims
appeal to the children.
"A-That there is Tess respect for
authority than heretofore.
"6-That children from seven wears
AZ are precocious about the sex aues-
ton.
THAT there is q noticeable dis
regard in reference to the marriage
purity.
"S-Thst the children disregard the
nome and are dissatisfied herewith
'9--That the physical effects on the
children. as a whole. are harmful: the
eye-strain i severe, the nerves af-
fected, decreased vitality and dull men
tality.
"lo--That the effect on the rising
generation, on the whole is bad
1.-THE average attendance OF
children of school age is two 10 three
times week
The motion pictures however. re-
late to and directly bear upon and
control TO ar unbelievable extent. the
trend of the mind and the education
and morals Of every man. woman and
child in the community. Mr.. William
A. Brady. speaking for the motion pic
ture industry, gays: In all proha-
bility the day is coming when the mo
ton picture will be the educator of the
world and. perhaps the teacher of the
Word Of God. This. VIC take il as
conceded is Of vital importance
The question then narrows itself
down To whether se shalt turn ever to
the police the merehandiser and the
exhibitor, backed by part OF the press.
the education 81 our children, or shall
we create departments in the various
communities where We reside, the
members Of which shall be appointed
by the chief executive of the munich
patty or state, answerable only to
him who in tlrn, is snswerabIe to thu
people 10 PREJUDICE the films before
exhibition"