3. “We have succeeded in turning the tide of many periodicals, so that the defense of the Theatre, as a moral stimulant, is more general than ever.”
As the leader closed his brief report, the chairman offered his compliments, and the host cheered with vigor.
The committee retired. The chairman again lifted his hand and two clangs were heard. This was the signal for the appearance of the “Park-Theatre” committee.
“Good tidings, or ill?” tersely asked the chairman.
“Good tidings of the first degree,” cheerily replied the leader of the committee as he proceeded to read his document:
1. “We labored, with all zeal, to carry out the schemes concocted previously.
2. “We have succeeded in locating a series of free Theatres at every summer park where we could possibly induce the management to admit them.
3. “These Theatres, even though they be of a third or fourth class, are doing a great service for us by implanting a taste for other grades.
4. “By this happy medium we are winning young people and church-members by the thousand, for they can attend these Park exhibitions without being severely criticised.
5. “We are careful to give them enough immoral and sensual bait to draw them further. (Wild applause.)