A general sigh of relief was heard when he offered his explanation.
“We might as well shoot them,” he said, “as let them starve on the pitiably small incomes which some of them have. Shooting them would be more humane. They have served long and useful lives. Why should their last days be spent in want and suffering?”
Rev. Eckman was the principal speaker at the anniversary of the Society for Superannuated Preachers. He dwelt at length on the increasing hardships that confront the preacher who has grown too old to perform active service.
(3)
Who is responsible for the collapse of the Pearl Theatre in Western avenue?
Who permitted the construction of a roof which the results show was a menace to the lives of many people[Pg 84] from the time the theatre was opened?
How much of the blame is on the city building department?
How much blame attaches to the city council?
How about the architect and the owner of the theatre?
How many other Chicago theatres—picture theatres and theatres of various types—are as dangerous potentially as was the Pearl theatre?