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Show UPLIFT THE STAGE. President Taft and several members of his official of-ficial cabinet, besides several senators and members of the house of representatives, last week visited a theatre in Washington, and, finding the play not to their liking, got out at the end of the first act. but stopping long enough to tell the manager their objection to the play. There was no hysterical display dis-play of shocked modesty or anything of that kind. The gentlemen concerned simply wouldn't stand for the performance, and they got out of the theatre. thea-tre. We have never heard it intimated that they are not men of red blood or clean morals. The play simply did not appeal to them. They certainly have shown the rest of v.s how to elevate the stage, to uplift it, to purify it. If the rest of the country wants to see the stage elevated, here is the opportunity. No one 'doubts that there is room for an uplift now and then, but it is all too plain that the stage is managed by men who attempt to give the people what they want. A poorly staged performance, be it ever so pure and innocent, will not attract attendance. The people do not want that kind. But put on a performance with proper scenic effects and capable actors, and the public is attracted. In the same way, the prurient attractions attrac-tions are believed by the managers to be wanted by the public, and they, poor men, are after the favor of the public, and supply it with what they believe it wants. The only way to uplift the stage is to uplift the demands of the public from that stage. The action of President Taft and his co-workers shows one way to get at the manager's heart. The example ought to be followed by a great many other stage lovers. It is worthy of emulation. |