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'Newport
First Stop' - 100 Years of News Stories Newport
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1866
Letter. Merlin. 25th April, 1866 Sir, On Tuesday evening I was accompanied by my wife and a lady friend to Mr. Box-Brown's mesmerism entertainment in the hope of witnessing some of the wonderful phenomena produced by the modern mesmerism, but was obliged to leave the room in consequence of the abominal vulgarity of the subjects under Mr. Brown's influence. That gentleman did not think of it to restrain himself, though tokens of disapprobation were sufficiently audible from various parts of the room but I am sorry to add seemed to be appreciated and laughed at by the majority of the audience. May I ask, Sir, is it right, is it decent anymore; is it allowed by the law of the land that a man should give a public entertainment to which no right minded could go without having his sense of propriety shocked, and his moral feelings outraged? How far worse is it then for a man to take his friends for an evening's entertainment and be compelled to leave the roam because of the foul language and revolting indecency of the performers. If such things are allowed to pass without comment, or any token of disapprobation on the part of those whose duty it is to set a good example to the rising generation. Public amusements will in time get such a bad name that no ladies will be able to attend them, without incurring a character for levity and lack of common decency. Every woman who values her good name will rather deprive herself of the pleasure of attending many really good entertainments, lest she should meet with that which would insult her ears, and be assailed with bad language, and her eyes with revolting and indecent gestures. I am Sir, most inexpressibly shocked and disgusted and I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without doing what lies in my power, to prevent others from suffering under the same insults. I am Sir, yours obediently, D.J. Wood [ Back ] |
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'Newport
First Stop' - 100 Years of News Stories Newport
Past |
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