All
honor, ye spirits who played your parts so well!_ The century has just
closed, but not our opportunity. Let coming years be one of mightier
conquest. Down with the narrow truth and morbid righteousness, and all
things else that check our onward marching!" For a moment the chairman
was silent. Then, as he raised his hand, I heard a hideous clang which
proved to be the signal for the report of "The-Moral-Effect-of-the-Theatre"
committee. Forthwith the whole committee stood _en masse_ before the
chairman. "Our work goes on with speed," cried the leader of the gang.
"In every district we are gaining ground."
"I have watched your progress with joyful pride," answered the chairman,
as he smiled in hellish glee. "But I noted the sharp conflicts you had
with certain reformers in the churches."
"Some of them we cannot conquer," despairingly admitted the leader.
"Grieve not over forts you cannot take, but make good use of those
that have surrendered."
"They are firing our guns splendidly," quickly intercepted the leader,
as he rose and read the following report:
1. "We have labored earnestly in the ranks of the church until many
more of her members now believe that the moral effect of our Theatres
is helpful.
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