THE SCHEME OF THINGS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 100, 30 April 1927, Page 18

THE SCHEME OF THINGS

(By M.H.C.)

Rather a curious confirmation of an idea that has arisen at this end of the vorld among ja certain number of regvlar theatre-goers, comes from the dramatic critic of the "London Daily News," who larrites that he considers the London-Morality Council has a good case in complaining of profanity on the stage. ■ Though he has an objection to "Puritan campaigns," it is time stage manners were mended. It is among the mcist extraordinary freaks of ■ audiences—or many individuals in these, at all events—to be convulsed with laughter if a person on the stage says "My God," or "Oh, hell." It is to some minds the extreme of wit and uproariously funny to make these exclamations. This was particularly jipticeable in quite a recent play presented in New Zealand, and shrieks of laughter greeted the words, though there were plenty present who still regard the decalogue with respect—to whom the "taking in vain.'' of a sacred name is painful ,and depressing, while the other exclamation is pure vulgarity —neither being in the least funny. The excuse made by somo people that laughter at tragedy, or love-making, however well and artistically done, is hysterical, cannot apply in the case of meri* exclamations, a.nd the only explanation ir that many people have a perverted sense of humour. No doubt, play writers have observed this peculiar psychology and play up to it, with-the result that in 1 London remonstrance has been made, and is'receiving a meed of support. It is, a matter foi' ; speculation as 'to whether the people who shout with laughter at the exclamations quoted use them commonly, and are convulsed with joy at having them reproduced on the stage, or are anxious to show that they have bo prejudices in the matter of good taste and. reverence. : '.--.' ; Some, very .interesting remarks were made by tord Oxford and Asquith at the opening of a peace campaign in connection with the Metropolitan Free .- ChurchvFtderation. He said that the difficulties in the way of disarmament were very formidable. To hold the balance evenly between land power, and that of sea anil air, in view of the infinitely diverse conditions, geographical and economic, of the States of the world, had been found at Geneva to be one of-the most complicated and intractable problems in what he termed "international dynamics." Ho thought that it was possible that a rough, but practical, solution -would be found in fixing a maximum percentage of a national revenue, which could be legitimately appropriated to any or all »« forms of warlike equipment. The alllmportant thing; was to create an atmosphere of opinion which would force the thing to be done. Unless war could be eliminated it would bo the death °*. eiyi'isation, and all that made life --individual, communal, international life—worth livijig. There could be no effective safeguard of the most treasured possessions and promises of their race until they, had wiped international warfare,off tlje slate of possibility. He was of opinion that this was no Utopian ideal. Things as difficult, as x unimaginable, lad been done. Slavery private war, duelling, had in their day ' P??si*?? Brd6u' «s natural and necessary angfitutidnK" To prevent War was the most real summons which could bo issued" to the conscience of the world. These remarks summarise clearly and justly the opinions of a great majority of the people of the world. Those who endured the physical and mental misery of the last war shrink when 1 they contemplate the possibility of such a^disaster happening thorn again. One of #ie most pathetic things, written recently from China was from a person living there, who said that an immense majority of the peoplu were peasants, who "only asked to be let alone to carry on their- lives as before, and loathed the idea of being pushed into civil war. Yet it ■ seems as if there is always a proportion of restless-brained mischievous people, backed by unscrupulous money^grabbcrs, who light the war .torches, and the ensuing oppres-sion,-cruelty, and .devastation drag in . those who feel that such things cannot be I.tolerated, -it i s to bo hoped that the"widespread feeling voiced by Lord Oxford-and Asquith may bo a power-ful-deterrent to the unscrupulous cranks from Russia, or any other coun-try,,-who'are out for world-wide mischief.- ---■ A summary of changes which havo taken place in- the lives and opportunities of women is made by Miss Preston. Stanley, M.L.A. She asks if tho young-, er women realise how 1 great was the transition in , England between 1870 and 1925 so far.as the position of women is concerned. The victories were won for them by those who have passed on to another life, or are very aged people now. It is stated that in 1870 there were only four schools, which provided a good secondary curriculum for girls, while in 1925 there were 1500 with over 200,0.00 students. In 1870 there was only one women 'a college (Girton), which had five students. In 1925 there'were/about 15,000 women taking university degrees (in England). Girls educated up to the matriculation standard have risen from 30 to over 20,000. In. 18.70,-women teachers wereunknown, except in p.-ivato schools, while in 1925 tho Census showed 190,----000 women teaehersin the United Kingdom. Women were almost unknown in offices in 1870, while in, the latter year there were registered 500,000 women so employed. • T». .rS7O only ono woman had taken a Medical degree (and that in Europe), and in 1925 over 13,000 women are registered as doctors. Tho same story comes from newspapers, where women and girls are freely employed. In 1870 married women could not own .property, had no rights in divorce, or a civic or Parliamentary direction. ,■■ These, Miss Preston-Stan-ley points out, are a few of the changes, and she asks women to show that they appreciate' and use their citizenship in every possible way, realising the value of what has come to them from the exertions of others. It seems difficult to believe that all women do not realise that life has become infinitely more interesting with the higher education and wider opportunities, or. that they do not grasp that better health follows as a matter of course oh these. A busy, interested, bright person keeps far more healthy than an inert, dull one, whose activities (if any) are a ceaseless round of restricted duties, and the mothers of the world are under the new regime, likely; to have better children than in the old days. Therefore, even those who remain with the idea that the one function and duty, of women is to produce populations, should appreciate the changes mentioned, while the ■ broader-minded will see many causes for rejoicing in the better circumstances and happiness of half of the world.