Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 July 1916 — “High Class” Amusement Mummery. [ARTICLE]

“High Class” Amusement Mummery.

In the name of the centennial commission, an earnest and a vigorous protest is made against compromising the centennial observance in Indiana by the introduction of street fair and carnival attractions. The latter have well nigh ruined the effect of a few otherwise highly commendable celebrations. The meager patronage which they have received is encouraging it is true, and a refutation of the claim that the people demand such tawdry and vulgar at tractions. Yet the noisome pestilence of barking spielers, calling their “high class” attractions “so careful-* ly selected by the committee in charge,” hopelessly cheapened the whole celebration. Again we ask, what have the snake woman, the diving girls, the contortionist, the cycling whirlwinds, and their numerous kind, to do with a fitting observance of our state's centennial anniversary. It is difficult to see how they may be included in the three-fold purpose of the observance as being either historical, patriotic or educational. The only exenne left is financial, and little can be said for the public spirit of a town that demands such to help defray expenses. The street carnival and a centennial celebration are as unmixable as oil and water. Their purposes are as different as the classes of people to which they appeal. Why make a travesty of patriotism and stn + t loyalty in 1916? Why impugn the intelligence of our citizenship by seriously advertising the securing of the most selected high class amusements to help (sic) the centennial celebration? If you want a street carnival, go to it, but in the name of the state we profess to honor, don't masquerade it under the name of centennial observance. —lndiana Historical Commission.