The Daily Notes -- September 5, 1911 Town Council Names Committee To Draw Up Amusement Ordinance

REGULATION OF AMUSEMENTS IS NOW PROPOSED

Town council appoints a special committee to assist in drawing up an ordinance

TO REQUIRE POLICING OF PLACES

The town council last night took steps toward regulating places of amusement in Canonsburg. It was proposed to chart an ordinance which will prevent the collecting of crowds in hallways similar to what was the custom in the Opera House, to compel the policing of such places, and otherwise regulate amusements.

On motion of W.H. Richards, a special committee of four councilmen was appointed to assist Borough Solicitor Erwin Cummins in drawing up an ordinance which will regulate amusements. In answer to questions by the councilmen, Solicitor Cummins said that the borough had power to compel the policing of such places as the Opera House and the stairway leading to it, to prohibit the incoming crowd entering the hallway until after the outgoing audience has left the building, and to make all reasonable regulations in such cases.

The state, the solicitor said, controls the buildings, but the borough has absolute power over shows and public amusements. Burgess Dunlap said that the management of the Opera House had long ago been notified that the borough does not have to furnish police for the place.

Councilman Allison said that the borough should go after the state’s deputy factory inspectors, who have been negligent in their duties. “If we can bring suit against them, it ought to be done,” he said.

After some discussion a motion offered by Richards was unanimously adopted, and president Sheldon appointed Councilmen Richards, Allison, Boyle and O’Herron to assist the solicitor in drawing up an ordinance. It will probably be introduced at next meeting.