The Moving picture world (May 1922)

May 20, 1922 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 255 the moment — in a tense ten minutes of uncontrollable excitement with everybody clamoring for the chance to "get something off his chest." And they did so far as they were personally concerned, although ninety-nine per cent, of those who suddenly developed oratorical inclinations were unrecognized by the perplexed but patient chairman. "Not of National Concern" The motion of Mr. O'Toole did not come unexpected to either side. To the Cohen faction it served as a climax to its reply to Walker's charges by the president himself and O'Toole, who championed Cohen and concluded that the controversy was one "merely between Cohen and Walker" and not of national concern, that it "was personal." This statement apparently did not meet with the indorsement of the Walker coherents, but before any of them could move, the Scranton editor cleverly presented his motion. The only disappointment to the Walker contingent was found in the fact that the motion had been made before the expiration of the two hours allotted to Cohen and his supporters in which to reply to whatever charge the Senator might have made. It took them by storm, although on the previous night the lobby of the Washington hummed with rumors that such a move would be made. And right here, in the midst of excitement that broke out spontaneously, Dennis Harris, of Pittsburgh, jumped to his feet and calling to the chairman, stated that it was an insult to Walker and a disgraceful display of ingratitude to send "Walker out of this room discredited by those whom he had helped." Charged Them With Ignorance He was heckled, but Harris was not to be discouraged by this. He defiantly stood his crowd, faced his hecklers and charged them with ignorance of the laws of procedure and courtesy. At this point Chairman Pramer pounded the gavel and for a few seconds restored order, but only for a few seconds. The chairman had hardly started his talk when some excited auditor made the claim that discussion so far as the Walker faction was concerned, had been closed. To this Harris replied that it was a discussion on the motion of O'Toole and not on the controversy. Mr. Pramer attempted to make an explanation, but the air soon filled with shouts from overenthused exhibitors. Some shouted apparently merely for the novelty of the thing, but these were quickly upbraided and there came little or no further senseless shouts from these less thinking individuals. Mr. Harris, at the top of his voice, explained that he had every right to discuss the motion. Mr. Pramer tried again to talk, but his words were drowned in the excitement that predominated. Again and again the chairman tried to restore order. Again he succeeded for a few seconds, long enough to thunder out in his powerful voice, "I am the chairman." But again demands for recognition came from all part of the hall. Applause Tremendous Then Mr. Goldberg, of Baltimore, taking advantage of a moment of quiet, succeeded in getting the recognition of the chair and submitting an amendment to the original motion extending to Walker the vote of confidence of the audience. Cohen quickly seconded the motion, a move that threw the entire assembly into an outburst of applause, although many of the New York exhibitors remained silent. For the next five minutes the demonstration had gone beyond the control of any human and the chairman wisely adhered to a policy of watchful waiting. He was rewarded for this move by a temporary restoration of order. Then M. P. T. O. A. May Get Out News Reel WASHINGTON, D. C— It is reliably learned here that the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America will establish a news reel. Hodkinson, it is believed, will release the reel, which will be released weekly and made by independents. Photographic contributions of news value to this reel will be submitted by free lance and independent caniermen throughout the world. It is understood, too, that the exhibitors will shortly establish a weekly reviewing department to be published weekly in the M. P. T. O. A. organ, the Exhibitors' Bulletin. a motion in amendment of the amendment, extending the vote of confidence to the executive committee was made and seconded. Despite the excitement both motions were accepted. After much wrangling, each side demanding the other to remain silent, the motion and two amendments were put to a vote and passed. Realizing the futility of continuing the session, Burford of Aurora, 111., made a motion to adjourn and at 5.17 the session adjourned until Wednesday afternoon at one o'clock. State Vote Representation The every expectation of the most sensationally inclined exhibitors was satisfied. The meeting was called to order at 2 o'clock, the executive officials not arriving until fifty minutes after the time scheduled for the commencement of the afternoon's business. Following the singing of one stanza of "America," W. D. Burford of the credentials committee submitted his report, announcing the vote representation of e&ch State as follows: Arizona 1, Arkansas 7, California 11, Colorado 4, Connecticut 5, Delaware 1, Florida 4, Georgia 12, Idaho 2, Illinois 27, Indiana 13, Iowa 11, Kentucky 11, Kansas 8, Louisiana 8, Maine 4, Maryland 6, Massachusetts 16, Michigan 13, Minnesota 10, Missouri 16, Montana 2, Nebraska 6, New Jersey 12, New Hampshire 2, New York 43, North Carolina 10, North Dakota 3, Ohio 22, Oklahoma 8, Pennsylvania 36, Rhode Island 3, South Carolina 7, Tennessee 10, Te.xas 18, Vermont 2, Virginia 10, Washington 5, West Virginia 6, Wisconsin 11, District of Columbia 3, Nevada 1. W. A. Steffes, chairman of the rules committee, reported that that body had adopted rules for procedure, announcing 1 o'clock as the hour for commencement of the daily sessions. He said debates on any question would be limited to 15 minutes to each talker excepting where special permission of the entire convention had been given. On motion of O'Toole the report was accepted as was also that of the credentials committee. Mr. Steffes then read a special report covering Tuesday's sesion, saying that two hours had been allotted for the presentation of arguments by either side, four hours in all, in the Cohen-Walker controversy. This report was accepted, too. President Cohen here made a plea to the exhibitors that they listen attentively and courteously to both sides, refraining from any demonstration. He then surrendered the chair to A. R. Pramer of Nebraska. IValkcr Applauded Senator Walker was called to the rostrum, but he refused to go onto the platform. As he walked down the aisle he was enthusiastically applauded. His supporters filled the air with shouts of "Hurray of Walker" and "Three cheers for Jimmy." "I didn't come here to talk to myself," started off the Senator. "It is unusual for me to be limited in my talk before exhibitors. In the past there was no limit placed. Today I am limited. Just shows what changes time effects. I am surprised at the announcement from the chair for courtesy. What's the idea : was somebody going to gag Walker." Then he started. "I don't know just what my position is. I don't know whether I am your counsel. If there is anyone in this room actually conversant with the situation I wish he would tell me about it. If there is any one in this room who can tell me whether I am counsel of the M. P. T. O. A. I would be greatly obliged. And if I am not won't some one tell me since when did I cease to be your counsel?" No one answered. Then he went on: "It seems to be as much a mystery to you as it is to me. I'll ask the chair." Had Dispensed With Services Chairman Pramer did not answer, but Mr. Goldberg of Baltimore arost and stated that at the previous session it had