Page:Final Report of the Northwest Territory Celebration Commission.pdf/15

 their lists, and this action, along with conflict between rival labor organization groups, had presented a serious situation. Officials were being kidnapped—locked into their offices, and ugly demonstrations were the daily order. It was very doubtful as to whether the cast selected for "Freedom on the March" would stick through or not. It was even doubtful as to whether Federal Theatre would continue to exist in New York City.

Mayor La Guardia had suggested an ox team parade through the main streets of New York, but this, with other build-up features, had to be cancelled because of possibility of such events becoming merely the main features of a demonstration by strikers.

Profiteers and chiselers appeared in several phases of the plans for the New York Program.

Finally, and very close to the actual date of the showing, the Actors Equity Association came splendidly to our rescue with assurance that our program would not be interferred with by a strike then in prospect.

Everything seemed set for the somewhat reduced program.

But, on the late afternoon of July 12th, the day before the exercises, an official of Manhattan Borough of New York City refused the necessary permission to erect the stage, to block off the streets, etc. It was quite apparent that Governor White and the writer had not understood all the ramifications of New York City authority when we consulted the Mayor and his staff and secured what were assumed to be complete cooperation and permission.

It took the combined efforts of the Mayor's office,. Congressman Secrest, and the writer to secure an even quasi-acquiescence to proceed—but without permits—and this was not secured until 1:30 p. m., with the program to begin at 3:00 p. m.

Then to cap this climax of untoward events, the loud speaking system arranged for did not arrive and none could be secured upon such short notice. The unexpected complications with Manhattan Borough had taken so much time and attention that these and other details could not be checked upon and there were several resultant short comings in connection with this program.

However, an estimated twenty-five thousand people saw the pageant; the Federal Theatre cast did its part splendidly and without any discords; and Congressman Secrest, who read the special message prepared by President Roosevelt for the occasion said afterward that if that program was all the commission did, its existence would have been fully justified.

Quite obviously one of the major objectives of the Commission was to reach the younger generation, as these children are at their formative period, and will in a few years be our adult citizens.

No phase of the Commission's work had any more thought or intensity of purpose devoted to it.

Consultation was held with a great many school authorities as to the best methods to be employed.

There was no unanimity of opinion among these authorities. Some favored objective tests, others contests of one sort or another. Contests were finally chosen as the most practicable procedure, even