Books: Moral
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Ludwig Thoma >> Moral
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STROEBEL. Perhaps our conversation tires you?
BEERMANN. Don't mention it. I simply cannot follow you so quickly,
A moment ago you mentioned a diary, didn't you?
STROEBEL. Of this Hauteville woman.--Yes.
BEERMANN. Have you been through this diary?
STROEBEL. No. I have not had time yet.
BEERMANN. But you just spoke about some jesting comments in it.
STROEBEL. Only those I noticed in glancing through it.
BEERMANN [relieved]. Ah!
STROEBEL. Besides, I must tell you, Herr Beermann, that the
contents of this book must remain a secret to you. My orders are
not to show it to anyone.
BEERMANN. No, no. I don't want to know anything about it.
STROEBEL. You will find out everything later when the matter comes
up in court.
BEERMANN [dismayed]. Will it be read there?
STROEBEL. Certainly. To-day I can only tell you that we will
proceed vigorously. You can satisfy your society on that point.
BEERMANN [rising]. But that doesn't satisfy me at all. Think of
the consequences.
STROEBEL [rising also]. What do you care about the consequences.
Your society has its very high aims. Your propaganda states that
you will prosecute the outcast of society with iron energy and now
you see your ideals realized.
BEERMANN. Our propaganda states that we will intervene from
national, moral and social viewpoints, to protect the marriage
vows. If this scandal becomes public the marriage relationship
will be undermined.
STROEBEL. What sort of moral viewpoint do you call that?
BEERMANN. It is the Society's. Don't you understand that the
influential class of society will be involved!
STROEBEL. Then that class will have only itself to blame.
BEERMANN. That's out of the question. We must find a loop-hole.
STROEBEL. Within the scope of the law there are no loop-holes.
BEERMANN. Don't tell ME that. Well then, go around the law.
STROEBEL [surprised]. Herr Beermann!
BEERMANN. Of course! I have lived long enough to know that.
STROEBEL. I shall do my duty.
BEERMANN. Am I interfering with your duty? I belong to that class
of people who respect the police only because the police respect
our social position.
STROEBEL. I appreciate that.
BEERMANN. I also take part in political life. I am a candidate for
the Reichstag and as such I have a decided opinion about these
matters.
STROEBEL. Without doubt, Herr Beermann.
BEERMANN. Well then, there are, in extreme cases, ways around the
law, and there must be.
STROEBEL. I am of a different opinion.
BEERMANN. God knows, it is not the business of the police to
provoke this enormous scandal. All authority will be destroyed. It
will shatter the respect of the masses for the people higher up.
STROEBEL. But this scandal was provoked--[knocking on the diary
with his finger]--by these very people.
BEERMANN. If a man once in a while goes into a certain room--that
is no scandal. It only becomes a scandal when the story is made
known to every Tom, Dick and Harry. That's what must be prevented!
STROEBEL. I value the humane motive which evidently is prompting
you, Herr Beermann. But you must admit that we are acting entirely
in accord with the views of the classes you mention.
BEERMANN. You are not!
STROEBEL. Yes, we are. Two weeks ago the good people here founded
a Society because they felt it was necessary to proceed more
severely against public immorality ...
BEERMANN. ... Against immorality in the lower strata where it
easily degenerates into licentiousness. As the President of this
Society, I, at least ought to know what was intended.
STROEBEL. Even Frau Hochstetter belongs to the lower strata. If we
are now stepping on anybody's corns, I am very sorry. ...
BEERMANN. The police have no business to do anything they will be
sorry for later on. Good Lord, had the Commissioner only listened
to me. An affair like this should not be treated in such a purely
business-like way.
STROEBEL. The Commissioner can only tell you the same thing. He
cannot change the law.
BEERMANN. Anything can be done.
STROEBEL. Not at this stage. We could probably have prevented it
had we known that this case would have such far-reaching
consequences, but now here are the proofs. [Pointing to the
diary.] No one in the world can destroy them, not even the
Commissioner.
BEERMANN. Then what do you propose to do with them?
STROEBEL. They are going down to the District Attorney's office.
The avalanche is on its way.
BEERMANN. And we have simply to wait and watch what it hits?
(Telephone bell rings.)
STROEBEL. Pardon me a moment.
(Goes to the right to the telephone. While Stroebel is answering
the telephone, and has his back to Beermann the latter crosses to
the desk and tries to look into the diary. Timidly he opens it
several times but shuts it again quickly, when he fears that
Stroebel will turn around.)
STROEBEL [answering the telephone]. Police Department. ...
Assessor Stroebel speaking. Who is this please ... yes, this is
Assessor Stroebel. ... Yes, Commissioner ... [pause] I understand
you, I will remain in the office ... Yes, I examined the
Hochstetter woman. ... Yes, this Madame Hauteville [pause] I will
remain in the office until you call. ... Yes, Commissioner. Good-
bye. [He hangs up the receiver.]
BEERMANN [Energetically closes the book and tries to appear
indifferent.]
STROEBEL. Now you can convince yourself, Herr Beermann, the
Commissioner himself is following up this matter. He wants to have
another conference with me about it to-day.
BEERMANN. Am I to wait helplessly until the catastrophe happens?
STROEBEL. You must be consistent. ...
BEERMANN. It is possible that my best friends, acquaintances or
relatives are involved ...
STROEBEL. You must remain consistent. Doesn't this splendidly
justify the founding of your Society?
BEERMANN [in a rage]. Oh, leave me alone with your stupid Vice
Society. Are we not all human, after all!
STROEBEL. I do not understand you.
BEERMANN. Do you realize what severe pangs of conscience I suffer?
Last night as I pictured to myself all that is about to happen,
all these family misfortunes, I asked myself this question: What
really is morality? And ... I could not find the answer.
STROEBEL. Although you are ...
BEERMANN. Although I am Chairman of the Society for the
Suppression of Vice, yes, sir. Then I asked myself this: which is
the more important: that we are moral, or that we seem moral?
STROEBEL. Have you found the answer?
BEERMANN. I have. I have become fully convinced that it is far
more important for the people to believe in our morality.
STROEBEL. But you didn't need a Society for that.
BEERMANN. Yes, we did. Just to be moral is something that I can
accomplish in my room by myself, but that has no educational
value. The important thing is to ally one's self publicly with
moral issues. This has a beneficial effect on the family and
state.
STROEBEL. I daresay that this side of the question has not
occurred to me.
BEERMANN. Just consider. Morality holds exactly the same position
as religion. We must always create the impression that there is
such a thing and we must make each other believe that each of us
have it. Do you suppose for one moment that religion would last if
the church dealt publicly with our sins? But she forgives them
quietly. The State ought to be just as shrewd.
STROEBEL. Many a thing you say seems quite true.
BEERMANN. It is true, you can depend upon it.
STROEBEL. Theoretically perhaps. But that docs not change it one
bit. As long as the law prescribes it, these offenses [pointing to
the diary] must be dealt with publicly.
BEERMANN. Although you know that thus public decency will be
undermined. [Stroebel shrugs his shoulders.] Although the State
will suffer by it?
STROEBEL [again shrugs his shoulders]. Well ...
BEERMANN. The Administration knows very well the sort of
conservative element there is in the Society for the Suppression
of Vice.
STROEBEL. Yes, and values it highly.
BEERMANN. Let us suppose--I do not know if it be so--but let us
just suppose that only one member of the Society once had a weak
little moment and his name were in this book ...
STROEBEL [energetically]. Then he would be summoned to court
without regard or mercy.
BEERMANN. And the whole Society would be made ridiculous and would
go up in the air.
STROEBEL [shrugs his shoulders]. Well ...
BEERMANN [shouts]. That is the height of folly, I tell you!
STROEBEL [instructively]. It is the fulfilment of our duty. You
are a layman. With you sentiments play an important part. We, the
police, on the other hand are compelled to sacrifice our feelings
to our duty.
BEERMANN [holding his hands to his ears]. Oh, stop that!
STROEBEL. Official duty blocks our way.
BEERMANN [angrily]. But even a jackass can jump over blocks.
STROEBEL [offended]. Her? Beermann, I did not hear that remark.
BEERMANN. Let me tell you something! Do you know what we have been
doing for the past three weeks? ... Talking ourselves hoarse in
order to bring about an election friendly to the present
administration. For the past three weeks it has been nothing but
Fatherland, and the state and religion! And this is your
gratitude! In the devil's own name--just picture it to yourself--a
man who has been fighting the opposition in thirty different
political meetings might be involved in this.
STROEBEL [shrugs his shoulders]. What can I do?
BEERMANN. Is the Administration going to deliver him over to his
opponents?
STROEBEL. We would be very sorry for him, but we would have to
summon him to court.
BEERMANN. Without regard or mercy--? [Telephone bell rings
loudly.]
STROEBEL. Pardon me for a moment. [Stroebel goes to the telephone
and this time he turns completely around so that his back is
toward Beermann.] Police Department ... yes ... Commissioner; this
is Stroebel at the telephone. ... [Short pause.] When she was
arrested? ... When she was arrested there was Lieutenant
Schmuttermaier and an officer. ... [Short pause.] Just one
policeman ... [Pause.] ... Yes, Commissioner [short pause] I
should tell that Lieutenant [short interruption] jackass
Schmuttermaier to come over to the office immediately. ... [Short
pause.] I shall wait for you until you come. ... Yes,
Commissioner. (During this telephone conversation Beermann steps
near to the desk. With a shaking hand he takes up the diary but
quickly puts it down again. Then he picks it up again and with a
rapid and energetic movement puts it into his breast pocket.
Stroebel with a rebuked demeanor goes from the telephone to the
desk. Beermann turns around so that Stroebel cannot see his face.
He is disturbed and coughs in order to hide his embarrassment.
Stroebel presses a button on Reisacher's desk.)
BEERMANN [while coughing]. I realize now that nothing more can be
done. I shan't take up your time.
STROEBEL [anxiously]. No, no, please remain. The Commissioner
himself will be here in a moment. Then you may talk to him.
BEERMANN. But you just told me that there was no use waiting. ...
[Reisacher enters through center door.]
STROEBEL [urgently to Reisacher]. Reisacher, go and look for
Lieutenant Schmuttermaier immediately. If he is not in the
building, send to his home or telephone for him. Leave word that
he must come over immediately.
REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor.
[Goes out quickly through center door.]
BEERMANN. You said yourself that there would be no use. I guess
I'd better go.
STROEBEL [perturbed]. But do wait for the Commissioner.
BEERMANN. There is no use in my waiting. I ... I did all I could
... there seems to be no use ... well then. ... Good-bye!
[About to go through door on left but the door is quickly opened
and the Commissioner appears with Baron Schmettau. The former
holds the door open for the Baron. After they have come in, he
shuts the door.]
COMMISSIONER [to the Baron]. If you please, Herr Baron. ... [To
Beermann]. Ah ... here is our President of the Society for the
Suppression of Vice. [Beermann bows slightly--Commissioner
continuing contemptuously.] Well, have you accomplished your
mission? [Beermann nods.] Are you satisfied with this arrest or
would you like to have us do more? [Angrily.] Once for all, Sir, I
forbid you to meddle with the affairs of this office. You can
preach your principles wherever else you like, but here I will
stand for no interference. [Beermann timidly creeps along the
wall, and bows himself out.] [Commissioner to Baron Schmettau.]
Whenever the police bungle anything, look for reformers.
SCHMETTAU. [with a glance at Stroebel]. Will you introduce me?
COMMISSIONER. Assessor Stroebel,--Freiherr von Schmettau, Adjutant
to his Highness, Prince Emil. [Stroebel clicks his heels together
and bows deeply. Schmettau thanks him curtly.]
COMMISSIONER [sharply]. Herr Assessor, I have asked Herr Baron
Schmettau to come with me in order that in his presence I might
correct a pitiable lack of tact, which to my regret, and contrary
to all my intentions, was perpetrated by Lieutenant
Schmuttermaier.
SCHMETTAU. It was abominable.
COMMISSIONER. What orders did that man have?
STROEBEL [nervously]. Do you mean in the case of Hochstetter,
Commissioner?
COMMISSIONER. Yes, sir, Madame de Hauteville, Who made the raid on
her apartment?
STROEBEL. The raid?
COMMISSIONER. I hope before you arrested her you informed yourself
exactly with whom you were dealing.
STROEBEL. Certainly ...
COMMISSIONER. ... And the result?
STROEBEL. I ascertained that this woman was violating public
decency.
COMMISSIONER. I am going to ask you, Assessor, as my inferior in
office, to confine yourself to more direct answers, PLEASE. What
did the investigation disclose?
STROEBEL. That she received questionable visits from gentlemen.
COMMISSIONER. Questionable? Then does Schmuttermaier know who
these gentlemen were?
STROEBEL. He does not ...
COMMISSIONER. No? Didn't he investigate a matter which seemed so
questionable to him?
STROEBEL. He just wanted to ascertain that these visits were meant
for Hauteville.
COMMISSIONER. So--? I have some truly competent officials. And who
and what it was did not bother the man at all?
STROEBEL. I myself thought that that would be found out later.
COMMISSIONER. There are certain things in the world you would not
be likely to look for and less likely to find. You have been
treating this thing as though you were dealing with a common
ordinary pickpocket. [To Baron Sckmettau.] You see it is just as I
told you ... the man did not have the slightest idea. ... [To
Stroebel.] Did this fellow, Schmuttermaier, see anyone in the flat
or did he hear if anyone was there?
STROEBEL. No, Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER [to Baron Schmettau]. It is just as I told you. ...
STROEBEL. Furthermore, I have heard since that there was somebody
in the apartment.
COMMISSIONER [quickly]. Who?
STROEBEL. That, I have been unable to find out yet, but Hauteville
made several insinuations as though someone had been hidden in a
wardrobe.
COMMISSIONER.[to Baron Schmettau]. To be sure--someone--was--To
my profoundest regret, His Highness, our beloved Hereditary Prince
Emil.
STROEBEL [crushed]. I ... didn't have the slightest idea ...
COMMISSIONER. You people ought to have an idea once in a while. If
this Schmuttermaier had any ability, it would not have happened.
But it is the old story, not a trace of independent ability and
tact.
STROEBEL. I don't know what apology I can offer.
COMMISSIONER. Neither do I. Besides Herr Baron Schmettau himself
was obliged to go through this very unpleasant incident.
SCHMETTAU. [Schmettau speaks very precisely but puts a slight
emphasis on his s.] I was completely dumfounded. I cannot
understand how it could happen. Just picture it ... Lord knows ...
I was and am of the opinion that our young Highness must learn to
know life. Faith, it is not my business to act as his pastor. ...
COMMISSIONER. If you please, Herr Baron, that goes without saying.
...
SCHMETTAU. That of course is merely my opinion. I am a man of the
world and of affairs. I consider it fitting that his Highness
should learn to know life. ...
COMMISSIONER. But I entirely share your opinion.
SCHMETTAU. A moment ago the word "decency" was used. In my
position I can listen to such words from the pulpit, but outside
of the church I deem them entirely out of place.
COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. You used that expression.
SCHMETTAU. If anyone wants to claim that my bearing is not a
proper one, he will have to prove it with a revolver in his hand.
STROEBEL. I did not think that the word would offend you.
SCHMETTAU. It did offend me. Such expressions are fitting in an
asylum for feeble-minded people. They should never be used to
characterize the recreation of Cavaliers.
COMMISSIONER. May I put in a good word for my Assessor? It
certainly was not his intention to offend you.
SCHMETTAU. It was not his intention. [To the Assessor.] Then I
will assume that it was never said. [The Assessor clicks his
heels.] I am somewhat nettled but you cannot be surprised at that.
You can imagine with what care I undertook this task. This Madame
de Hauteville was recommended to me by reliable parties. She has
good manners and does not talk.
COMMISSIONER. In her way, she certainly seems a very decent
person.
SCHMETTAU. Absolutely. Since it was my belief that His Highness
must learn to know life, I could not find a better place. [To the
Commissioner.] We understand each other?
COMMISSIONER. Certainly.
SCHMETTAU. Every guarantee against vulgarity; everything tip-top.
Now picture it to yourself. I do all a man possibly can and this
inconceivably awful scandal happens.
COMMISSIONER. It is the old story. These people have no tact.
SCHMETTAU. That doesn't help me any. I am not trying to mix in
your business. That never occurred to me. But this does not help
me one bit. The whole blame attaches to me. I simply will be told
that such things should not have happened. That is an unheard of
business.
COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. For which you are to blame.
SCHMETTAU. Had I a suspicion that this was contemplated, I would
have informed you.
COMMISSIONER. If you only had!
SCHMETTAU. Who would think of such things? We all take it for
granted that the police first of all respect protection!
STROEBEL. On my word of honor Herr Baron. Not even in my dreams
did I think of an occurrence like this.
SCHMETTAU. [squares his shoulders]. Is it so difficult for you to
think?
COMMISSIONER. That's just what I say. If a man knows his work
thoroughly these things come to him. But people who are interested
in the uplift movements are always in the clouds.
SCHMETTAU. This Lieutenant or whatever that fellow was, behaved as
though he was collecting material for a socialist newspaper. His
Highness was hardly in the house five minutes when there was a
loud ringing. Then, someone in heavy shoes ran up against the door
like a drunken sailor. Madame de Hauteville breaks into the room
and cries, "Your Highness, how unfortunate I am. The police are
here," she says. "Leave them alone," I say, "they will go away
presently." "Impossible," she says, "I can never permit His
Highness to be found by the police in my place. I will take the
blame upon myself entirely." Fancy the tact of that woman!
"Impossible," she says, "that His Highness should be caught in my
place."
COMMISSIONER. Really, very decent!
SCHMETTAU. Indeed it is. Immediately it dawns on me that she is
right. The situation is getting terrible. That policeman is likely
to demand His Highness' identification. What shall we do? Madame
says, "For Heaven's sake hide in the wardrobe!" Outside, that fool
is making quite a rumpus. He knocks, rings, shouts and barks. The
neighborhood is getting aroused and heads are popping out from
right and left and in the midst of this terrible commotion, there
we stand--Highness and I. What shall we do? A few moments later,
His Highness is cramped beside me in the wardrobe, in between
different pieces of woman's apparel. With great difficulty we are
able to draw our breath.
STROEBEL. If I had only had an inkling about it.
COMMISSIONER [angrily]. The police are expected to grasp
conditions.
SCHMETTAU. Then what followed? In heavy-nailed shoes the men go
from room to room. Doors are opened and slammed. The fellows use
loud and coarse language, and three or four times they stand in
front of the wardrobe. Upon my word, I actually feel how His
Highness is perspiring. Just picture to yourself the situation if
that brute had opened the closet! Just picture that and you can
realize how much courage I had!
COMMISSIONER. You must have suffered terribly.
SCHMETTAU. What I suffered does not matter. In such moments one
does not think of anything else but Highness. What an outrage!
Finally the steps disappear. Madame Hauteville, who throughout
behaved most decently and whose conduct was above reproach, is led
away and Highness and I can leave the wardrobe where we spent an
entire twenty minutes. And now I ask again, "How can such mistakes
happen?"
COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. You shall find the answer to this.
SCHMETTAU. Upstairs the woman is still in her cell. The newspapers
are full of the scandal, and Highness suffers agonies when he
realizes the possibilities which can develop at any moment.
COMMISSIONER. Herr Baron, you need not worry any longer. Now I am
taking the matter entirely into my hands. [Consulting his watch,
he speaks with affected calmness.] It is now a quarter to one.
This evening at eight o'clock Madame de Hauteville will be set
free and everything will be so arranged that her discharge will
arouse no suspicion.
STROEBEL. But how are you going to do it ...?
COMMISSIONER. The details of this arrangement are your affair.
CURTAIN
ACT III
(Beermann's library. Elegantly furnished. A desk is backed up
against a large bay-window on the right. Opposite is a large book-
case, and next to this a sofa. A long double door with small
French panes somewhat to the left. On the left of stage a small
table and a few comfortable leather chairs. On the right a simple
door.
Beermann enters through the middle door. He goes to the desk,
unlocks a drawer and takes out the diary of Hauteville. He looks
carefully about him, then picks out a volume of an encyclopedia
from the book-case, opens it quickly and places the diary inside.
He seats himself and begins to read. At this moment the center
door is opened slowly, and Frau Beermann stands on the threshold.)
FRAU BEERMANN. Are you alone, Fritz?
BEERMANN [frightened, slams the book so that the diary is
concealed in it]. Goodness, you did frighten me!
FRAU BEERMANN. I did not know how nervous you were until
yesterday.
BEERMANN. Oh, what, nervous? I am over-worked and irritable. Every
single day, I have to prepare a new speech.
FRAU BEERMANN. Is it in that work that I disturbed you? Pardon me.
BEERMANN. Do you want anything?
FRAU BEERMANN. I just wanted to have a few serious words with you.
BEERMANN. But not necessarily at this moment. To-morrow or ...
EFFIE. [opening the glass door, calls in]. Oh, papa, did you
forget?
BEERMANN [uneasily]. Forget what?
EFFIE. [entering]. Weren't we to see the Indian dancer to-day?
BEERMANN. Well, it can't be done to-day.
EFFIE. That's a shame; I wanted so much to see her and to-night is
her last appearance.
BEERMANN. Then we will wait until the next one comes along.
EFFIE. I don't see why just we have to have this bad luck.
BEERMANN [with emphasis]. Because I have more important things to
do than to watch your hop, skip and jump.
EFFIE. [jolly]. Oh, aren't you cranky?
BEERMANN. I am not at all disposed for such nonsense.
EFFIE. [going over to the desk, picks up the volume of the
encyclopedia.] All this comes from your politics; now I will
simply confiscate your ammunition.
BEERMANN [excited]. Give me that book.
EFFIE. [jumping away]. No, no, papa, you will only get sick.
BEERMANN [shouts]. I forbid these stupid jokes. Put that book
down.
FRAU BEERMANN. What is the matter?
BEERMANN. I never could tolerate disobedient children, that's all.
EFFIE. [placing the book on the desk]. Oh, pardon me, papa.
BEERMANN [grasps the volume tightly and places it in the book-
case]. All fooling has its limits; don't forget that.
EFFIE. Now I suppose as a punishment, we can't see the dancer.
BEERMANN. Really I would rather go with you than--sit here, but
it is absolutely impossible.
FRAU BEERMANN. Go now, darling; I must talk to papa alone.
BEERMANN. But I haven't the time.
FRAU BEERMANN [positively]. That much of it you have.
EFFIE. Good-bye, papa dear. [Goes out.]
FRAU BEERMANN [Seats herself on the sofa next to the book-case.
Beermann stands leaning with his back against the desk. Through
the large window the evening sun can be seen so that Beermann's
face is in its light, while Frau Beermann sits in the half-dusk.]
BEERMANN. Lena dear, do we really have ...?
FRAU BEERMANN. We do.
BEERMANN. Can't it be postponed?
FRAU BEERMANN. I have postponed it many a year, but now it is high
time.
BEERMANN. [disturbed]. Many a year? What are you referring to?
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