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.