COMMISSIONER [with emphasis]. Only ... the important ... names ... that's all. By the way, how far have you gone in the case? Have you taken any further steps? STROEBEL. No. I will examine the Hochstetter woman in a little while.... COMMISSIONER. And Schmuttermaier? Has he orders to make any further raids? STROEBEL. Not yet. I want to read the diary first. COMMISSIONER. Above all, I do not want him to act without instructions. People of no importance like to do important things. STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. Your orders will be carried out. COMMISSIONER. Orders? I never give orders. You have your duties to perform. I don't care to tell you what to do.... But there must be no further raids until I have seen the diary. STROEBEL. Certainly, Commissioner. COMMISSIONER. At the same time, don't neglect your duty. STROEBEL. I will do everything necessary for the promotion of public decency. COMMISSIONER [who has been pacing the room, turns suddenly.] Public decency? Very well, very well.... [Short pause.] We occupy a most peculiar position Do we not, Herr Stroebel? [Stroebel bows.] We know fully the existing difference between official ... and let me say ... personal sensitiveness, do we not? [Stroebel bows in accord.] I mention this merely because you spoke of public decency. There is a decency about which you and I privately might have most interesting discussions. As far as I am concerned, such decency can be without limits. But there is another--the public decency--which it is our business to police. This has its very precise limits. For example, a scandal. Scandal of any description. Am I right, Herr Assessor? STROEBEL [clicks his heels together]. Certainly, Commissioner. COMMISSIONER. That brings me to another matter. For the past few weeks, there has been in the city, a so-called Society for the Suppression of Vice. Have you any sympathy with these people? STROEBEL. I know of their aims ... COMMISSIONER. Their aims do not interest me a bit. I mean, do you personally cooperate with them? STROEBEL. Not ... yet. COMMISSIONER. Not yet? ... Hem! ... This Society is likely to interest itself in this case. If someone comes to see me, Herr Stroebel, I will refer him to you. [Stroebel bows.] Kindly bear this one thing in mind. These men have political ambition, and are playing to the press. On the whole the thing shows conservative tendencies. STROEBEL. Certainly, Commissioner. COMMISSIONER. Welcome them with open arms. Agree gratefully to every suggestion for the betterment of the people, et cetera. Listen with respectful appreciation but do nothing further. STROEBEL [uncertain]. Nothing further? ... COMMISSIONER. No ... nothing further. STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. COMMISSIONER. These people must remain assured that they wield a great influence. As a matter of fact, they have none at all and it's a good thing they haven't. STROEBEL. So, I may ...