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 does 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.]