New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-09-28
DISCUSSING TIE GERMAN DRAMA.
MRS LAURA EECKWITH READS AN INTERESTING
PAPER BEFORE TIE PROFESSIONAL
WOMAN'S LEAGUE.

PAPER BEFORE THE PROFESSIONAL.
WoMAN's LEAGUE.
In the series of papers on The Drama" read
this season before the Professional Woman 5
League no more interesting or well-received paper
has been given than the read yesterday after
noon by Mrs Laura Beckwith. German Drama
her subject. and the lives Of three of its great
est expCnents were briefly summarized. Mrs. Beck
with apparently touched keynote in the minds
OF her hearers by referring at the beginning Of
her paper to amusement, and terming 1t neces-
sary of life THAT it is necessary 10 man." she
said. the most superficial observation of his con-
duct and pursuits may convince us. The Creator
never implanted in the hearts OF all His intei-
gent creatures common universal appetite with
out means OF gratifying 1t. And that He has
given them an instructive appetite for amusements
strong any other. which We labor to crafty
may be clearly perceived in the efforts of infancy
in the exertions OF youth in the pursuits OF man
hood in the feeble endeavOrs OF old and in the
pastimes which all human creatures. even the
unrestricted savage nations, have invented for their
relaxation and delight"
Objections that have been raised in regard to
German ranslations referred to, and the sup
posed evidence said he false. Instead of
having corrupted tire English dramatic taste the
effect was alleged to be the exact opposite and
their true character was described as strong
bold sentiment. Incidents numerous and interest
Ing, Character OF the boldcst and most finished
kind, and. in fact everything that command
the most marked and pointed attention % the
spectator reader Germans called a
pleasure-lovlng people persevering in producing
native talent But, It was said. II not Until
toward the latter end OF the last century that
drama of Germany attracted the attention OF the
other nations of Europe. In 1895 the merchants Of
Hamburg combined 10 establish a theatre In tina;
city and this undertaking generated spirit OF
aiiOnal emulation. contributed to encourage and
advance the drama. and what Of much greater
consequence OF national consideration. 10 over
that aversion which many entertained FOR
productions in the German language.
y thorough history Of the life Of leasing
given. and he was said TO be ACKNOWLEDGED by Ger
man critics as the greatest Of their dramatic au,
thCrs. lie also credited with having been ot
great assistance in bringing German literature into
better repute. by aiding other men Of letters IN
printing good editions of the best authors" Goethe
mentioned chiefly in regard 10 the way H.
affected people by his strong personality. He
said 10 be reserved even to haughtness. stn and
often awkward. but having such beauty OF counie-
nance as 10 be irresistible and TO impart i'm.
preston Of nobleness. courage independence and
kindness most powerful" His great success was
said be due TO the fact that ''ln writing out Of
his heart. he also wrote OF the heart Of his
time" Schiller was briefly mentioned. and his rank
said be second TO that of his friend and cotempo-