The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-05-31

BERNHARDTs HAMLET
We have al an times evinced a fair con-
ccption Of the great duty we owe the
public I'm unhesitatingly assuming a posi-
ton upon an questions Of general con-
Germ and doing whatever we can 10 set
| tie tho great problems that weigh upon
tho public mind
We do not always challenge these qucs-
lions. nor do we seek 70 set up theories
for the purpose OF scattering them like
tin soldiers with one sweep OF powerful
force. but we do not shrink when the
issue comes out and we are not going TO
do 10 now.
We fully understand that from humble
sources often spring the most momentous
issues and while we do not propose 10
give any unpaid-for advertising TO Sarah
Begnhardt. we are forced to admit that
i'm bringing forward the question "Was
Hamlet Fat or lean?" she has ensnared
MS into mentioning her in connection with
question that is stirring the public
mind from centre to circumference, and
which unsettled. bids fair TO eclipse the
thrilling query as 90 the sanity OF the un-
happy Dane
As we understand 70. Bernhardt holds
TO q thin Hamlet. IF our memory serves
as Alright that would be the natural line
OF policy for Mile. Sarah 60 adopt She
has essayed % more or less attenuoted
policy toward everything except the box
, Office receipts. and her efforts TO elevate
the Stage has never reached beyond the
price OF admission TO her excellent per-
formances. but she has served to raise
great question which demands am early
and unQuestfonable settlement
We say Hamlet was fat We do not
make this declaration for the purpose OF
compelling Mile. Sarah TO contribute arti-
nciaIy 20 her stage properties. but I'm
the solution OF "a great question and 20
calm the pertuibed state of the public
mind we stand firmly ON the opinion that
Hamlet was fat.
After q conversation Of more or less
interest with the distinguished uncle
who had slain Hamlers father and moved
precipitately into the dead mans apart
ments. the unhappy Dane exclaimed:
ron. that this too too sordid flesh would
melt"
This forces the conclusion upon ms that
Hamlet was fat. 1t has the smack Of the
talk OF the fat men I'm the street cars
these afternoons. and IS rcdolont with
the suggestion of the porty gentlemen
arounl the city Han
This. however. is only circumsiantal
evidence. but Hammy'- mamma gives the
story and sets at rest with one SEM
tence. the whole bubble
Laortes and Hamlet. after am exciting
jumping in and jumping OUT Of the
grave Of Ophella. and lending q new and
inspiring interest to the expeditions move
mcnt about the funerals of the play. are
fighting % duel with swords The muir
derous King. who has also now the proud
pleasure OF being IIamlers stepfa,hcr
and Gertrude. the mother. are watching
the outcome of the job put up upon the
young Dane.
"Our son viii win. exclaims the King.
with a fond accent upon the Our" as be
turns a loving glance upon the giddy
Certie who sits smhingly gazing upon
the death thrusts.
'IIe is fat. and scant Of breath" re-
piled the 'doting mamma. as Hamlet.
Laertes. the King and the Queen an
mix up IN thrilling series OF declara-
lions and sudden demises.
Now. there YOU are His mamma said
Il: "He is fat and scant OF breath She
ought 90 have known, and nobody has
tho right TO 80 behind the returns.