The Globe-republican., 1901-12-19
SECOND LECTURE COURSE
Hon. S. S. Ashbaugh on Facts About
Shakespeare.

Hon. s. s. AShbaugh on Facts Abou
Shakespeare
| A fair and appreciative audience list
| ened to Hon. 5. s. Ashbaugh, of Wichita
lecture ON Shakespeare, in the Christian
church, Monday night. The Dodge City
| Lyceum is to be commended for securing
| this entertaining lecture. The subject OF
shakespeare may be a dry one 10 those
who lack culture and appreciation on this
line. but there is nothing which appeals
TO the human mind SO much as the sub
ject which concerns humanity. In Mr..
Ashbaugh's 5 lecture the listener was lead
to understand the conditions under which
the works of Shakespeare were written
When the basic principles of amy subject
or life are understood the meaning is bet
ter understood Dir. Ashbalrgh said
Shakespeares name was more enduring
than his monument. He did not engage
in the great strifes of the world, He
furnished in his works enjoyment and
entertainments. Its enduring basis was
In its appeals to the human sense. No
book outside of the Bible is read more
than Shakespeare.
Mr.. Ashbaugh said Shakespeare's in
dividuaIity and positveness was shown
in the character of his works He uttered
the common sentiment of the country, no
matter what editors and critics may s.y
about the definiteness of place and time,
or authorship. The lecturer derided the
claims of authorship by others. The
lack of historical correctness did not de-
tract from his writings no more than did
that of the Sermon on the Mount should
there be any question as to where it was
delivered.
The Influences of the country were
shown on the pages of shakespeare
works. but not that of university col
lege, because in those times language
teaching was eXtant. He understood: the
perfection and beauty of nature He en-
joyed the landscape of field, hill and val
ley, and lifees character was thus por-
trayed. He had no scientific knowledge
but he knew humanity.
The lecturer referred to the superiority
of Shakespeare's plays over those of his
competitors. The latter arc read only
Tor comparison.
Shakespeare's Increase of dramatic
power at the close of his life is shown in
his last plays, and for this reason the
chronological order of his works s make a
proper understanding and give satissac-
ton. I4ikewiee. the books of the old
restfment and Shakespeare's books should
be rearrangesl according to chronology.
There is mental and literary delight in
better reason is because in Shakes peare
the imagination was most active and dis
position sweeter in the progress of his
literary character.
w hat is true of his tragedy and comedy
is true of his history. There are those
who pay their Religious vows at Shake
speare's shrine. How the bard would.
were he living, smile at such reverenre!
He saw the possibilities of putting hu-
man character sn the stage, and delight
ing the world for all time Humanity
cause eEdures-
Mr. Ashbaugh said Shakespeare wrote
the English language as it had never been
written 1t was for the listener. The
power and beauty of his language is
found in any of his plays. No one better
than Shakespeare knew that lone touch
of nature makes the whole world kim
But the climax of the lecture was some
surprise when Mr.. Ashbaugh said that
superiority consisted in
(enumerating all his qualities)-ability
as a poet. 1t is this kingdom he reigns
supreme.
Dodge City people will find the lecture
course profitable to their sense of culture
and entertainment. There is nothing
better TO encourage and nothing more
elevating than the subjects which will be
presented.