New-York tribune., 1902-02-19
BACON AND SHAKESPEARE.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: In reply to Mr. Winters letter i'm A recent
number of The Tribune. let me say: We will let
Mr.. Winters letter go. | am not an advocate lot
the "Baconian Theory" nor. for that matter any
Shakespearian theory-far from it-but do say,
and emphatically, that these articles are not
defensibIe
Now for moment, look at all these pro argu-
ments for Shakespeare being the author of the
plays which go under his name. OF course, to use
his own expression, "a rose by any other name
would smell as sweet" so whoever was the author
of the plays was most wonderful man-one who
cannot te compassed in the same breath with any
writer of either his own later days. But that
the man called Shakespeare wrote them Is totally
different matter.
Look At II for a moment in a common sense
view, bereft of sentiment 4 poor, ignorant boy,
who after Lucy had commenced proceedings
against him for depredatons in his park Though
know that this episode i'm his life has been lately
denied. but without a shadow Of proof goes up
London. and for a little while takes charge as
hostler of the horses and carriages of the
wealthy patrons of the theatre. Finally. as we are
informed ton authority, he II remembered. he
suddenly becomes actor and writes these amaz-
ing plays and works he it remembered.
which only most marvellous in their con-
cepton and execution. but also show such grasp
of human nature. and Of history. to convince
that the author almost superhuman.
Now. as I have said. whether Bacon
wrote these plays have nothing to say either
pro or con: but that this ignorant and iliterate
hostler wrote them II be perfectly rid
iculous Mr. Winter and Mrs. Appleton Morgan to
the contrary rotWithsta ndirg
Again. take the words by me" and his only six
authentic signatures attached 10 documents and 10
a copy Of Florio's translation Of Montaigne. which
have down us-all of them blind that
for that day they show the greatest Hit
eracy. Why. present cowboys would have
done infinitely better! And. once more; consider
the epitaph which he after his famous
drinking bout with Ben" JonsonD he placed
over his tomb in the church Stratford:
Good Friend for Jesus sake forbeare
To digg the Dust enclosed Hare:
Blest be ye man { that spares these bones.
And cursed be he who moves NJ. Y. bones.
Now how can any one who looks at it free of
prejudice believe for a moment that Shakespeare
CHE reputed author of those wonderful plays and
sonnetsD could write such doggerel? Indeed. /
land and the United States. that this epaph proves
my position
l care nothing about the dates Of the different
Importance and devOtes so many columns. From
my point of view iand. as I say. take no stock
in the "Baconian Theory.1, the question will ever
aTtSe-uneSS. subsequently. after Winters ana
Morgan's and ny death. some irrefraEahle proof Is
brought to light-ths question to the authorship
will ever remain Conundrum
Finally. would that. uOtWit hStaudng
personal friendliness for Winter and Morgan. and
my sincere aPpreca ton of their great erudtion
garding this and every other discussion. / ind
that since years ago, this question first brought
into public notice by Miss Bacon. the consensus of
the majority of cultured and educated people both
In England and the United States is decidedly in
favor of sCeptiCsm regarding the authorship Of the
plays. WILLIAM l. STONE
Mount Vernon, y. Y. Feb Is, 1902