Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-08-26

literature, politics, drama and sociol'
ogy In the last quarter of the nine
teenth century. If you want to write
a history of that sort, suppose I'm
as good peg to hang it on as any
man living"
Professor Henderson sailed for Eng
land ON June 10, and he and the play
wright have been together most of the
time since at Mr.. Shaw's home in Lon
don and his country home at Ayot st.
Lawrence, In Herefordshire.
"An artist called Mr.. Shaw a SYM
phony In brown" continued Professor
Henderson, land it was not inappro-
pirate. He has remarkably clear,
transparent skin, heavy brown beard
and hair and often dresses in soft fan
nels of the same shade. The most re-
markable thing about him, though, is
his bright blue eyes, full Of fire and
dancing half the time He Is constant
ly joking and talking in the most bril-
liant way. His manner Is full OF an
almost boyish enthusiasm. l found,
too, he did not object to very frank
criticism of himself and his plays.
NATURALLY he is much sought man,
and Mrs. Shaw, fine, capable woman,
acts as buffer between her husband
and the public. We had lively visit
from Rodin, the French sculptor. Shaw
could not speak French as tluently as
he wished and pieced out his chat with
gestures Of most vigorous sort that
were very amusing"
Does Mr.. Shaw take himself and his
work quite seriously?' the reporter
asked.
'1n one sense, yes; In another. no."
Professor Henderson replied. ITO a
certain extent he does say and do
things to attract attention, but under
1t all Is very sincere and serious pur-
pose.
"You know, he is SO fond of Joking
that he is apt to joke in a serious way,
and the listener does not quite under
stand him. believe that under it all
IL q great purpose. He wants to make
the most Of life to use all his faculties.
He believes that II every physical and
intellectual power Is not used the idle
part is dead. He compares life not to
pickering candle, burt to a flaming
torch held In the hand, and feels he
must spread. It's brightness as far as
possible and as long as 1t 10 his priyi-
lege to possess it."
"Was he quoted correctly in saying
he was greater than Shakespeare"
eThat must be taken with a grain OF
salt" replied Professor Henderson,
with laugh What he really meant
was that he had q much larger horizon
and greater, facilities for spreading his
work than Shakespeare had.
"'Once a man came up to me- Mr..
Shaw remarked one day, and asked
me II was serious in all wrote and
said. I replied: III you believe me to
be serious, there is no reason why !
should assure you of the fact. II you
don't believe am serious, there is no
reason for my assurance that the con-
trary is the fact"
81 have two publics,' Mr.. Shaw
said on another occasion. With one 1t
is great pleasure to start futter-
ing in the dovecots, so to speak, and
create for the time a reign of terror.
But write my plays and books for
big serious public that really believes
in me-"
''Is Mr.. Shaw appreciated abroad?"
'sWell, in that connection can only
say that he is. by fur the most popular
of living playwrights," Professor Hen
derson replied. Surely such popular
ity must be considered in making an
estimate Of his work. His plays have
been translated into every language in
Europe except two, Hungarian and
Russian. A pirated edition Of some. of
the plays exists In Hungary and has
given Mr.. Shaw a great deal of trou-
Bile. 1T Is a terrible task Mrs. Shaw
remarked one day. that Is attendant
upon the translation of G.. B. SIS plays
into so many languages. We were
quite happy she added. with laugh,
until G. B. s. made his continental
reputation