The Washington times., 1912-02-07
Julia Murdock Says AS a Man Thinks"
Peaches Simple and Wholesome Sermon

That old and popular theme, a double
standard of morality, which is a
favorite one with all piaywrights, is the
basis upon which "As a Man Thinks"
Is written. John Mason and his ex-
oellent company are appearing in this
latest play OF Augustus Thomas this
week in the Belasco Theater.
las a Man Thinks" is a serious and
thoughtful drama, which deals with the
comparative moral responsibility of the
sexes. Several other less important
topics are touched dpon during the
progress OF the plot. This is the play
that had a long and successful run in
new YORK, and which metropolitan
critics have pronounced Augustus
Ihomas' best work. 1t is a love story
In fact, 1t contains four love stories
the love of a husband and wife, the
love of a mother and son, the love of a
youth and a maiden, and last and best
of all, the love of man for all mankind
breaches Simple
Orthodox Sermon.
Samuel Seelig is a Hebrew physician
of the sort who is an ornament to his
profession and an honor to his race.
Possessed of an independent fortune,
he chose the practice of medicine as be-
ing the best means Of bringing help to
his suffering fellowman. His is a simple
gospel. the gospel of helpfulness,
of sympathy, patience, and for
bearance, and the sermon preach
ed in "As Man Thinks" is
nothing less orthodox than the sermons
of Jesus. 1t is simple doctrine,
preached by DR.. Seelig which he de-
fines, when asked by his friend and
patient. Frank Clayton, whether he. a
Hebrew, had any respect for "thas
Christ fabrication" he says of the
teachings of Jesus:
I've outgrown the creed my mother
started me in, but take off my hat to
the Man. He knew-he'd worked It all
out, this thing we call Life. He knew
the essence OF It, AS a man thinketh'-
that was his answer. That's why l
quote this Carpenter Prophet OF Naza-
reth. A truth that took me twenty five
years to learn and demonstrate he
found out by himself, He said In one of
his first sermons, Forgive and We shall
be forgiven; give and it shall be given
unto you: good measure pressed down,
shaken together and running over shall
men give unto your BOSOM"
1t was not religion good DR.. Seelig
was preaching. 1t was a good working
rule of life, the rule by which he had
cured more patients than ever he had
done with pills and powders. AS friend
and physician he was brought face to
face with a condition in the family of
Frank Clayton, consisting of Mr.. and
Mrs. Clayton and their little boy.
DR.. Seslig Undertakes
Appalling Mission.
1t was a situation that was appalling,
yet at the same time one that could
easily have been managed with a GER
tain amount of patience, consideration,
and a determination to play fair. DR..
Seelig's mission in the play Is to bring
his friends to a realization that reason
and kindness was the only way out of
their difficulty which he does quietly,
wisely, tenderly, but firmly. when firm
ness is required of him.
A man of affairs, self-ce1tered, AFRO
giant, and Intensely selfish, is married
to woman OF the too common American
restless" type. Frank Clayton brings
to his wife everything but tender per-
sonal consideration, and while he adj
mits his occasional lapses from virtue,
he looks upon them as a result of
sportiveness, the natural Zest of man
for life, and he does not excuse them
In any way. Nothing can extenuate in
Mrs. Clayton's eyes, these vulgar es-
Capades of her husband, and as suspi-
| cion grows into positive assurance, she
becomes desperate, and allows herself
to participate in a trifiinR breach of
conventionality, innocent enough per-
| haps, but unforgtvable in the eyes of
| her husband.
The man who is the second party in
| this little escapade is De Lota, Jewish
| writer OF much charm, but also a rasc2l
at heart, who. ten years before, had
| been a suitor for Mrs. Claytons hand.
Lashing himself into fury, Clayton
| filings into his wife's face an accusation
which throws the paternity of their
4 lnIt In AL l.
proportions ensues. due entirely TO moth
Ing more criminal than violence of tenn
| per, selfishness, and heedlessnesS.
Ir. Seelig then straightens things out
| for the Clayton family, bringing good
out of the situation that seems tragic
enough from all points of view.
Upon the suffering of the Clayton
| husband and wife, he confers the bene-
| diction that brings happiness to all