The sun., 1916-12-03
WILL SHAW LECTURE HEREi
The OLE Question Again Suggested
by Drama Leasue.


Negotiations are in progress with
George Bernard Shaw for a lecture
tour here. Steps toward the accom-
plishment Of this object have been
actively taken for several weeks past
in " distinct ways. In one direction
the Drama League OF America has
formulated an in ,itation TO the noted
dramatist and has enlisted the CO.
operation OF prominent Shaw admirers
throughout this country. The sigma
lures on the list include leaders in
literature. the stage mi education, the
last mentioned being represented by
President Butler Of Columbia and
President Hadley of Yale.
The invitation Is as follows:
New York Centre
Drama League OF America, Inc,
East Forty-second street.
November 6. 1915.
George Bernard Shaw. Esq. 10 Adelphi
Terrace. London. England.
MY DEAR Mn. SHAw-The New York
Centre Of the Drama League of America.
with the cordial concurrence OF the I'M
dersigned desires 10 express to you its
hope that you may be persuaded to ac-
cept the proposition which. we UNDER
stand, is being made 20 YOU to visit the
United states this autumn.
Twenty-Five years ago Arms and the
Man" was first given In America. Since
then sixteen OF your plays have been
presented here, the latest being Getting
Married" which Is now having its irst
American production. Zach new Shaw
play has been regarded as an important
theatrical evcnt-eagerly awaited and
keenly savourcd by all liscrininating
theatrcgocr.. Their enjoyment has been
shared by thousands Of others who
rarely see a play. but who have read
your books and caught the fire OF your
courage and insight. II Is natural that
there has been among all these people q
growing desire to see and hear the au-
thor OF these stimulating hooks and plays
and a corresponding disappointment that
you have therefore declined all invita-
tons to visit this country. Il seems e.
pecially hitting tina sou should como to
us AZ this time. because In n world At
arms the United states is perhaps tho
only country where representative, q
all tho natIoralitIcs can and will unite
In doing honor to the thinker and ar
fist whose work tends to bind tho ma
'ioilN ''k''ii'I liFN'du W IllNlUk tnGH
apart.
We. therefore. represent lug IN. authors
and playwrights Of America, the
actor managers who nave produced your
plays in this country. tho audiences who
have applauded your words. and all
those who nave at heart the best inter-
esta ~ literature and tho drama In
! America. desire 10 assure YOU NJ n well
come in the event ~ your coming 10 The
United States.
The Drama League Of America New
York Centre. Lee ". IIassin. president, {:
Laura W DAY. secretary: Augustus
Thomas, William Dean Howclls. James
Gibbons Huneker. Nicholas Murray But
Ter. Arthur IIadley. William Lyon
Phelps. Charles Ram Kennedy. Edith
Wynne Mathison. Max Eastman. Win
throp Ames. otto s. Kahn. Daniel Froh-
man. William Favcrsham. Walter Prit-
chard Eaton.
The proposition referred to in this
invitation Is the result OF the active
steps that have been taken in another
direction. A business proposition has
been submitted 10 Mr.. Shaw by n syn
dictate which has undertaken to finance
the proposed tour. headed by George
II. Brennan. manager Of william
Faversham. Liberal terms. including
a large sized deposit before Shaw
leaves England. will he guaranteed.
From private advices recently received
from persons in London. very close to
the d~raInatist. II IL believed that he
will not decline,
IS a reason for his probable accept
ance, II Is reported that for some time
Shaw has been keenly sensitive TO tho
hostility that has been manifested 10
him In England on accoun OF his criti-
cism OF the Government and his nut
spoken views IN the war issues. This
mental attitude has led him TO scri-
ousiy consider an opportunity to yisi,
4 country where frlsndlincss and ad-
miratlon and a hearty welcome await
him.
Mr.. Brennan's syndicate Is so conf
dent OF the outcome OF the negotiations
that the details OF the tour are already
being mapped out. 1t is planned to
include the principal Cisies Of the
country and to extend the tour as IA
west ~ San Francisco. The first lee.
ture viii be given in this city in Car
negie Hall and will he held under ths
auspices OF the Drama League
Mr.. Brennan Will san for Londor
next Saturday with the copy OF the
final terms Of the agreement for the
personal signature Of ,he dramatist