But, as my friends know, I have the power and the habit of doing a great deal of work; and I think no one will complain if, instead of the recreation which others allow themselves, I should find my own recreation in another form of labor.

I hope to secure at least two hours out of each twenty-four for my own work, without detriment to my official duties—­and if two hours are not practicable, one must suffice.  I shall be in the midst of the material I most need—­I shall be able to make the acquaintance of the men and women who can give me the best assistance—­and without looking forward positively to the completion of the task, I may safely say that this opportunity gives me a cheerful hope of being able to complete it.

I was first led to the study of Goethe’s life by the necessity of making the full meaning of his greatest poem clear to the readers of our language.  I found that he himself was a better guide for me than all his critics and commentators.  I learned to understand the grand individuality of his nature, and his increasing importance as an intellectual force in our century.  I owe as much to him in the way of stimulus as to any other poet whatever.  Except Shakespeare, no other poet has ever so thoroughly inculcated the value of breadth, the advantage of various knowledge, as the chief element of the highest human culture.  Through the form of his creative activity, Shakespeare could only teach this lesson indirectly.  Goethe taught it always in the most direct and emphatic manner, for it was the governing principle of his nature.  It is not yet fifty years since he died, but he has already become a permanent elemental power, the operation of which will continue through many generations to come.  The fact that an association bearing his name exists and flourishes here in New York is a good omen for our own development.

We grow, not by questioning or denying great minds—­which is a very prevalent fashion of the day—­but by reverently accepting whatever they can give us.  The “heir of all the ages” is unworthy of his ancestors if he throws their legacy away.  It is enough for me if this honor to-night reaches through and far beyond me, to Goethe.  It is his name not mine, which has brought us together.  Let me lay upon him—­he is able to bear even that much—­whatever of the honor I am not truly worthy to receive, and to thank you gratefully for what remains. [Applause.]

SLASON THOMPSON

THE ETHICS OF THE PRESS

[Speech of Slason Thompson at the seventy-fourth dinner and fourth “Ladies’ Night” of the Sunset Club, Chicago, Ill., April 26, 1894.  The Secretary, Alexander A. McCormick, presided.  Mr. Thompson spoke on the general topic of the evening’s discussion, “The Ethics of the Press.”]

MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN:—­It would be interesting, I think, for the gentlemen of the press who are here to-night if they could find out from