Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-08-15
SIR W4L1E.P SCOTT.

One hundred years ago to-day Walter
Scott was born in the city of Edinburgh,
Scotland. The event will be celebrated
in both hemispheres, not only by the
countrymen of the distinguished author
wherever they may be, but by the broad
literary fraternity and the special admirers
of the works of Scott. What will be seen,
however, in the formal celebrations that
may be held, will but feebly represent the
homage that the great public heart will
pay in silent and undemonstrative man.
ner. Scott draws no select circle; he
charms all classes and conditions. He
holds the sympathy and respect of king
and peasant, counting his subjects as
widely as his writings are spread.
1t is curious to notice as we witness the
universal preparation for the observance
Of this centenary, how the fame of Scott
exceeds the estimate placed upon it. In
1888, Carlyle reviewing Lockhart's life OF
Scott, thought he had done well to hold
his popularity some twenty or thirty years,
and regarded Lockbart's work as the last
occasion probably upon which the whole
worlds attention would be SO summoned
around him. And Carlyle was not an UNI
friendly critic, for at the close of his ar
ticle he calls Scott 'the pride of all Scotch
men," and says emo sounder piece of
British manhood was put together in that
eighteenth century of Time" Now, upon
the hundreth anniversary of his birth, a
larger ovation than ever before will be
paid, with every indication in the demand
for his works and the hearty and genera
enthusiasm with which his name is men
toned that his fame has not yet touche
its zenith, but is still ascending.
But if Carlyle underestimate til
popularity of SCOTS writings, there ca
be little dispute that he judged more col
rectly of their intrinsic worth. They wer
hasty performances, written to please tn
multitude and put money in the author
pocket There is little to show that eve
enduring. At first he wrote to gain til
public ear, then to build Abbottsford an
establish family, and lastly under tn
pressure of mountain of debt whic
would have crushed any but the stoute!
and honestest heart. His robust natur
delighted in work, but his shrewd Scotc
understanding desired it also to bring "a
honest penny ''Iie was man," say
Carlyle, without Jealousy or fantastical
ties; hard headed, sound hearted man
OF joyous, robust temper, looking to tn
main chance, and fighting direct thither
ward" When the same critic comes t
talk OF greatness he finds Sir Walter def
cient. lone knows not" he says, '.whs
idea worthy of the name of great. wins
purpose, instinct OF tendency. that coul
be caiied great Scott ever was inspire
with. His life was worldly; his ambitio
was worldly. There is nothing spiritu
in him; all is economical. material, of II
earth earthly. A love of picturesque
beautiful, vigorous and graceful things :;
genuine love, yet not more genuine tn
has dwelt in hundreds of men nam
minor poets; this is the highest quality
be discerned in him. In action,
speculation, broad as he was, he was l
where high; productive without measu
as to quantity, in quality he for the mt
part transcribed but a little way the ]
gion of commonplace"
Thousands of SCOTS admirers won
rebel at this judgment upon their fave