New-York tribune., 1874-09-21
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN

PROBABILITY THAT HE is NOT IN wANT-sUGGEsT1oN
THAT TILE FUNDS COLLECTED BE USED IN PUR-
CHASING A PRESENT FOR HIM.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: Many persons who feel an interest in
the movement now foot to relieve the imagined dis
tress OF Hans Christian Andersen have requested me 10
state through your journal what know about the
private affairs of this author take this opportunity 10
comply with the request In September Of last year
had the honor OF becoming personally acquainted with
Mr.. Andersen, and then visited him at his house In
Copenhagen Judging by what he himself told ME and
b. what saw with my own eyes, have no hesitation
in declaring the rumOrs now gong the round OF our
papers to be utterly unfounded. Denmark does not
allow her lusriOus to suffer from want Of bread.
and any gift sent to Andersen under the apprehension
that he was actually needy would wound rather than
crafty him. To be sure he did suffer at the time
him, his sufferings Of kind which amount
of money relieve. The heart disease, with which he
has for many years been afflicted, had made such
ress that the physicians despared of his LIE. About
NewYearsa cable telegram ported that he dying;
but according to the from Denmark he
is now somewhat improved in health.
Andersen repeated what he has already told the
public in The story of Ny Lfe"-that he enjoys life
long pension from the Government, which, although
cordng notions small, still enables him to hive
comfortably Besides this, the annual sale of his books
adds a very respectable sum TO his income. and kind
friends among whom especially the wealthy merchant
Meltler, deserves mention, vie with each other IN
ministenng to his wants The greater part OF the sum
mer when be is not travelling, he spends at the elegant
villa OF MT Meltker with his arstOcratic patrons
Jutland and in the Winter he occupies suite Of ele-
gantlY furnished apartments in Copenhagen where the
literary of the city always find hearty welcome.
II harsh judgment Jealousy and the ngratitude of his
country darkened the beginning of Andersens career
he has now attained eminence where no critical
shafts can reach him. and the country at his feet
and ever eager TO do hun homage.
should be very II what have here SAID should
be interpreted effort 10 dampen the spirits OF those
who feel laudable desire TO express their gratitude 70
an author TO whom all feel deeply Indebted. On
the contrary IL has merely been my wish in the interest
of Justice and In behalf OF the author
roneous impression which know he would himself
rect If he made aware OF IL. II the children Of
America wish 10 make Andersen a present, either ia
money in suitable object which. dOubt, could
selected, know that nothing could be grateful
to the OF childhood. His sensitive soul would
perence Joy equal TO any OF which he has made record
in his fes history. Therefore, by all means, with
the subscription and collect money not TO buy bread
but express sentiment toward the great author,
which every American who has once been child Is
ready to share. HJALMAR HJoRTH BoYEsES
Ilidca, ". Z, Sept. a. 1874.
Mr.. Andersen has himself published letter ex-
pressing substantially the same sentiments as are
contained in the above letter.-ED.1