New-York tribune., 1878-04-13
"THE STORY OF ANIS.p
GAIL HAMILTON.

GAIL HAMnToN's REVIEW UNJUsE-MERITs AND
FAULTS or THE BOOK.
TO tIe Editor Of The Tribune
SIR: While Gail HamiltOn's unsparing hand
is playing "the scaping-kniie AS TIE TRIBUNE has
so apty expressed it-abOut the devoted mead OF Mr.
Eaton our memory recalls vividy her late war-ddDce
upon the work of a sisterwriter. VIII you permit
hearing IN fewer words Of the opinion OF other
women upon that matteri
What good has she done by her long-winded 1agela-
ton OF Miss Phepss Story of Avisl s this the feast
she the gods Do men really enjoy such pitess
OutpOurings OF a wOmans satirei How would IL bel
would ask each oneif the brilliant periods represented
the broed live OF his sister. forth for
his telectatiOn THAT being the prime and final
test 10 be applied 20 every mans chiyary.
This would seem TO be her object. She cannot
suppose that the rough hauling Of another wOmsn's
the pOughshares OF her scorchng criticisms
will affect the real opinions OF other readers OF the book
she does to be sure sixth column make what she
probably considers the amcnde honorable by giving
Miss Phelps becluse she cannot help ~ the credit Of
creation 30 pure and beautiful that such. IL "a above
criticism; she to it too late for herself; she
comes when she hashad her claws mot the cool uncOn
scous ngcrnas OF her Part H. in view too long for
us 10 lose sigdt of them again.
1t reminds of the attitude of the sharp needles Of
Chamounix which rear themselves against the blue
heavens before the majestic face OF Mont Banc whose
white splendOr and height disturbed
by their savage proximity than the blue he ,vcns
themselves.
/ wish, IA earnestly Gail Hamilton can that Miss
Phelps had given the story OF Avis without the
ing that resembles the atmosphere Of tropical night
which sleeps the in heavy OdOrs and renders all
objects and incOmprehensihlc; for cannot be
satisfied with anything snort OF perfection for her. bat
Gail Hamilton has no right to object If Miss Phelps
chooses 10 exhaust the language In transccndcn
as she herself has done in annadyersiOns; and much
may be forgiven to her who has brought this peer
less and lover where may learn "a lesson Of
purity and self-abnegatOn such not al Of us much
discern.
Take away the highlywrOugIt drawing and COlOring,
and what % real thing The story OF AVIS" H. A
wOman-lOyug and gifted such We hope does exist,
and therewhO lives so close 10 the divinity within
her that she follows up 10 real Calvary and man
no weaker selsh than the majority Of and
heaven through It's vicar1Ou5 sactihce-through the
loss Of life, Tor her, which finds itself hereafter in
that glory which only they that have been purified, and
made white, and tried" may behold.
II Miss Phelps had put this story into the
simple form which is To- highest beauty or author
shtp her creation would he % rnateless As 10 is,
let pause before touch hcr lily with hands that
soil. The who gives US Avis, and who brought
little TT0ity to armsJnd 50 brought our inherent
sweet motherhood into and living enOtion-nced
not fear caIstc criticisms. All wOInanhoOd STANDS
blows aimed at her upon such tempered steel
complete rccOil.
If Gail Hamilton would refrain from setting her fine
knowledge OF the English language 70 such work,
wOud love her better ana her great gifts would
shine clearer Ill the crown Of our beloved Massachu
setts" EIDELLA.
Neic York, April 6, 1873.