Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1878-01-29
THAT POEM.


In our last issue we stated that we
had received a ridiculous poem from
Centerville, written by some fellow
who was undoubtedly in love. We
mentioned the fact that the commu-
nlcatlon was not accompanied with
the name of the writer, but had we
known who the author was his produc-
ton would have been returned. Now
some of the Centerville boys put their
head together, and commenced plan
ming how they could get possession of
this poem. Next day we received the
following letter, written by an intelli-
gent young man. This is what he
says:
CENTERvnLE, Jan. Is, 1878.
Ed WoRLD:-I noticed in the WORLD
of to-day reference to poem re-
celved by you from here for pubIica-
ton. You gave as your reason for
not publishing 1.-THE absence of the
authors name" Now, Mr.. Editor,
your keen probe has penetrated the
secret. You say the writer is evident
ly in love-that's me; poet, of course
that's me too. As | am ignorant of
the rules and regulations governing
articles for the press, so you will
oblige The Knight of the Sorrowful
Figure by returning the Poem to
We wrote to this gentleman and
explained to him that the poem re-
ferred to was badly written, and
grammar and spelling horribly MUIR
dered, whereas he wrote good hand,
spelled correctly, and his sentences
were well arranged. We asked the
writer of the above to give us the con-
tents of his poem, and if we were con-
WINGED that he was the author. it'll
would be Immediately returned.
We also informed him that
the poem was of a personal ma
ture, certain young lady's name be-
ing mentioned in nearly every line,
and sometimes twice in a line-that
If he was the author he could surely |
give the name of the young lady. This
greatly increased the desire of the
boys to get hold of the poem. This
young man didn't give it up but went
at it with renewed energy as he NUT
tered, "To Him That hath not Shall
be Given" Hele is his second at
tempt:
CESTERvILLE, |. T., Jan. 26, 1878.
Mr.. JONES, WORLD OFFICE,
IDAHO CITY-Dear Sir:-Yours of to-
day is received. | am very much dis.
appointed in not receiving the poem.
1t appears to me that you are not
just and reasonable in retaining the
poem since you gave as your reason
for not publishing it the absence of the
name. 1t is proper that you
should keep secret the names of per-
sons writing to the paper, but have |
not written you for the poem, claim
ing it to be mine? Does not that excul-
pate you in the matter of sending
back the piece? am very anxious to
get it that | may destroy it, as | do
not wish to be exposed. | already
feel much hurt over the unkind allu-
sion to the poem in your last issue. |
have kept no copy Of the piece; hence
my anxiety for the return of the origi-
nal. If my first attempt has not been
crowned with high success in counting
the kline, is there not hundreds more
in the same dilemma? Has not Pope,
Byron, Shelley, and even Shakespear,
been under the rod? | think / have
given you sufficient guarantee to Sc
cure you from all blame in returning
the poem, even though | made false
claim. This claim you have got to-
protect you just as you have the
name of the author of any other arti-
Gle for publication. | will expect you ,
10 do me the kindness to return it by
return mail. With much regard,