The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-07-31
"The Luck of Roaring Camp"
How Nearly Bret Harte's Story was Re-
fused

"And so you were the originator of the Over
land Monthly Magazine, and really stood spon-
sor for Bret Harte?" said Sun correspondent
to Mr.. Roman of San Francisco.
"Yes, sir. Like some of your prominent
Eastern publishers, / felt that must own and
run magazine. So 1 started the Overland
Its early life was struggle, more particularly
owing to its want of an editorial head. made
several trials, and finally Mr.. Harte's name
was suggested to me. He came by appoint
ment and at that very moment was consid-
ering change OF die for the cover. The cut
representing grizzly standing alone without
surroundings seemed to me so bare of sugges-
ton that had resolved on some alteration.
My partner and chief clerk made several
sketches, but they failed to please me. So in
tent were we on this subject that Mr.. Harte
was neglected after recognition. Then, as an
easy introduction to the matter he and were
to discuss called his attention to our want,
never imagining that he could help us out.
What was my surprise when, on taking a PEN
Gil, he simply drew two lines, placing FOUR griz-
ely on the Pacific Railroad. The die needed
no other finish. 1t seemed an inspiration, and
thought If he were so apt in this particular
what might he be capable of in Illuminating
the inside pages of my magazine.
From that moment he had my full conf
dence. After little talk l concluded an agree
ment with him to furnish an article month,
and to generally superintend the magazine.
The prelimlnarieS of that month over, and his
opening article furnished, he and 1 started ON
a fishing excursion to Sonora. We were hav-
ing an excellent time, blending magazine with
sport, and had determined on longer stay,
when letter from my partner, after reading
the proof of ''The Luck of Roaring Camp"
denouncing it as "wholly indecent and unfit
Tor publication in moral magazine" caused
us to hastily pack our traps and return.
Mr.. Harte was out of sorts the whole way,
and nursed my disappointment at his first
venture. However, he said he had other mat
ter that might please the fastidious c., and
there need be no delay in the months issue.
He did not try to explain away C-'s objec-
tions, but said that the argument was taken
from real life, too real, perhaps and that may
be his philosophic treatment was at fault. On
reaching my office met several of the estab-
lishment ready with their condemnations even
to uplifted hands, and all prophesying that
such an article would be o death-blow to my
magazine. Mr.. Harte, in the meantime, had
hurried to his home for other manuscripts. l
took the proof home when went to lunch, and
thought that after reading it in that sanctity
might get better idea how to caution and d-
rect Mr.. Harte as to magazine morals. Pursu-
ing my habit of resting for an hour on the
lounge, gave the proof to my wife to read
aloud, as was common practice, and lay with
closed eyes, expecting fearful encounter with
her, yet hoping for some favor from her criti-
cal Judgment. l was struck particularly with
its descriptive force and conciseness in narra-
tive, and thinking what waste of imagina-
ton over so trivial an incident, when heard
sob, and looking up, my wife was in tears.
That was enough. l rushed to the office and,
without explanation, ordered the article in
serted, and SO ''The Luck of Roaring Camp"
appeared. Our San Francisco papers were
somewhat careful in their notices, and Iwaited
most eagerly for the Eastern papers. They
came, and then 1 told my wife that she was
truly the sponsor of Bret Harte. IN. Y. Sun.