The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1879-09-12
49, zs ~ tss4AsA FH 80 IS
LUCK OF ROARING CAMP.
HOW NEARLY BRET HARTE's STORY WAS
.a ONCE REFUSED BY A PUBLISHER.

IN. . Duh.
= /" And so you were the originator of the
Overland Monthly Magazine, and really
stood sponsor for Bret Harte?" l said to
Mr.. Roman. of San Francisco.
Yes, sir. Like some of your prominent
Eastern publishers, 4 felt that must run
and own magazine. So 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 appointment, and at the
very moment was considering change of
die for the cover. The cut representing q
grizzly standing alone without surround
ings seemed so bare of suggestion that I
had determined on some alteration. My
partner and chief clerk made several
sketches, but they failed to please me. So
intent were we on this subject that Mr..
Harte was neglected after recognition.
Then as matter Of easy Introduction to
the business he and were to discuss, |
called attention to our want, never imagin-
ing that he could help as out. What was
my surprise when. on taking pencil, he
simply drew two lines, placing our grizzly
ON the Pacific Railroad. The die needed
no other finish. It seemed an inspiration,
and thought If he were so apt In this par
ticular, what might he be capable of, in il
Illuminating the inside pages Of my maga-
zine.
"From that moment he had my conf
dence. After little talk l concluded an
engagement with him to furnish an article
month, and to generally superiutend the
magazine. The preliminaries of that
month over, and his opening article fur
nished, he and started on fishing excur-
sion to Sonora. We were having an excel
lent time, blending magazine with sport,
and had determined on longer stay, when
letter from my partner, after reading the
proof Of Luck Of Roaring Camp denoun-
cling it 'as wholly indecent, and unfit for
publication in moral magazine caused
US to hastily pack our traps and quickly re-
turn. t -.'-5
Mr.. Harte was out of sorts the whole
way, and nursed my disappointment at
his first venture. However, he said he had
other matter that might please the fastidi-
ons c., and there need be no delay in
the months issue. He did not try to OK
plain away C--'s objections, but said
sF.E E.-F
the argument was taken from real life, too
real perhaps, and that maybe his:philosoph-
ie treatment was fault. On reaching my
Office met several Of the establishment
ready with their condemnations even to
uplifted hands, and all prophesying that
such an article would be a deathblow to my
magazine. Mr.. Harte in the meantime had
hurried to his home for other MSS. took
the proof home when went to lunch, and
thought that perhaps after reading il in
that sanctity, / might get a better idea how
to caution and direct Mr. Harte as to mag
azine morals. Pursuing my habit of rest
ing for an hour on the lounge. l gave the
proof to my wife to read aloud, as was a
common practice, and lay with, closed eyes
expecting fearful encounter with her, yet
hoping for some favor from her critical
judgment. was struck particularly with
its descriptive force and conclseness of mar.
ratiye, and thinking what waste of i'm
agination over so trifling an incident, when
I heard a sob, and, looking up, my wife was
in tears, That was enough. rushed to
the Office, and, without explanation, Or
dered the article inserted, and so 'Luck of
Roaring Camp appeared. Our San Fran
cisco papers were somewhat careful in their
notices, and waited most eagerly for the
Eastern papers. They came and were nni-
versal in their praises; and then I told my
wife that she was truly the sponsor of Bret
Harte" qsg. s-.-- ........ --... ..-.