The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-25
LITERATURE AND DRAMA.
Another Novel by DR.. w. A. Hammond
Notes of the Drama and New Books.

Correspondence Of he Indianapolis Journal.
New YORK, Oct. 22.-Dr. William A Ham
mond has completed another novel, which will be
published in a week or two by the Appletons. 1t
is entitled "a Strong Minded Woman" and. be-
sides supplyinga sequel to his first novel, "Lal, +"
it brings forward a great deal of interesting mat
ter relating to tie higher education of women and
their participation in politics. Glimpses of politi-
cal life are given, and part of the incidents take
place in Washington, between which city and New
York the scene is divided. The author treats the
woman question" in an impartial way, and with
a good deal of dramatic force. He does not
caricature or ~satirize the leaders in the move
ment for woman's emancipation, and he presents
two or three types of refined, dignifed aud
charming women, who believe in it and work for
it. But there is not much doubt as to where his
sympathies lie or as to the conclusion he would
draw. although he leaves this for readers
themselves to arrive at. One of the female
characters, who endows a university for women.
makes this significant remark: There is such a
thing as overeducation for women as we'll as for
men, and the point is sooner reached with us
than with the other SEX" A fine point is made
where Mrs. Moultrie, the wife of a wealthy man.
accepts a professorship in a medical college con-
siderably against his inclination, although he
has left her free to make her own decision. She
goes to college to deliver her first lecture, and
her husband is present with others on the plat
form. After bowling to the president and to the
audience, she turns, walks across the platform
to where her husband is sitting, and makes him
"a graceful obeisance, and the author saws: SAT
once all perceived that she gave up nothing of
the woman, nothing of the wife, in her
assumption of the Office of teacher" Her
husband rises and courteously conducts her
to the reading desk. The lecture is a great sue
cess; but 1t may be as well to mention that it
is the only lecture which Mrs. Moultrie ever
gives as a professor. This is al, excellent
and as it should be, although it probably will not
quite satisfy the wOman's rights extremists. In
the end Rachel Meadows, who marries and gives
up her plans for a great career as a strong mind
ed woman, Gays to her husband: t'But nv
lectures on The Position of Woman Outside
Christianity they will never be begun, will
theyY" and her husband replies: well, not ex-
actly In that form, my dear little wife, but
doubtless you'll lecture me sometimes
DIR. Hammond's habits of work are something
which ought to interest all brain-laborers. At a
moderately early hour in the morning he seats
himself IN his consulting-room to receive pa
tlentS, and he remains indoors until 2 in the
afternoon. Then he drives out and walks. On
certain days he has medical lectures TO deliver.
His spare time in the afternoon is devoted to
taking the air. reading or diverting himself.
After dinner and any social recreation
that may be in hand, he sits down at
his desk again by 10 or IL o'clock. and
writes until 2 in the morning. II do it." he
says, because l like it. 1t amuses and re-
freshes me-" How he manages to endure this
constant sitting UP is something of a marvel,
considering that so much of his energies must
be consumed by professional work. He is a tall.
strong, healthy-lookine man, who seems to De
always at leisure and embarrassed. and who
lives comfortably, not denying himself a reason
able portion of stimulants and tobacco. His
speciality of practice in the treatment of nervous
diseases and insanity has doubtless stimulated
his interest in psychology and character. and
he has made many observations and reflections
on human nature, which he apparently feels the