The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-07-01

in the West. The primary materials of
poetry are the same forever. My fayorite il
iustratiOn is that of a font OF type. Ii
(pcetry) must be set up over again. consist
emily with American modern and democratic
institutions.
ssMv opinion of other American poets?
There i general idea and Steadman orig
mated it, that | scorn our other poets. My
attitude is eminently respectable. am
great admircr of Bryant, Emerson. Whittier
and LongfelioW-thcse only and proportion
ately i'm the order given. | would put Bry-
ant first in many respects For u long period
| placed Emerson ut the head OF American
poetic literature. but of late | have reversed
the order and consider Bryant worthy of the
leading place ON account of certain native
vitality and patriotic character. ~ well a. an
cdor in his poetry the same - in the
woods and by the Sei,-Shore. Finer
sons great points are intellectual free
dom. perfect style and real manliness;
but the tendency of his writings i Ia refine
and sharpen off till the points are lost.
Whittier i especially icryid. rather grim, .eX
pressing phase of Quaker Puritan element
ia New England history that i precious and
rare hcvond statement think in his old
age he i inclined To he little more liberal
and to get out al the narrow rut of luritanic
QllakeriSm. lOngfcllow a. Il poet 'Of grace
and sweetness and amiability will always be
welcome. Don't know that | have anything
to say about the great brood OF poets spring
Ing up who fairly spattcr the pages of the
press They often seem to me like the echoes
al an echo.
About politics? | am an Optimi>t. Al
though | always voted the Republican ticket
until the last TIME when | staid at home.
am satisfied with the administration. Ceve-
land seems to he like huge wall, great on
his impedimenta. a. il were. His character
l. just what Is wanted to bring solid resist
apf... atrtipSf pptifical
MY idea OF Il book? A book must have
living Vcrtcbra to hold il together.
''My religion? | should refuse to be called
"a materialist entirely. | think | combine that
with the SpiritualiStic inseparably in my
books and theory | believe in Darwinianism
and evolution from A to lizard On. To satisfy
me there must be a combination of modern
science with loftier and deeper theology
than anything that has ever been furnished
in the past My belief i that things lin our
time, politics, religious investigation. Sociol-
ogy-the movements OF all are going on ~
well rs possibly could be. There is certain
sort of activity going on which. il left to
continue all the results that reformerS desire
will be achieved. Everything is progressing
a. it should. The result will he hardening
and hcalthifyng of the muscles-a freedom
of all these things.
81 don't think America the age realize
their own unparalleled conditions and viytulvS
lHt>t dlt ~ near pcrittt IL lllcN can nc IN
the vSSt aggregate of people.
II want To stamp greater hope and faith
--an optimism. on the age.
Some friends say that think myself at
tended by the demon Of Socrates and await
the instigatinn of the unseen power before
making any move in particular,
Il fear not death SOCRATES uttered the
greatest truth when he said. No evil can be-
fall good man. whether he be alive or dead.
II am an old bachelor who never had
love affair. Nature supplied the place of
bride with suffering 10 he nurscd and scenes
To be POLITICALLY clothed
Twelve years ago | came to Camden to
die; but every day went into the country
and naked, bathed i'm sunshine. lived with
the birds and squirrels and played in the
from nature. Strange how she carries rs
through period of inrmity out into realm of
freedom and health.
Il write three hours per day. haunt the
Delaware River most OF the time, am good
liver. not teetOtaler. only regret that | did
not cultivate the use of tobacco and have a
pipe a. a companion and sOlace for my old
age"
At the beginning OF the interview the old
poet was i'll at ease. He had his doubts about
the interview rs d vehicle of communication
When 1 consented to take his words verbatim
ct puuctuatim 81 literatim he was satisfied
and became more and more inspired in his
talk His checks became flushed and a
happy light ShOne in his eyes. Il have
given you enough" he said as he extended
his hand for farewell grip. but such trains
of thought have been started that must re-
tire to my room Ia continue them safely on
their journey"
WILLIAM II HNLfoV