The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-03
OUR BOOK CIRCLE.
A Plan fnr The Nnrel

FRrESps OF THE O. c.: l cannot fully coincide
with the opinions expressed by Ella Phean ana Z.
N. Enyeart in regard TO reading novels; for, II
understand them Alright they would Danish all OF
the brightness of romance, aud live IN world peo-
pied with the disciples of Froude, Josephus ana
Bacon. Take away all the ornaments oil nature
and artal that is not of actual use To man, leav-
ing only the rough, angular limos of strength ana
power-and you have "A picture of such n state oil
affairs. / for one, am most empbnticnlly In favor
of reading novels. No. not this suIfcH OF trashy
literature TINT has been foisted upon oredulous
public, and which is vile travesty upon the repu-
tation of pure felton, aud whose sole mission Is TO
excite the morbid imagination and in way to ai'-
pease the Unsuitable thirst of certain class oil read
for tho unnatural would glory To see TINS
stye of fiction consumed in vast coniagrntion,
the smoke of whose denominations would carry to
the heavens with 1t tho genius of its authors.
But will someone rise and explain what possible
harm can come from the peruml of the works OF
Dickens. Roe, Black, Thackeray and host OF
othersp Who can read the "Nicnr of Wakefield
and not experience higher aspirations OF Ire Z
Some of the purest and most sublime Thoughts OF
language can be found on the pages oil these mas
terpieces of fiction. Their aim Is not like tho
other-Rnd. ! am sorry TO say most numerous
classic crafty aordd curiosity, but ~ to edu-
cate in the true principles of moral philosophy
aud give insight into the great drama OF
comedy aud tragedy that IL boing constantly en-.
aoted on the worlds stage around us-Rn insight
that cannot be CLEANED from the most elaborate
history. But think not would lay aside all MS
tory any more than would make the whole year
a holiday. There is n time for work and time Tor
play, and each should be INDUCED In with due DIS
Do not read n novel to see how :" II ends" but
read il carefully for the instruction that can be
drawn from il. BY sll means do not condemn
pure fiction. .
hope my championship for novels will not call
forth storm of Indignation as did the letters oi T.
lisa Jones and John g. Sohuneman, although 10
their cases ] think IL WAS fully merited. - Clio
Harper, Harrison, Ark.
The Cartons Corner.
ANSWERS 20 questions will not he published with
In two or three weeks after questions appear SO
all win have chance to send replies and receive
honorable mention with the number answered.
The first National Thanksgiving WAS Feb. 10,
1875.
The grave of the father of Lincoln IL known by a
hilock and bowider, and In located In n country
burying ground under the southern line Of Coles
County III.
The Romans used lemons TO keep the moths
from their garments.
July, 1872, there we're Soi officers and 1888 men
In the war.
l. When and where did the first strike occur In
this country Wv. II. Shenhau.
2. When aud by whom WAS the first shot OF the
| civil war hred?-RichRrd c. Watt
3. What were the " blue backs " Viola SldweIl
1. When were envelopes first used7-Carric
Williams.
). Why does blow on the head make see
stars?-L. May Iiackman Rossville. Ill.
BIBLE BRIGADE.
!; What King put forth bis hand and II dried up
IN. Is Grant
2. Who was caused by q prophet aud priest Il
aide "A Kings mule and where was he going
| Charles T. Straight, Pawtuoket, r. !.
3. Who by parable Of the trees foretold the fal
| OF lsTael's ng?-Franccs g. York.
4. la what book. chapter and verse la the Bible
| n the word gold first found? Prize for the hrst
| fourth and ninth correct answer-Jesse q. Mcneil
Pearl