Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-08-04

notwithstanding his discovery Of James
aud his ignorance Of the title OF Mrs. Gas
kell's masterpiece as displayed in recent
study" paper. We all know his OPINION
of Dickens and how it has utterly demolish-
ed the popularity of that inslgnihcant
writer. When. therefore, he thinks that
the American novel IS to be written by an
imported Norwegian 1t behoOves those 10
the manner born 20 look out or get ready
to take a back scat.
! quite concur IN Mr.. Howclrs unex-
pressed opinion that the book in question
will not be written by a northern man
Gncluding HIMSELF, hut am not inclined
TO agree with him that il will not be the
product of q native author. While am
disposed to deplore the ease and rapidity
with which our young southern writers
are winning their spurs, yet at no time IN
the history of literature has there been a
brighter and more promising band OF
cOntcmpOraneOus workers. all Things
considered. than that which is now
bringing distinction and honor upon
the South. True, the fame OF some
j. without adequate foundation, and
will not survive, but the major part
are real artists. aud have inJthem. II they
will not be misled by the financial allure
ments of speedy success, the making OF
writer's of the first class and of q literature
half dozen or more of this set, II he Will
only cease u fritter away his time and
talents on work which possesses no value
save its immediate pecunlary one, may not
aspire 20 write the American novel there
j. no reason whatever, except IN the mind
of Mr.. Bowclls The temptation 20 write
that which VIII sell is. OF course, a strong
one; but II Is apt 10 very injurious, espe-
clallv 10 the young writer, TO whom IN
stant success Is almost invariably tataL
Though he does not know it, 1t Is near
" always the result of happy
accident or of an unusually tayora-
bic combination Of circumstances, which
is tine same thing. and it gives hlm IN the
beginninsa maguiiCd idea of his abilities,
which begcts a sclf-conccit that Is too often
the parent Of poor work and slOthtulnesS.
Dickens Is the only exception 10 this rule
that can recall, and he proves II. There
has been but one Dickens. Nearly all the
worlds great writers had 20 struggle long
and bitterly for recognition even, while
success was attained only by hard and per-
sisteut eudeayor. When, therefore, we see
q great reputation made by very little of
quite Indifferent work II should be evil
dent that there IS something wrong, and
that a reaction will probably set IN when
Will consigu both the writer and his work
20 oblivion. If our Young writer's Will re-
member this. and will not be too eager To
take advantage of an abnormal state OF
affairs. which will soon disappear,
but will devote themselves 70 work more
worthy Of them, the result. though de-
laved. VIII be far more valuable, and they
NAV even In time aspire 10 write the book
which Ia Just now giving Mr.. HOwells con-
Germ. They have a vast advantage over
their northern brethren in the material
lyngready TO their hands. The picturesque
civilization of the south. especially before
the war. SO different from the ha.d and dry
life of the North. supplies Just what Is
needed 20 make q novel most attractive,
and gives them long start of Their less
favored rivals IT, now. they Will reCog-
nize tins fact. and will abandon their
catch-pcnuv eaorts-as far. that IS AZ the
common necessity 90 keep the pot holllng
will allow-and, above all. Will avoid that
especial pittall of southern genus the
ahominahlo dialect story" So called,
which is even now doomed, 1t Is not,
in my Judgment, going too tar 10 say
that I'm the next few years the American
novel will have been written laud Mt
Howell~', mind relieved without the and
of a foreigner OF any nationality what
ever. This Is an opportunity too great %
be wasted, and IL Is 60 be earnestly hoped
that it viii be improved.
without meaning To suggest any com
parison. hut merely 10y way of illustration,
let me ask what reason is there why Mr.
Thomas Nelson Page should not do the
work under discussion; What require
mcnt for it is there That he does not pos
sess? Or the contrary. what qualification
for il has ho nott Born and reared in the
midst of the best of the life | have ndl.
Gated. familiar with its history and
traditions, sympathetic witness OF
its decline, overthrow. and super
session. he should have, and doubt
less has. all the facts ~ well as the
pathos and the humor to both of which
he has shown himself 10 be keenly alive
at his hneer-ends. 10 this add ms fanlll-
ari.r with the social condition since
slavery, his present advantageous position,
and his established literary ability, parti-
cularly as displayed IN his Go nav. taste)
best production, Polly" and what IS
there lacking? Such an equipment IS IN
fact exceptional and If properly utilized
could not fail of success. Let US hope that
Nr. Page may have already considered
the matter, and may even now have the
American novel at least "simmering" IN
his brain. if not actually on the way to
cyoiyemcnt. will even 60 so far as TO say
that hc OF all our southern authors seems
10 be me ono to write thu book, and thus
gain the creGit OF the achievement for his
own section and relieve Mr.. HOwells OF his
suporcrogating industry. u. W. I.