The National tribune., 1890-07-03
w " TRAsnY pooKs.

not our modern school OF writer's been detrimental
20 the perpetuily Of true Gction2 This is II fast
busting age: bat everybody finds time to- read
from the millionaire ia his palace 10 the Jagged
stFeet-gamin IA large cities. who enscODced in
some pleasant doorway, IL deeply absorbed Iva the
Eefusa Of a thrilling detective story No finds
time 10 read solid. beneficial literature; the dc
nand has been constantly Increasing for light
trashy fiction, that will Hmnse aud hold the alien
ton Of the reader for the moment. but, like the
terrible opium habit, 10 creates but transitory
pleasure. and leaves Ia tie mind irresistible
longing for more. How many there are who Say: /
Will read just this one novel, and then will never
read another" But fiction being the invention of
man, Ii more fascinating aud sensational Than COM
monpace reality, and human nature il prone TO
sensation. The old school Of fiction was too near
that Of the reaiist 10 suit the present reading pub
lie.
To supply this very numerous class OF Teaders "a
school Of writers has sprapg up who flood The
land with their vile productions, whose sole aim Is
not to entertain OF Instruct but 10 amuse Lhe sor.
did propeusities Of man. Lay before the modern
reader Of SCOTS naLchiess novels aud Boot
black Bob, the Boy Detective, or the Crime Of the
Red Hand. and note The choice that iB u1Hde. Sir
Walter il flung aside as stun but every absurd
and impossible action Of tie great detective s read
with AvIdIiy. The pure gold IA spnrned, while the
dross is accepted. The marvellous progress Ia the
art Of printing made ia the last 70 years Inns placed
al immense amount OF Literature within reach Of
the very poorest.
This decline s not the fault Of the authors, the
fault lies with the people. who have created the
demand for this class Of writers. But the evil has
assumed such gigantic proportions, has taken such
deep root among that II IL next TO impossible 10
eradicate H.
Another reason for this stagnatIOn In II, erature
IL the prevalence Of the literary mania that has
come 70 he contagious disease, so 10 speak.
Everyone thinks lac cal write for the press fully
as well someone else, and believing himself a
natural born poet, novelist historian, the gem
uine author Is snpplanied and passes unrecognized.
What does the modern girl care for Emerson,
Bacon, Dickens or bcOitl Not much just give her a
"rigbt-down good. loving love story and oh, she'll
read then"
Now, my g. G. friends, let us give up "reading
trashy fiction, aud read only that which will bepe.
IT us. We cannot read all books; then why not
read only the bcsl7-Clio Harper, Harrison, Ark.
MISCELLANEOUS LAWS or ErIoUET.
FRIEKDe or THE C. G.: There are many points that
call for reorganization axioms of etiqust shall
mention "a few as given by Gasl1ell:
Never look the shoulder Of Il friend who IA
reading, nor examine a cardbasIet that stands OH
your friends table unless you are asked.
Never try Wy fuTtiEe signals TO call the attention
Of another when yon are Ia company, nor cultivate
habits Of whispering and mystery.
Attend 10 your toilet 1t home, and you will not
need 10 pick your teeth or pare your nails ia the
drawing room while making calls.
Care for your dress before you enter society but
after that think only Of your friends,
BE mindful OF others, and give the best seat In
your room to a lady. aged person, or MI invalid
When you enter q room, bow 10 the company In
general, aud you are then free TO recognize aud
sa ute your friends Ia particular.
When you take your seat at a table, bow politely
20 the person who presides
Courtesy 10 ladies la every rank Is oue mark by
which gentlemen are known.
Those below you la social rank have the same
claim on your courtesy your peers ia station,
You are polite. being a gentleman.
Ia company your movements should imply ease
blended Win deterenoe, respect for your friends,
and modest confidence la your own powers.
Careless and trivial remarks will kill the WARM
est friendship.
"Wine Is a moelrer"; no man should DO urged
20 drink.