St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-12-26
VERSES FROM GREAT PENS.
Sir Edwin Arnold May Consent to
Write an "AlI Worlds Hymn"

Sir Edwin Arnold May Consent to
Write an "AlI Worlds Hymn"
Chicago Times.
The literary world Will date many of
its choicest productions from the
worlds fair year. That is, it will if the
deep laid plans of President Bonney, of
the worlds congress auxiliary, do not
fail. Mr.. BOnpey's plan is so cOmDre-
hensive, so grand as to be almost daz-
cling, yet the progress which his depart
ment OF the worlds fair has already
made fOrbidS that ii be called visionary.
In short, invitations have been sent out
by MIR. Bonney to the famous
men of letters of all countries ask
ing them to prepare especially for the
worlds congresses some contribution of
prose or VerSe-in most cases VerSe-rep-
TeSentative of the best style of the writer
thereof. 1t Is expected to have songs
and verses from the ablest of Asiatic,
European, Australian and American
writer's. In the opinion of the Sanguine
and Woodworking president of the aux
Hilary, there will be perhaps a hundred
of these specially written compositions,
constituting the cream of the literary
work of the decade.
You recall the fact, doubtless, that
there was great deal of criticism,
especially in the Eastern press, when we
announced that TennySOn had been in
Vlted to write something for the con-
greSS auxiliary. Well, that experience
has made US reluctant to say any
thing about our plans in advance of
their contamination. l expect, how
ever, Notwithstanding the criticism,
to get a notable contribution from
the pen of the poet-laureate
Ia -.r.Fo lNna hot IL 4
yerging on four score years, and he
could not, therefore, promise to write
anything, but his communication con-
veyed the impression that he would be
pleased to address himself to a special
browning task for the occasion of the
greatest aSSemblage of literary char
acterS ever known, and that is what we
expect 10 come of our worlds literary
congress. Therefore | think am juSti-
fed in feeling hopeful on this score.
The same thing applies to what we may
expect from our own Whittier and
Holmes. Neither will promise, yet
each may some day half unexpectedly
announce that the work is ready. The
impression appeared to be abroad some
time ago that only one poet would be
asked to write anything especially to
mark the occasion of the exposition.
That was wrong; we may reasonably
expect to have a poet and an orator of
highest standing to aid us in formally Op-
ening each of the ninety-five congresses
For example, Sir Edwin Arnold, if we
can prevail upon him TO assist us TO that
extent, will write grand hymn to be
sung at the dedication of the joint con-
greSS on religion. where we hope to
bring hand in hand the broadcast. most
advanced representatives of each great
religious body. Sir Edwin's wide
knowledge of the creeds of the East, his
universal liberality of mind, and his
great talent seem to HE to especially fit
HIM TO compose hymn which should
be wide enough in its sentiment to en-
brace the central idea of all religions.
There is no room here for criticism: all
he writers of all lands are TO be invited
TO aid us with their productions"
On the invitation of President Bon
ney, Sir Edwin Arnold has accepted
honorary and corresponding member
ship of the auxiliary and place on the
advisory councils of the general con-
crosses on religion and literature. The
poet mas addressed to the Rev. John
Henry Barrows, chairman of the gen.
eral committee OIL religious congresses,
the following:
CHICAGO. H., Dec. Is. 1S91.-My Dear Sir:
/ accent with pleasure the honor of my nom
ination TO the council of the worlds congress
auxiliary of the Columbian exposition SYM
pathizing as | do heartily with the principles
OF parliament of religions Yours faith
fully, E OWN ARNOLD.
Il am almost bankrupt of time and
strength" said Sir Edwin to Mr.. Bon
ney in an interview Oh Wednesday,
"but you may use my name in any way
you see fit. The work has my hearty
sympathy. and what | can L will do