Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1891-08-04
LETTERS IN CHICAGO.
Eugene Field Writes About tho Evidences
of Advanced Culture.

compelled to acknowledge that the posi-
ton she has achievedis indeed command
ing one. Chicago has always been imbued
with true literary instinct, but AS the
tender sapling must needs be Inclined, and
as the little flower must needs be nurtured,
and human genius itself must needs be
cherished and schooled, in order to insure
the shade, the fragrance and the accom-
plishment which lie within the limits of
possibility, so has 1t been necessary that
Chicago, gifted beyond the ordinary, should
undergo season of discipline before bios
soming out into that splendid estate in
which we now find her. This season OF
probation has been long and tedious one,
and we rejoice that 1t Is ended.
A notable literary taste has been diffused
among our people. We have had learned
and graceful works from the pens of such
pioneer authors as Head Bristol Poole,
Mathews, Kirkland, Browne, McGovern,
Read, Freiberger and others; the example
afforded by these vigorous and gifted
precursors, avant coureurs and prodro-
mos, no less than their fascinating
writings themselves, has engendered In the
bosoms of the multitude an ambition to-
ward exploits in the realm Of literary com
position.
to which we are inclineds" is the question
that has been asked over and over again.
This Macedonian cry has finally 1--WE re-
joice to see) been answered by the appear
ance OF a volume entitled 1.-THE Complete
Chicago Letter Writer, with Glossary"
an essay calculated and likely to cultivate
pure and beautiful literary style In the
midst OF us, so that even as he who runs
may read, so also he who hustles may
write-ay, in good sooth, and write ornate
ly and persuasively. When one achieves
a correct epistolary style he has mastered
the most difficult part of the literary art.
There is none that will deny this. Indeed,
we all know that the most charming litera-
ture that has survived the wreck Of years
comes TO us in the letters Of the ancients-
those OF Pliny, of Scmpronious, of Horace,
Of Thiresias, of Chesterfield and of st. Paul.
A careful study Of the Complete Letter
/ Writer, with a Glossary" Just spawned in
the midst Of us, is certain to raise up in
| Chicago host Of litterateurs whose per.
| formances will put to the blush all pre-
| vious undertakings and all anterior under
/ takers.
In order that those who have not yet
possessed themselves OF copies Of this re-
markable work may share our just en-
thusiasm over the extraordinary merits
thereof, we present herewith number Of
specimen letters taken from the book in
question The first extract is letter from
young man to a young lady, declaring
his passion and asking her hand in mar
riage:
Miss ErHEIs-Ever since | met you at the
Lake View tennis court, day before yesterday,
have been a prey to the most pleasing tor
ments You are ever present In my thoughts
| could not even though were 30 disposed
eradicate your image from my heart. Ethel,
love you; love you not with the insipid and
mawkish passion Of a mere boy, but with the
mighty, all absorbing and all controlling love
OF mature and experienced man Of twenty
two. Tell me, idol Of my soul, VIII you share
with me the bliss with which matrimonial
companionship with you would surely Invest
my lifer Ransom this bleeding heart Of mine
from these exquisite tOrtures by bidding me
hope, that in due time may acquire an option
on your naidenly affections, and believe me
ever, beloved Ethel, your obedient and groyel
ing admirer, RALPH BUsBY.
, An answer TO the above intimating q
favorable disposition TO the young man:
, SRI cannot deny that the perusal Of YOU
note has engendered within my bosom pleasure
. able emotions. But girl must watch out anS
20 slow In a business Of this kind. II is tru
that We have known one another for the con
siderable period Of two days but, alas, sir,
, womana nature cannot DO read even In tina
l space OF time. cannot analyze my sentiment
l toward you, and-pardon me II wound you
sensibilities-I dlstrust your sentiments towar'
me- As the hours and days roll on will no
your feelings chanRe1 VIII you not weary g
/ the love you now protest. Oh, sir. do not trim
with my virgin heart. Remember what
/, precious thing II Is you are dealing with an
a Asklng for.
A flower, transplanted from above,
Within the female bosom lies;
Is Once touched Of unrequited love,
II 1t withers, wrinkles up aud dies;
But sheltered from the cruel blizzard,
a, II thrives and blooms from A 10 lizard.
> Wordsworth.
/ fear have all too plainly betrayed m
:, emotions, yet what / have said goes. sha
u live ages tin I see you at the Thomas conce'
u tonight; meanwhile | return your salutatior
q with accrued interest ETHEL
{, To father touching an affair du csur:
n RESPECTED sR-My attentions TO yor
- daughter Mabel for the last two or three day
must have convinced you that am not who'll
n insenslble TO the charms OF that best, pure
n and brightest OF the feminine Sir, l Al
n wholly enamored Of the same. Nsught bJ
= the dew Of death can quench the fame whic
= her beauty has kndled In my breast. az
VI dress you these lines TO crave your permisso
10 70 continue these addresses, which may even
l. ually transport TO Elysium your obedient, dut
- ''1 RICHARD p. BAKER.
An answer 10 the above, calling for a bi
F." Of particulars:
4 DIR Sm-Yours reed and contents notes
. Would suggest that, before proceeding furth'
> with this deal, you send me an inventory
:, what you've got In stock. Suppose you q
IA Mabel; how are you going 10 keep her goingf
d am not going TO run a home for the indigen
10 although II the wheat market continues acti'
70 may be able TO do the handsome thing by u
4. girl when she Jumps tho broomstlck. Excu
my oandor, but guess you'll have 10 put up
IA shut up. Yrs truly, j. NJ. LATHERs.
n An answer TO the foregoing, conveyir
specific information.
HoEoRKD SR-Although | revolt at VIII
might be construed bargain, hasten
answer your friendly letter, and beg 10 ~
that II certain business deals have enter
IN into result as hope and expect, shall be al
m TO maintain wife In comfort, II not In 81
b. gance. | have one-ffth interest h ticket \
n 1924 Of the Louisiana lottery, three tickets
a, the rattle for Paul Hull's hand painted n
~ service and thirty day option on 1000 bush'
IVA Of spring wheat. Furthermore, a wealth
maiden aunt, living at Lynn, Mass, has be
suffering with tumor for many years al
cannot hold out much longer. My salary
sl2 per week, and I generally manage TO p'
IN out from go 10 go a week more for mig
work. when luck comes my way. 30, you ~
no ] am fair representative Of the young men
10 Chicago am not rich, It Is true, but my or
n, is full Of sand, and you can bet your sweet i
!. that sooner or later shall get there with DO
- feet I'm thoroughbred from way back, a
don't you forget 1t. Very respectfully your
cd p