New-York tribune., 1891-10-14
LITERARY NOTES.

Andrew Lang has prepared volume Of "Apglng
Sketches which will soon be brought out 1t is to
be illustrated.
"The Library Of American Literature" edited by
Edmund c. Stedman and f. NJ. Hutchinson, has had
such recognition in England as few American publ
cations have known. "The London Times mas
lately reviewed the work, briefly is its custom
with most American books, but in two elaborate
articles, several columns in length. The richness OF
the American literary mine as revealed In these vol
ume. aroused The Thunderer" TO unwonted enthusi-
Josiah Conddr Professor of Architecture ana
Architect to the japanese Government has prepared
an interesting volume under the ttle OF Flowers OF
Japan and the Art Of Floral Arrangement" The text
,,as beautifully printed in Japan, and the usra
uons have been done in ooors by japanese artists
Cannon Farrar's novel, Darkness and Dawn is
story OF the time Of Nero and is said TO adhere more
closely 10 facts than most historical fiction
There are few American authors who will not
applaud "The Writer" in its effort TO forward
movement to secure reduction In the rate Of post
age on manuscripts transmitted between publishers
and authors AS the law exists at present there is
discrimination in favor Of manuscripts sent by writers
in the United states TO foreign editors and pubsherS
against manuscripts sent to editors and publishers at
home at is actually cheaper" says The Writer
"for writer in Boston, for instance, to send book
manuscript to n London publisher for examination
tlan TO q publisher in his own city. IL the manu-
script weighs fifty ounces 1t will cost him one dollar
to mail It TO any point in the United States he can
mail 1t to any foreign country In the Universal Postal
Union for twenty-five cents. There is no reason that
writer's can see why the United States postofhce
should not carry a manuscript from Chicago TO New
York as cheaply from Chicago to Hong Kong There
fs no good reason why in the United States writers
should pay postage on manuscripts which they
ere Offering for sale than merchants are required to
pay ON merchandise which they send through the
mall II the subject is properly agltated all whose
attention is called TO it must admit that there is an
unjust discrimination against writer's now, and
suitable action is taken by writers this evil can be
remedied. Congress makes the postal laws. and the
sction Of those interested in this matter lies with
Congress. Writers, editors and publishers must
unite in bringing the subject to the attention of Con
ressmen, and In urging them to favor the passage OF
a bill reducing the rate of postage In the domestic
mails manuscripts for the printer. There are no
outside interests involved, there in the case
Of the international copyright agitation, and it ought
TO be easy 10 secure justice for literary workers Sys
tematic presentation Of the facts to Congressman
should bring correction Of the present evil"
George s. Layards forthcoming Life and Letters of
Charles Keenea will have fifteen ful[page and forty
four smaller Illustrations.
An impatient English critic suggests that the poet
tal form is out vehicle for poetcal thought
And that the rhythm Of the future Is prose:all of
which is the purest nonsense II is eXcusable. how
ever, from Of generation which oleraes and even
buys the L" works" Of Mr. Lewis Norris
Mrs Margaret Deland, during the past summer
wrote a number Of short stories which will probably
be brought out in a volume.
@John Ruskin; His Life and Work" is volume
which is nearly ready for publication and which is said
to be full of new matter and authoritative bogn
ply" It's author is W. G. CollngwoOd who has been
Ruskins private secretary for some years
MiIlas the artist has a son who has many occu-
patons AMI accomplishments. Lieutenant John
Guile Mila.s is about to publish book on natural
history which Is to be largely illustrated by himself
Its title will be Game Birds and Shooting Sketches"
Mr. Walter Besant's grievance concerning the non
recognition of literature by the state finds no sym
uathy In "The spectator" We cannot,S it says,
1imagine q more fruitful source of decentralization and
corruption than the kind of recognition he desires
The fact that the State has official knowledge that
nt.atrre exists is one for which never be too
thankful II the State is to take notice OF literary
men, and TO reward them according to what 1t con
siders their merits, tbs chances OF the best men
getting recognized later at their proper value
are sure TO be very greatly damaged Securus )udlcat
orbis terrarum is a safe maxim in literature not so
one which assumes that the Patronage Secretary OF
tht Treasury will always be able 10 spot true poet
and conduct him from plain c. b. through the as
ccndng grades Of Knight Commander and Grand cross
to the Earldom and the Garter which, we presume,
are to await the supremely successful producer In the
field Of letters. Depend upon it, not real merit but
s1nur respecabilty, viii win under such system as
Mr. Besant desires. Instead Of making it easier for
the best man. VIC shall make 1t harder"
Miss Yonge's new novel is to be called "That
Stick"
w. e. Henley has edited volume of "Byrons
Letters" which is announced for early publication.