The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-07-28
LETTERS IN CHICAGO.
Eugene Field Writes about the Evil
dences of Advanced Culture.
lChlcago News. 4

Eugene Field Writes about the Evil
dences of Advanced Culture.
IChicago News1
As producer Of literature Chicago long
ago took her place among the nations OF
the world. Contemporaneous civilizations,
hitherto slow to recognize her pre-eminent
worth, and envious, perhaps, of her sudden
and brilliant development, are at last
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 it 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 it 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.
How shall we set about the endeavors
to which we are inclined" 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 volume entitled ''The Complete
Chicago Letter Writer, with o Glossary"
an essay calculated and likely to cultivate
Rpure and beautiful literary style in the
midst of MS, 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 Glossary" Just spawned IN
the midst of us, is certain to raise up in
Chicago a 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-
husiasm 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
rage;
MISS ETHEL-Ever since / met you at the
Lake View tennis court, day before yesterday,
have been a prey to the most pleasing tor
nents. You are ever present in my thoughts.
could not, even though were SO disposed,
eradicate your Image from my heart. Ethel,
love you; love you not with the insipid and
mawkish passion Of mere boy, but with the
mighty, all absorbing and all controlling love
of a mature and experienced man of twenty
two Tell me, idol of my soul, will you share
with me the bliss with which matrimonial
companionship with you would surely invest
my life2 Ransom this bleeding heart of mine
from these exquisite fortunes by bidding me
hope, that In due time / may acquire an option
on your maidenly affections. and believe me
ever. beloved Ethel, your obedient and groyel-
ing admirer, RALPH BUsBY.
An answer to the above, intimating a
favorable disposition to the young man:
SIR-I cannot deny that the perusal of your
note has engendered within my bosom pleasure
able emotions. But girl must watch out and
90 slow In business of this kind. 1t is true
that we have known one another for the con-
siderable period of two days, but, alas, sir, a
woman's nature cannot be read even in that
space of time. i cannot analyze my sentiments
toward you. and-pardon me IL / wound your
sensihilities-I distrust your sentiments toward
me. AS the hours and days roll on will not
your feelings changer VIII you not weary of
the love you now protest. Oh, sir, do not trifie
with my virgin heart. Remember what
precious thing 1t is you are dealing with and
asking for.
A flower, transplanted from above
Within the female bosom lies;
Once touched Of unrequited love,
1t withers, wrinkles up and dies;
But sheltered from the cruel blizzard,
1t thrives and blooms from A to Lizard
Woodwork.
fear have all too plainly betrayed my
emotions, yet what l have said goes. shall
live ages till see you at the Thomas concert
tonight; meanwhile return your salutations
with accrued interest. ETHEL
To father touching an affair du coeur:
daughter Mabel for the last two or three DAYS
must have convinced you that am not wholly
insensible TO the charms of that best purest
and brightest of the feminine sex. Sir, | am
wholly enRmored Of the same. Naught but
the dew of death can Quench the flame which
her beauty has kindled in my breast ] adj
dress you these lines to crave your permission
to continue these addresses, which may event.
ually transport TO Elysium your obedient, duti-
full and humble servant,
RICHARD P. BAKER.
An answer to the above, calling for a bill
of particulars
DIR SIR-Yours reed. and contents noted.
Would suggest that, before proceeding further
with this deal, you send me an inventory OF
what you've got In stock. Suppose you get
Mabel; how are you going to keep her going?
am not going to run a home for the INDECENT,
although If the wheat market continues active
may be able to do the handsome thing by the
girl when she Jumps the broomstick. Excuse
my candor, but guess you'll have to put up or
smut up. Yrs truly, J. M. LATHERs.
An answer to the foregoing, conveying
specific information.
HoNoRED SIR-Although revolt at what
might be construed as a bargain, hasten to
answer your friendly letter, and beg to say
that II certain business deals have entered
into result as hope and expect, shall be able
70 maintain wife In comfort, If not in ele-
now OlS-illLu INTEREST IN LlckeL NO.
io,SO4 OF the Louisiana lottery, three tickets in
the rattle for Paul Hulls hand painted fish
service and a thirty day option on 1900 bushels
OF spring wheat. Furthermore. a wealthy
maiden aunt, living at Lynn. Mass. has been
suffering with a tumor for MANY Years and
cannot hold out much longer. NV salary IL
sl2 per week. and l generally manage 10 mil
out from $40 TO $50 a week more for night
work, when luck comes my way. So, Won see.
am a fair representative OF the young men of
Chicago am not rich, IL is true, but NV oron
is full Of sand, and you can bet your sweet life
that sooner or later'I shall get there with both
feet. I'm o thoroughbred from way hack and
don't you forget it. Very respectfully yours.
II. P. BAKER.
A letter of friendly advice to q young
man:
DEAR EGBERT-My daughter, Camelia, ap-
prises me that your visits have become irksonie
and that your importupities make her very
tired. In answer, therefore, to a crying de-
m6nd, have purchased an s0-pounq bull
terrier and one Pkir Of those famous Scotch
sole, foot form shoes, size 10. Sincerely yours,
Al. WARTMoLE.
A hotel keeper at Lyons had posted on
the door this notice: English, German,
Italian and Spanish spoken here" An
Englishman arrived, and asked for the in.
terpreter in as decent French as he could
compnand