The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-02-04

and from all others who are either creators or
patrons OF literature. the heartiest cooperation
20 make the proposed literary congresses pre-
eminently successful. Please favor the auxili-
airy, at your early convenience, with such an ac-
count as you may find IL convenient 70 transmit,
and membership, but OF the literary people OF
your States generally Brief biographical notes
describing the authors of your own states; what
positions they have held and what works they
have written, would be acceptable.
The relation of the Worlds Congress
Auxiliary TO the general Columbian CON-
mission is aptly explained in the follow
ing quotation from one of the auxiliary
circulars:
This auxiliary has no jurisdiction over any ex-
bibit OF material things, but viii deal exclusively
with conventions OF persons aud their proceed
ings. The exposition will present the progress
of mankind as represented by material forms.
while the auxiliary will portray that progress
with the pen and the living voice. aud will en-
deavOr to crown the whole glorious work by the
formation and adoption of better and more COM
prehensive plans than have hitherto been pursued
to secure the progress, prosperity, unity, peace
and happiness or the world
1t is proposed that these various con-
crosses for the consideration of living
questions IN the chief departments OF hu-
man achievement shall be held separately.
divided among the months from May to
October. The month suggested for the lit
erary congresses is May, and four sections
are proposed: Libraries. historical litera-
ture, philology, authors and imaginative
literature.
Regarding the fourth section the commit
tee on literary congresses says:
The committee believes that the scheme pro-
posed OF bringing together In convention the
living authors of imaginative literature, and per-
sons associated for the study of the great writer's
of the past, will be one of the most interesting
features of the woeb Of the auxiliary. Arrange
ments may be made for short addresses or read
ings by distinguished living authors.
As to places of meeting the auxiliary an
nounces that a permanent memorial art
palace will be erected. with q large au-
ditorium and smaller rooms for meetings of
various sections, and this building will be
used during the exposition by the con-
crosses. All possible facilities will be Of
fered those who participate in these con-
crosses.
1t will be seen that the Worlds Colum-
bian Expositio n is not TO be alone a great
fair or show. exhibiting only the Industries
of the world. but also an exposition OF In
tellectual advancement and the achieve
ments of men in the various professional
departments of life. especially IN relation
to the organization in these higher fields.
A great responsibility In this movement
devolves upon the Western Association OF
Writers, all authors. the press and all lead
ers of thought. The Western Association
of Writers, whose membership is drawn
chiefly from the territory adjacent to the
location of the exposition, should be re-
garded as peculiarly the host on this occa-
sion, and should extend its hospitality to
the literary visitors from all other parts of
the world. We, of the Central States,
should be the prime movers In these things,
not only because we are writer's, but be-
cause the territory we cover is the nerve
center of literary America. In O recent
letter to me S. w. Foss. of Boston. the best
of our recent humorous poets. uses these sig
nificant words: "Our best literature comes
now, like our thunder-showers, from the
West" 1t is, therefore. earnestly urged
that our writer's association. and its indi-
vidual members. shall give early and active
attention to this matter. not letting their
interest fall behind that of the progressive
writers of other localities, to say the least.
1t is desired to accomplish the following
objects:
1. Representation of the w. A. w. and
its recognition as a BODY, in the literary
congresses.
2. Arrangements for w. A. w. meetings
during the period of the literary congresses.
8. An exhibit of all books published by
authors of the Central States.
4. A sketch OF the history and objects OF
the Western Association of Writers.
8. Brief biographical sketches OF its
members.
q A review of the literary progress and
promise of the Central States.
Replying to my inquiry on these points
General Bonney writes:
In view of the suggestions which you make, I
will invite you and your association to send me
such suggestions as you may think proper In re-
literary congresses, in order that the committees
of the auxiliary may give them due considera-
ton before the permanent plans shall be settled.
Any name which you may think desirable for
the advisory councils of the Worlds Congress
Auxiliary, in any department of literature, may
be for nomination to DR.. William
K. Poole, librarian of the Newbury Library,
Chicago. The proposed exhibit OF book publica-
tons by Western authors will not be within the
scope of the Worlds Congress Auxiliary, but
will belong wholly 10 the material exhibition. In
relation To that matter, formal application
should be made TO Director-general Davis, speci-
flying the space IL Is supposed your association
will require. The proposed biographical notes
OF your members and account of your association
will be gerinane to the work of the auxiliary, and
/ shall be happy TO receive same when prepared.
The cooperation of the literary public
generally is invited to enable US to accom-
plish the ends here set forth, and to give
the Worlds Congress Auxiliary every pos
sible assistance in our power to make its
literary and artistic features o triumphant
and overw helmlng success. Thus a great
stride will be taken In the advancement of
American literature and toward the attain
ment of q higher civilization.
1t Is desired by the committee that the
complete material for the exhibits named
herein be placed in the hands of the chair
man at the earliest possible date. The bio
graphical sketches should include in the
fewest words these points,, in ORDER: Class
OF authorship. famous pieces, how many
and what books published. what magazines
contributed to and personal data.
LEW DAWSON Chairman.
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 3.