The morning call., 1893-03-26

as the Cou'ier-Journa already has contracts for
all the stories II can use. Respectfully yours,
CoURIER-JoURNAL Co.
The New York World had not been tried
yet, you remembered, when you reflected
that its ed itOrs enjoyed regulations as men
of literary disceTnment. So TO the w orld
your man uscript went and from the World
1t was returned alter many days with
note like this:
The editor OF the World regrets that the in
closed article is not available for its co umns.
Please accept the Worlds thanks for your
THE WORLD.
With determination born of Il better
purpose that manuscript again took its
place in the Eastern-bO mail bag There
were four more stamps in it and four more
stamps on it-how the stamp bill was run
ming up !-and the address of Scrlbner's
Magazine.
When il came back again printed note
with autographic signature was inclosed
with 1t. The letter read as follows:
Dear Sir: We regret that we do not find Il
possible 10 accept for publication in The maga-
Nhe Inc manuscript which you have been Kind
enough 10 submit 10 us; and we therefore return
II herewith, thanking you for the opportunity
tiCly yours, CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS.
Do you remember the rare brevity and
buslness-llke tone of The Inter Oceans re-
turn note, written on a typewriter? 1t
said:
DcCT NiT: we VIII not be able TO lanale the
article submitted, and 1t is herewith returned.
Yours respectfully,
WILLIAM H. BUsBEY. Managing Editor.
A very similar note. but with the tiresome
from the editor of The Atlantic Monthly.
which said:
The editors regret that they cannot accept the
article by Mr.. -. and return 1t herewith
The ATLANTIC MONTHLY.
And you have not forgotten that the
ua oil a irbt M u
brlet-you had become cynical about those
long notes of regret and eXplanHtiOn-and
original, and wrote his note on green letter
parer with sharp lead pencil. It said;
Thanks, but do not need for Golden Days
ED.
And do you remember the indomitable
courage with which you met all these de-
feats? How each succeeding note strength
ened instead of weakening your belief in
the worth OF that precious old manuscript
of yours.
Have you f0rgOtten-it was long ago
that about this time your manuscript be-
came so traVel-woTn and nnger-marked that
IL became necessary for you to have ii re-
written. at no incOnsiderable expense in
those daVS, when you were wearing your
best clothes ou weekdays and had large
hopes but small emOluments?
And then, when it was all rewritten fresh
and new, how you mailed it again. this time
to the Harpers, with strong hope that per-
would carry 1t through?
But 1t didn't-YOu remember that. "An-
other editor with regrets" you said, as you
read the following note:
Dear Sir: We regret to say that the manu-
script with which you have favored us is not
available Tor any OF our periodicals. Respect
fully, your obliged ana obedlent servants,
HARPER " BROTHERS.
per 4.
How long and tedious was the note sent
by the Detroit Free Press But YOU read it
all:
We regret that your MS. is not available.
In returning contributions as mot available"
The Free Press does not wish to be misunder.
stood as passing upon their merits. Ii is muos-
sbe TO use everything which our friends are
good enoughto SEND, aud we often comDelled
10 decline stories and sketches of which we ap-
prove and which we would gladly use if we
could. Frequently, too, IA contribution is re-
turned, because, though entirely meritorious 1t
Is not suited to our columns. 1t may be too long,
or better fitted for magaziue. Ii may cover
ground already covered by an accepted eOutr-
button; OF treat OF topic in respect OF which
our readers have already been enlightened.
There are dozen reasons, in short compre-
behueu III tne phrase mot available" neither
one of which has anything to do with tie real
value Of the contribution so marked.
AS 1t is impracllcable In the press of editorial
work 10 enter into special explanation in each
case we trust contributors will accept this gen
eral EXPLANATION. with lie assurance that In each
case their contributions are fairly and carefully
read before decision is made as To their avail
ability" IHE DETROIT FREE PRESS.
Short Stories found 1t unavailable" and
told you so very politely in plain Roman
type.
To Contributor: The iuclosed manuscript we
hnu unavailable for ShOrt Stories" and # l. re-
turned 10 you with many thanks for the courtesy
OF It's sending. Very truly.
The EDITOR SHORT STORIES"
After this came the note from Outing. 1t
read;
Dear sir: We regret TO say that the MSS
you so kindly submitted 10 us for consideration
Is unavailable for outing. we the efore return II
with thanks. Y0uIs very truly,
j. Ii. NORMAN, Editor.
Per w. B.
And then came these brief words:
With the thanks Of Munsey's Magazine.
And then-but that was ALL Yen burned
the manuscript then. Don't you recall how
you watShed the flames IN the CRATE?
LUKE NORTH.