The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-06-18

MT. Nice = askcd.
mo. work alone, !" was the reply.
1t has been often remarked by coutem-
porary critics that no novelist in England
now writes novels that in some respects
differ from one another rs much rs do
these Of Mr.. Besant. As an instance, what
novels could be more unlike take them all
in all. than ''Aii Sorts and Conditions Of
Men" and "lI9 Great Porter Square. or
Tho Chaplain Of the Fleet" ana "Amorci
Of Lyonesse." or Dorothy Forster and
THE Inner House."
Ii will be remembered that Mr.. Besant
published story short time ago. THE
Demoniac," in which the tragic history
WAS told of young man. rich. handsome.
engaged to beautiful girl. who in the full
dipsomanis, and who was driven to a mis-
cradle death.
You believe that drunkenness is dis
ease ?" asked.
Yes, do" said the novelist, land l
believe that IL Is disease that il hcredi-
tary in many cases. and that its victim is
usually poweriess in its grasp. tried to
many critics have declared to be an exas-
geration Of what might occur in real life,
but which think Is not. As for the rem
edy Of your American doctor. l know
nothing about IL.
The matter of newspapers then came
up. and Mr.. Besant seemed Of the opinion
that they are growing better all the time.
THE journ alists Of forty years ago." he
said. were, ] fear. with few exceptions.
of the old time bohemian order. They
were to large degree men who were
either untitled for any profession that
called for steady work. or broken down at
other professions. or VIGOROUSLY given To
tracts the best sort Of men, scholars and
men Of genius and great ability. Under
these circumstances journalism must con-
tinue 10 improve"
Mr.. Bcsant seems to have deal Of work
on hand. but he was not prepared 10 say
anything OF his next novel. Strange. too.
he seemed but little inclined to speak OF
the Peoples Palace"
II is successful so far" he said. "and
bids fair TO continue 30. OF course, had
10 idea when l wrote tae novel what
would come Of il, 80 IL was very sratify-
ing surprise To me.
Ii may not be generally known that Mr..
Besnns though novelist was originally
intended for the church. He escaped tax
ing holy orders by accepting colonial APP
pointment. Thus" as he smilingiy re-
marks, 1.-THE church escaped one more un-
worthy clergyman, and l escaped what
would have been TO me tho intolesabie
fetter OF the white tie" He perhaps has
done more service for humanity in his fic-
various oppressed classes OF humanity than
If he had been fitted TO lecture from the
pulpit. He must feel pleasurabIe pride
in icing the originator of the idea OF a
palace Of delight for the people, where
entertainment and instruction might both
he provided. Ii 10 not every one " no lives
TO see the fuiflmens Of his dreams aud the
realization OF his hopes. BesAni is FORUM
ate in this, that the children OF his brain
have all become famous and are liked by
men and womea who enjoy good stories.
"All Sorts and Conditions OF Men ~ a
story that will live for many years. and If
Besant hat dons nothing else but this his
fame would have been secure. But there
- another OF his stores that has stirred
the hearts Of men and women. The
Children OF Gibeon," nile not 50 popular
as "Aii Sorts and Conditions Of Men," is
said TO have aided in the much needed ef-
fort To better the condition OF Industrial
women OF England.
Mr.. Besant's friendships are many. The
queen is one Of bis most attentive readers,
and there IL not man or woman OF re-
pown IA England, from Gladstone down.
who Is not on good terms with the popular
author. What 10 more encouraging than
all this 10 the tact that his books have hsd
An enormous sale and his profits have
been very large. He 10 q this time in the
zenith Of his power. His name 10 known
wherever men and women enjoy good
reading. He 10 in the best Of health and
spirits. FosrER CoATEA.
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