The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-08-11

Readers of THE CALL, and in fact all who
are interested in the future of this State,
Will have read with much interest Joaquin
Milier's two stories, Colonel Short of
Trinity Center" and Colonel Short
Little Longer" These tales, the latter of
which was published last Sunday, had
much to recommend them to all true Cali
tornians. Their pathos, that wonderful
power to move which they exhibited, and,
=wlthal, the underlying vein of humor
which ran through them-an these rem
dered them acceptable to the general
reader. But there is one idea apparent in
the writings of the poet of the Sierras,
which appeals, more than anything else,
o the resident of this State. 1t is evident
that Joaquin Miller, with the true instinct
of the poet, foresees and prophesies an exo-
dus from our towns and cities to the free
life of mountain and forest. He believes
that Mother Earth is the owner of as much
more gold as she has yet given up to man,
her son. The poet in his writings, seems
to breathe an earnest prayer that the time
of the hegira NAV not be far distant, when
the sturdy miners, like the "boys" of
Colonel Strong's time twill not despise
what the best people OF Europe consider
the first adjunct of true gentleman-'a
home out of town.
Miss Adeline Knapp is known to readers
of TIE CALL as a contributor of thought
full articles to the Sunday edition of this
paper. She is also the author of many of
the book reviews published in this depart
ment. That she is appreciated away from
home is evidenced by an editorial in the
current number of the Arena, probably the
foremost magazine of the world in the dis
cussion of social affairs. Over his own sig
nature Editor B. 0. Flower writes:
It is now my pleasant duty to notice vol
ume just published written by young author
whose name, l believe, is destined to occupy
high place in our literature; a versatile and
coterie which marches under the banner of
Art for Truth and Progress. The name of Miss
Adeline Knapp is by no means unfamiliar to
our readers Who among the thousands who
read the sketch, "The Dignity of Labor has
forgotten it? The admirable essay on "Civic
Reform in San Francisco" was also from the
pen of this gifted author; and 1 fancy no one
who read "The Wealer' will ever forget the
story or the writer.
But it is not of Miss Knapp's contributions to
the Arena that 1 desire to speak at the present
time. In her new book, zone Thousand Dol
lars Day, and Other Social Sketches" we
have a contribution of real value TO the popu-
lar economic literature of the day, no less than
G striking illustration of the versatility of the
author. Few people can write interesting, Wig
orous and telling auegorieS and fables, and
know of nc American writer who has ap-
preached Miss Knapp in this field.
1.-The Sick Man" is q simple, vigorous and
striking sermon on economies, which should
be read aloud in every circle of sincere social
reforners in America 1t is q nineteenth cen
tuTy fable for men and women, at once clever
and interesting, but it is also far more than
,this-it is graphic diagnosis of the disease of
our present civilization. The first story in the
book is lucid and suggestive sketch exposing
the absurd1ty ana 1n1quity OF the intrinsic
value" fallacy, which is making industry the
slave of usury. 1.-The Disseminated Machine
is another sketch at once vigorous and telling
erraignment of the present infamous con-
ditions by which few are absorbing the life
as well as the comfort and happiness of the
many. This unique piece of fiction should
have the widest possible reading at the
present crisis in the history OF the Republic.
1t will set the dullest to thinking. 1t and
''The Sick Man" emphasize lessons as boldly
and strikingly as do any OF the parallels of the
New Testament.
Miss Knapp, however, is not only master in
the art of writing parallels and allegories and
fables. She bids fair to become one of the
strongest writers among the Yerftists. In real
istic portrayal OF life as it is know of no
American writer excepting Hamlin Garland
who has equaled her.
Mr.. Flower makes reference to "Getting
Ahead a story which is already familiar
to readers of THE CALL, and in conclusion
remarks:
Seldom in literature do we find anything SO
truly real, so simple, and yet so supremely
tragic this little story. 1t reveals real genius,
and in this case the genius is welded to heart
of love and brain af1ame with a passion for
justice. l predict for Miss Knapp brilliant
future. One of the most encouraging signs OF
the times is found in the presence of a con-
stantly increasing number OF young men and
women of genius and heart who are champion
ing the cause of justice and humanity, and in
this noble coterie Miss Knapp is making her
way TO the front.