New-York tribune., 1896-01-02
Mr.. AUSTIN AS POET LAUREATE.
WHAT TWO WELL-KNOWN AMERICAN WRIT
ERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE
APPOINTMENT.

Toa news of the appointment of Alfred Austin s
Poet Laureate, by Queen Victoria. was received with
considerable surprise by many people on this side
OF the Atlantic There certainly other English
poets far better known than is Mr.. Austin and
the impression seems prevail among literary peo-
pe in this city that one OF these should have re-
ceived the appointment.
Edmund Clarence Stedman was seen by IT'D
une reporter at the Century Club yesterday after
noon. Speaking of the appointment Mr.. Stedman
sad
Il have fully shared in the opinion Of professional
writer's so freely expressed IN England and Amer
lea that the office should be rendered 10 Mr..
Swinburne. In fact, can hardly believe that the
office has finally reached Mr.. Austin without some
official knowledge that neither Sw-nourne nor Nor
ris would accept it. Having once printed orlet
review of the Laureate's poetry. am free TO
sav that his more ambitious efforts do not impress
me though they are the work Of a well-equipped
and able man. But MS later volumes. one or them
dramatic do contain some charming songs ana
lyrics
He Is without doubt vigorous and critical prose
writer of the poem!c kind, his bold and racy
ESSAYS in Temple Bar Tennyson ana other
contemporaries showed US years ago. They were
collected in book entitled. if remember rigntiy'
Poetry of the Period and were thoroughly icono-
elastic 1t Is striking that he should now succeed
the great Laureate whom he lad hands upon.
Since we canno, nave Sw.nburne or Morris or,
cOurty ana exquisite MINSTREL -fnHN"i b'""'''
| suppose Mr. Austin will make good substitute
during what may be called an interregnum fer-
haps the touch Of the laurel may inspire him to be
much more than thai
Il am glad that a fairly respectable appointment
has been made. rather than that the ONCE shouiu
be allowed to iapse altogether. The appointment
shows an official respect for English traditions;
am a very radical American, but II / were poIu
in England would cherish loyalty 10 her lVlvu iI-
stitut.ons, certainly TO those Wnicn TRANSMIT '"s
reverence for poetry and learning 80, -.
Richard Henry StOddari was seen AT ms hOiiies
No 329 Eas; Fffteenth-st. He said; so iaT as lhs
political phase of the question Is concerned OIL
s.,,er ;he appointment an excellent one Mr MOTIF
is a socialist. and Mr.. Sw.nburne is every hihu OF
an list Personally, DO not think tnat eltnes
Swinburue or Morris could have hoped TO secure
the appointment realizing their weli-kno"n poae-
cal views so far real ability as poet soeS
AIR Auetin is not TO be compared TO the other two.
Mir Austin, however. Is a Thoroughly capaDle man.
lie undoubtedy possesses the ability 10 write
poem in good taste. with dignity. ana can %
trusted in lime of an emergency. Mr. AUSTIN IS
placed al a great disadvantage by reason OF M. ms
work being 90 little known. tomparatNeiH ism
neople know that his writings have been coiiec'eu
re- entity and published; - .. .ho,Ia
II think that the office OF Poet Laureate shouio
have been allowed 10 lapse With lord lehiS i Soi.
Nr Austin Is the fifteenth Laureate ana as q TuIo
fhc worst poets have been chosen 10 III the VSe -
long only as their policy was safe Inc oniy f9S.
atIreafs who has ever written ahythiHs, ledIIs
worthy OF recognition while holding the once was
r 'rer