The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1896-11-20
LITERARY LONDON.
A Strong Attraction for Americans
Who Write.
No Aristocracy In the Field of Letters
In the English Capital ster-
ling Democracy Is
the Rule.

During the last half-century the inn
portance of London great literary
and artistic center of Engiish-speaking
people has been steadily increasing.
Not only have Edinburgh and Dublin,
in the old world, lost that literary char
acter which once attached to their
names, but Boston, Philadelphia and
Richmond. in America, have in like
manner failed TO maintain he promise
of earlier days. New York has for
some years past been the real literary
center of the United States. but it is
now little doubtful whether this dis
tinction can long be hers.
Half a century ago American au-
thors were content to abide in their
own country, and to find inspiration
there. To-day it is to England th;,:
most of the prominent literary work
ers are turning for the recognition
which is denied them here. and while
Besant. Barrie. Blackmore. Du Maurier,
William Black. Anthony Hope. Conan
Doyle and other Englishmen are writ
ing for American periodicals. Henry
James, Bret Harte. Robert Barr, Henry
HarIand. W. l.. Alden and a score OF
younger American authors have made
London their residence I'D rank among
the most popular of the Contributors 20
English periodicals..
The reason for this state of things Is
obvious To all persons who are i'm touch
with the literary and artistic circles of
both England and America. In the
United States literary workers ami
artists have long felt the want of prop
er organization. The little coteries al
ready formed are too exclusive.
In England. literary men. artists and
journalists live in a world of their OWE.
When once a man has demonstrated
true literary ability. no matter what
his pecuniary social position may bc,
he meets all his fellow workers on a
common ground. An introduction from
a literary friend or some editor with
whom his manuscripts have found
favor will secure him an entree to some
literary at home" and from that time
on his social advancement is n question
of either personal popularity or iii
erary success. Every week he meets
new faces and makes new friends. lie
soon numbers among his acquaintance
some of the best known opponents of
contemporary literature, and IT is not
long before he begins To experience
feeling IF comradeship with men who
have won high standing.
One of the most striking features of
London literary life is its sterling de
mocracy. There is no aristocracy in
the field of London letters. The wealthy
author may have a secret preference
for the atmosphere of the exclusive
AthenaeUm club, but he never Hisdains
to mingie at times with the rank and
file at the "New Nagabonds." or at the
numerous lat homes" whe-e the struG-
Cling literary tenants of bloomsbury,
Camberwell and Brixton attics drink
tea and talk shop" with young illus
traitors and embryo journalists.
The London literary ''at home" has.
unfortunately. no equivalent in Amer.;-
ca. 1t is usually held from four To
seven o'clock in the afternoon. or from
nine to twelve at night. The lat home"
of Lady Jeune and Douglass SIaden are
probably the best known in London.
and are deservedly popular with all
those who are fortunate enough t.
have the entree-
Many of the Younger literary men
whose success has enabled them In
change lodgings for chambers are to be
found domiciled in the picturesque old
| INNS OF court-NEriN = l. ufniNli = LII
coin and others. Here each u . y
| sets aside some night i'm the week for
the entertainment of his friends sc
| informal functions are as delight al a.
| they are numerous. and there * usual,
| no night in the week that writer who
is fairly well acquainted cannot, after
| a short stroll or a bus ride. find himself
in a circle of kindred spirits.
| In London. artists. novelists and
journalists belong to the same club
| attend the same social functions and
| patroniZe the same restaurants. The
English tavern, or public house" as II
is now called. is no longer the rendeZ
vous for Englishmen of letters that IL
was in the preceding centuries. but
there are still places that may he re
garded as the Legitimate successors OF
THE Cheshire Cheese" and The Cock.
which. though still in existence, hav,
/ lost much of their former fascination fol
idle writers. In the Press club. Just of
Fleet street and i'm several modest drink
ing houses in the vicinity of Coven
Garden and Soho. one may find at al
most any hour in the day men of more
or less celebrity who earn their brea'
by means of their pens.-N. Y. Sun.