The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1896-10-15
IN LITERARY LONDON.
Why some Americans Enjoy Livin
Across the Water.

Why Some Americans Enjoy LIVING
Across the Water.
During the last half-century the I'M
Dortance of London as a great literary
and artistic center of Engliah-speakinA'
people has been steadily increasing
Not only have Edinburgh and Dublid,
in the old world, lost that literary char
acter which once attached to Dir
names. but Boston, Philadelphia. and
Richmond. in America, have in like
manner failed to maintain the promise
of earlier DAYS. New York has for
some years past been the zeal literary
center of the United States, but it is
now little doubtful whether this dis
tinction can long be hers.
Half century ago American au-
thors were content to abide in their
own country, and to find inspiration
there To-day it is to England that
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
Harland, W. l.. Alden and a score Of
Younger American authors have made
London their residence and rankamong
the most popular of the contributors 20
| English periodicals.
The reason for this state of thingsSs
obvious to all persons who are in touch
with the literary and artistic circleSof
both England and America. In Che
United States literary workers and
artists have long felt the want of prop
er organization The little lotteries al
ready formed are too exclusive.
In England, literary men, artists and
| journalists live in world of their own.
| When once a man has emOnstrated
true literary ability, no matter what
his pecuniary or social position may be,
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 question
of either personal popularity or lit
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 a
feeling Of 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 secret preference
for the atmosphere of the exclusive
Athenaeum club. but he never disdains
to mingie at times with the rank and
file at the New Vagabonds," or at tic
numerous "at homes" where 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 Ameri.
ca. 1t is usually held from four to
seven o'clock in the afternoon, or from
nine to twelve at night. The ''at home
of Lady Jeune and Douglass Sladen are
probably the best known in London
and are deservedly popular with all
those who are fortunate enough 10
have the entree.
Many of the younger literary men
whose success has enabled them tc
change lodgings for chambers are to be
found domiciled in the picturesque old
inns of court-Gray's, Furnivars, Lin.
coin and others. Here each usually
sets aside some night in the week for
the entertainment of his friends. These
informal functions are as delightful as
they are numerous, and there is usually
no night in the week that writer who
is fairly well acquainted cannot, after
short stroll or bus ride, find himself
in a circle of kindred spirits.
In London. artists, novelists and
| journalists belong to the same clubs
attend the same social functions and
| patronize the same restaurants. The
English tavern, or public house." as il
is now called, is no longer the rendez
yous for Englishmen of letters that il
was in the preceding centuries, but
there are still places that may be re-
garded as the Legitimate successors OF
"The Cheshire Cheese" and The Cock. ;
which, though still in existence, have
lost mucn of their former fascination foI
idle writer's. In the Press club, just of
Fleet street, and in several modest drink
ing houses in the vicinity of Covent
Garden and Soho, one may find at al.
most any hour in the day men of more
or less celebrity who earn their bread
by means of their pens-N. Y. Sun.
Dangers of RaiIroading.
Familiarity breeds contempt for dan
ger, as well as other happenings. This
is especially true in railroad life, where
the most horrible of deaths awaits a
careless step. A gentleman relates an