The times., 1899-04-23
An Event of Imuor,,,

Inc engagement OF Mr.. Richard Harding
Davis has recently been announced and as
he is writer of ability. though volumi-
nous and somewhat discursiye, this bit of
news has attracted more or less attention
from the press. He s. of course. an un-
paralleled literary snob, but there must be
men of that type among the bookmen as
well as elsewhere, and this fact has not in
terfered with the interest felt in his en-
sagement. -Harper's Weekly remarks
that the news OF this event has been
received with excitement by Mr.. Davis
readers, with emotion by his acquaintances.
and with sincere satisfaction by his friends.
1t will be observed that the feelings of the
acquaintances are deeper than those OF the
friends But this is a matter of minor
Importance.
The New York journal of civilization
goes on to enlarge upon this interesting So
cial and literary happening with solem-
nifty such as the court journal of a Ger
man principality might exhibit in discuss
ing the details of the Emperor's domestic
affairs-under the pleasing conviction that
lese majestic might result in the editor
imprisonment for life. After perusing the
comment of 'Harper's Weekly upon the
importance of Mr.. Davis approaching mat
rimonial alliance, the. reader will be in
clined to reflect seriously upon the gravity
OF human existence in the same world
with Mr.. Davis, and will be impressed as
never before with the multiplicity and COM
plexity of the forces which produce our
civilization. The paper in question says:
While it is well for almost every man OF due
years and discretion TO marry, it is particularly
good thing that Mr. Davis should make this iui-
portant advance in life. He is writer OF wide
acceptation, story-teller 10 whose tales readers
by the myriad turn for entertainment How I'M
portant therefore il is, not only TO himself hut
TO a very large part of the reading public that
his knowledge of life should grow his years
increase, and that he should progress toward
that fullness of experience which is requisite to
the composition of mature and comprehensive
books,
1t is safe to say that the average Amer
lean would not unassisted have taken the
proper view OF this matter In the eyes OF
the writer of the above paragraph AR
Davis marriage assumes the importance
and majesty of an international alliance.
We are led to reflect upon the possible evils
which might befall the world should MIR.
Davis not marry. 1t is a matter as mo-
mentous as the suitable betrothal of a
crown prince. While, as the journal. OF
civilization goes on TO say, ii is not well for
a writer to burden himself with the cares
OF a family too early in life, there comes
time when the drawbacks of vagrancy
outweigh its advantages" The inference
is that Mr.. Davis has learned all that there
is TO learn as an unattached bachelor, and
may now with safety to himself and profit
to the world at large enter upon career
OF connubial felicity. And this, to the great
satisfaction of his friends, he has deter
mined to do.
There is cause for sincere gratitude TO
Providence and Mr.. Davis in this event
Now that We have had it explained to us,
We understand how important it was that
he should take such step. He might have
refused to take it. He might have deter
mined never 10 marry Anyone who looks
upon his determined countenance and pu-
gilistic jaw will understand that, had he
come to this conclusion, 1t would have been
hopeless for any friend, even the most de-
mind He would have been a bachelor and,
had 1t suited him, hermit to the end of
his days. But he has escaped this pltfall,
and the world has escaped a calamity.
Great is Davis, and ''Harper's Weekly is
his prophet.