The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-08

woman for man is greatly productive Of
this quality-in real life and occasionally in
novels. But the pages OF history are full
of it; from history the great dramatists
drew their noblest characters, and a stage
performance of one of the greater his
torical dramas attracts the simple as well
as the learned; no part of the house is
moro closely packed or more attentive and
appreciative than the top-the realm of
the gallery gods" Great poets and paint
ers also seek first for the noble traits of
their human subjects; is it too much to
hope that novelists shall not fall behind
other artists IN appreciation OF this quality?
Should the historical novel fail to ad-
vance upon the lines indicated its sure
decadence will be fastened by an abuse
which already has become noticeable. II
Is the twisting and warping of great his
toric characters to conform to some pur-
pose OF an author. Different points of view
have caused great differences in estimates
of certain characters that have been prom
inent on the worlds great stage, but none
Of these justify the custom Of some novel
lists to ignore or falsify facts for the sake
OF some detail of plot or scene. Twenty
five years ago a brilliant lecturer on the
battles of the civil war asked a gallant
division commander to attend his lectures.
as the generals old division would be men
toned frequently and in a manner to elicit
applause. The general promised to be
present. As he walked away the lecturer
called him back and said: Perhaps
ought to explain a little matter. In the
engagements your division held the right-of
the line, but 1 have placed it on the left.
1t makes my lecture go so much better
Some of the new novels have tempered with
historic facts quite as unscrupulously; 9th
ers have gone farther, and with backing
pots and whitewash brush have made un-
recognizable nondescripts of some char
acters that have long been distinct in the
public eye. To destroy an actual character
is a shameful method of saving a fiction
story.
Less bad in intention, but quite as likely
to destroy an authors hold on his readers.
is the observable tendency TO give special
attention, in fiction, 10 a great mans real
or alleged weaknesses for the sole purpose
of doing something new" There are
kitchen and backstair stories to the dis
credit of every great character in history.
and 1t is not impossible that some of them
are true. Unfortunately it does not follow
that possession of the literary instinct is a
warrant that the possessor has not also a
keen scent for carrion and a fondness for
serving it publicly.
Another justiiable fear for the future of
the historical novel is based on some indi-
cations that political rancor may vet infect
the novelist's pen. In American history
there are characters who in their davs
were demigods or demons, according IN the
political bias of the men who viewed them
Old-time traditions OF them have lost moth
ing while passing down from one genera
ton to another, especially through fam
HES that are so Industrious as partisans
That they have no heart for any other
sentiment than worship or hatred. There Is
no law against the publication of political
pamphlets in fiction form. but any pub
Usher who may assist at the opening of
old wounds and the disinterment of buried
animosities will have a heavy account 70
settle with his business fraternity.
Ihus far the historical novel has been
the cause or much unexpected entertain
ment and trade prosperity; il toned mn
amazingly the possibilities Of fiction 90
It's future should be guarded jealously bv
readers, critics, authors and publishars
mat weak specimens will appear Is ,nsv,-
table. for a successful effort of anv L,.a
always prompts many hasty limitations 49,,
there u no good reason 10 doubt tha, e.
better class OF novelists will give mn -
masterpieces IL they succeed In emanc,na,