The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-25
A NOTABLE INDIANA GROUP.

AS a rule a book which pleases the pub
lie is one into which the author has put
much Of his own personality. He may not
have meant to do this: he is more than
likely to be entirely unconscious of it, but
if he be an artist and has worked under
even the smallest degree of inspiration he
cannot help putting himself into his writ
ings. If he is wise. or philosophical, or
humorous, or witty. or has insight, or is
poetic these qualities are sure to betray
themselves. Because of this fact readers
of the book associate the author with it;
they feel that they have an acquaintance
with him, and the more the work appeals
to them the stronger is the wish TO know
more of him. Thus it is that so great a
demand exists for facts concerning a IA
vorite author. 1t is not enough to read
his books; the readers wish to be told the
manner of man he is, to learn what are his
characteristics, his habits. how he looks
and acts, in what respect he differs from
common men; what, in short is the secret
of his power to do what they cannot do.
Thus it is that the popular writer becomes
him. People turn in the street to look at
him and take especial pleasure and pride
in a personal acquaintance with him. They
do not take the same interest in the mem
bers Of other professions; doctors and law
yers may go their way unnotieed, and even
popular ministers cannot always hold at
tention. The man who with his written
words can entertain, amuse or inspire has
a hold upon them beyond all others.
It may be that Indianians feel more of
this affectionate and admiring interest and
curiosity concerning the group of authors
belonging to their own State than does the
public generally for its favorite writer's, but
it has happened that they have especial
and peculiar cause for their pride and 10y
alty-this group Is one of remarkably high
and varied talent and achievement. 1t in
cludes Gen. Lew Wallace, whose famous
Ben ur'' has the record for the greatest
sale of any novel and has been read by
millions of people. 1t includes James Whit
comb Riley, whose poems have the IA
miliarity OF household words wherever the
English language is spoken. OF its num-
Der is Mrs. Catherwood. much OF whose
work was accomplished while she was yet
a resident of the State. and who has done
an inestimable service by Incorporating in
her books the romance of the early French
explorers of the Western country. A mem
Der of the group is Meredith Nicholson,
whose poems have graced all the leading
periodicals and whose hook ssThe
Hoosiers," is not only an important con-
tribution to the history of the State, but
a finished piece OF literature. In the group
is George Ade who has the priceless gift
of making people laugh and whose satirical
studies of daily life have been included
by Mr.. Howells among the short stories
which are taking the place of the great
American novel" Not least in the group
is Booth Harrington. who has won dis
tinction rot only as novelist but play
George B. McCutcheon. each the author OF
a novel that caught the public fancy.
The list might be made much longer, but
the eight here named have the additional
accomplishment of being able TO speak in
public on the stage" with great acceptable
ity TO their listeners. 1t is not often that
they consent TO do this. 1t is only an es-
pecial occasion which will bring them out
This occasion has presented itself in the
desire TO contribute 10 the Harrison rnonu-
ment fund. For this cause they have cheer
fully sacrificed their own taste for retire