The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-28

wonderfully gentle and sympathetic voice
and you have the portrait of the dean OF
American letters
After a time we fell to discussing ceE-
tain of the present-day writer's. and some
of the books that have made for promi-
hence in recent years.
L think there is an enduring quality in
David Harum,' and also in 'Eben HOl-
den,' both true to life, and showing an
enrichment Of our literature In James
Lane Allen We must recognize a remark
able writer, possessing a charm that holds
us.
DISLIKES HISTORICAL NOVELS.
mo. the historical novel does not appeal
to me. 1t all seems so unnatural. 1t cam
not become a permanent force, it seems to
me. in our literature
You have so much for which to con-
graduate yourself. Mr.. Howells." 1 OBJ
served. ''You have been such a successful
man of letters, and have attained an en-
inence such as few can hope to realize
From the outset" he replied. "all my
experiences were literary, and yet TO rise
in literary career. was difficult in the ex-
treme. Like most who approach the TIRES
hold of authorship. / found the doors closed
to me. The profession of letters is quite
as difficult TO enter as any other; perhaps
more So
you should have had any such experience
"Oh, but it is all too true. My work
came back to me repeatedly, and as often
l was filled with disbursement; and yet
with each period of depression l would
hope on-always hoping. And, after a time,
there came an oasis in my desert In my
early twenties in conjunction with friend
of mine who has since won literary fame
John j. Piatt-I published a volume or
verse that gave me some reputation, so
much so, in fact, that Mr.. Lowell became
interested in my work and wrote me several
encouraging letters and published some of
my poems in the Atlantic Monthly, of which
he was then editor. As youth, however.
at home, my ambition had been absorbing.
Hoping and aspiring, these were the meas
ure of my days; yes, and my nights.
when not assisting my father, who was
| a country editor, at the printers case, and
! in other ways, l was a student in his
library meagre enough, but II was uni
versity To me l studied the best authors,
making myself familiar with their thought
and style. My study was made in a nook
under the stairs in that room, my desk
being pushed back against the wall. where
/ the irregular ceiling slOpeG behind it. At
/ the left there was a window serving to fur
/ nish light Here, as a literary artisan.
| read and studied and wrought with my pen
/ IN odd hours Tor some six or seven years.
/ 1t was a good experience Ii was delightful
! TO go to that little study after the neces-
/ sary tasks of the day were over and sit
/ down To my books and TO my pen. l used
| often to stay there until the household had
gone TO bed.
Years after came legislative duty at the
/ State capital, with more OF the printer 5
drudgery while later still in return for
| service in the presidential campaign
/ humble biographer OF Lincoln-I received
i the happy and coveted appointment to the
/ cOnsulship al Venice, where / resided for
/ period of four years. And here rejection
met me in every effort TO secure a foothold
/ in authorship. Certain letters of a literary
/ character that / had sent over To this cOun-
/ try for acceptance We're declined l was
/ defeated at every turn. And thus il was
on my return TO America. l was without
/ literary reputation. l came to New York
! and obtained modest editorial work, and
H later, the way opened for the publication OF
my letters from Venice. These We're sue
\ cessful, and in time / was invited by Mr.
/ Fields to become his assistant on the At
i lantic Monthly. But until then how great
i had been my struggle!
HIS PLEASURE IN LIFE
| yet, Notwithstanding all this experience
/ these hardshiDs and bitter disappointment
/ OF long years. life has been an enjoy
able thing. precious in the extreme. When
now / go out into the open air on a bright
/ day for a stroll l rejoice that l have al
ways appreciated how good il is 10 live
| And I always feel that such days as | have
spoken of must stay so-always. There is
! only one thought that comes 10 cause m,
sadness and regret. and that Is relating e
the terrible struggle OF modern life for eX.
istence. And 10 always seems TO me thai
every one ought To be more or less troubled
/ be- growing more intense each hour; yes
/ more bitter even. You see IL everywhere
this condition, thousands and millions OF