The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-06-09
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
MATTERS OF THE WORLD

~ MER1cA sympathizes with Mark
WIN Twain In the loss OF his wife,
who has been the companion Of
his Joys and sorrows for the past thirty
years And though the genial humor Of
Mark Twain has kept the nation wreath
ed in smiles during this period his Joys
have not outweighed his sorrows by any
means. In fact Mark Twain has felt the
blows Of misfortune oft repeated, es-
peeially at that period Of his career when
he should have been enjoying the fruits
of his labor. Overwhelmed with debt by
the Webster failure, poverty stricken and
reported starving in London the country
awoke to the fact that one of Its most
talented sons was being neglected and
while he refused to accept pecuniary aid,
the returning of his popularity no doubt
encouraged Mr.. Clemens 10 begin the
struggle to wear away the mountain
of his obliga tions. Books, stories, anec-
dotes and scintillating wit flowed easily
from his pen, he was lionized everywhere
and his debts were paid. Just at the time
when he was looking forward to a few
serene years after stormy life, with
enough worlds goods to supply all his
wants, Mark Twains faithful wife died
IL Is hard blow and no wonder he
kneels silently at the bier speaking not
word" It is strange hut trua that
the arrows of sorrow oftentimes strike
deepest in the heart of the man whose
business 1t Is to make the world laugh
Inc department of archives and history
at Montgomery has been given life-size
oil painting of Jeremy Clements. of
Huntsville, a novelist who died in 1861
Inc portrait was presented by T. e.
King OF Sanford, Fla, a grandson of
Mr.. Clements. Perhaps there are mem
oers OF the younger generation who do
not recall the fame of Jeremy Clements
put even now his novels are popular and
ne deserves to take front rank with the
writer's of romance who have snrunp
from southern soil. Mr.. Clements was at
his best in depicting the stirring scenes
on the plains of the southwest and along
the Mexican border when Texas was
struggling for independence. His stories
are characterized by vivid word col
oring rapidity of movement and intense
interest. While his characters appear too
virile and heroic for latter day tastes
his novels are nevertheless fascinating
enough to hold the readers closest at
tention from beginning to end. Bernard
Lille Mustang Gray" and 1.-THE Rivals
are perhaps the best known works of
this popular Alabama author. All three
have been widely read 1t is fitting that
the portrait of Jeremy Clements should
adorn the department of archives and
history In his native state and it is to be
regretted that Alabama can not do more
to honor such distinguished son.
Tom" Howard, lone of the most non.
ular men in fashionable society" is dead
lie builded on giant structures of wood
or stone. he shaped no policies of state
ana his name is not writ on tablets of gold
as great in literature, music or art. but
yet he had certain fame He was OF
of the greatest cotillon leaders who ever
lived, and was indispensable in all ultra
affairs OF society, Although he had few
OF the worlds goods and lived in a bor-
rowed house, his name will go down to
posterity as one fit to be classed with
Ward McAllister and others of that ilk
who have graced the ballroom floor in the
past 1t is possible to dance your way to
fame put it is extremely difficult.