The San Francisco call., 1904-09-18

and philosophic misceKany Just pup
lished.
But the general reader should not
have an instant's hesitation, according
to the writer's evident belief, in plac-
ing the motive and inspiration of this
present volume. For did not George
Otis Draper deliver himself not long
since of the book, Searching for
Truth? How. then, could there come
any doubt to the casual citizen who
sees "Still on the Search" on the near
est book stall? A glimpse at the title
of this, the second literary prodigy.
must instantly recall its precursor and
its we'll known author, George Otis
Draper. That an admiring clientele
may not be denied the boon of a closer
acquaintance with the writer of these
two dissertations upon life and things
he has very generously supplied his
portrait for the frontispiece of the lat
ter work. We. reproduce it, upon this
page, for to comment upon the mater
ial without featuring the likeness of
the creator would be doing an unjust
ness, not so much TO Mr.. Draper as to
our readers.
THE author" according to a frank
foreword, is perfectly aware of the
fact that the class which sympathizes
with his writing is rather limited: but
he would rather interest the minority
than appeal to the present taste of the
majority" We have here, then, a book
which is in class by Itself sphere
removed from the banalities Of our de-
cadent literature. The author does a
service to the critic in thus defining
lence that his book commands. No
critic can dispute him. His work is
far beyond the ken of the common
reader.
A sort of a Fra Elbertus errant a
wandering "Bilioustine," is George Otis
Draper. With his trenchant wit at
pcise and his keen analytic mind quiv-
ering in the leash of firm restraint this
gentleman satirist betakes himself
through the purlieus Of Europe with
Still on the Search" Qor TRUTH writ
large upon his banner. Others have
produced books of travel which are
only twice told tales. He-G. o. D.
writes one in which, for a change, we
look at the world as it really is THE
manner and method (of the writing)
are confessedly erratic and unconven-
tional. The point of view may be in
dividual-it is surely independent"
AT once the rollicking. Roycroftering
spirit of East Aurora must out. 1T
is folly to assume that the world, as
whole, is honest, just, pure, courag-
eous or trustworthy, when we well
know that it is not. Even the myth
cal innocence of the young person
must face the truth in time.
This reflection is in protest against
the proprieties that prevent the full
description of an Andalusian dance.
Again sounds the maui of the icono-
clast: And with all the races and
colors and types around the globe the
children seem ever the same. Their
laughter has the same note from pole
to pole and follows the sun in its daily
shining. What is it, then, that makes
the smile turn sullen as the years pass?
What but the doubt and worry melted
by false notions of duty, devotion and
dread?"
"Oh, dear. don't let us moralize over
Paris" exclaims George Otis Draper
in true broadness of moral Judgment
Then he proceeds to expatiate upon the
degeneracy of that portion of mankind
that goes to Paris expecting to find
1t the wickedest city OF the world. In
art as in life we must approach truth
unclothed frankly, naturally, else are
we OF the degenerate. Because true
art and degeneracy often inhabit the
same localities, some amateur philoso-
pliers endeayor to connect the two,"
he warns.
Thus, did only precious space per-
NIT, might we continue our humble en-
deayor at elucidating the thoughts of
George Otis Draper-thoughts confess
edly erratic and unconventional" but
surely independent" Some there may
be who will say that If he persist in
his search after truth the record OF
such striving had best be left in the
form Of private memoir, locked in
bank vault. but these will be of that
benighted majority to whose taste the