The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-14

MX8H not read books, because in the
S strenuous life that is led by the
modern man his opportunities for the pur-
suit of literature are limited.
Many people are under the impression that
when o'clock in the evening arrives the
business mans day for work is ended, but
that is not the case. Where one man
is found who does not have to return 70 his
store or office after hours or who does not
take a quantity of work home with him 10
last until bed time, he is a great exception.
Of course this is not the rule every night
in the week, but with many men II will
average five nights; the majority or this
class of men, too, have certain social obli-
cations which require their attention But
those who contend that business men can
not find time to read books are mistaken,
because, according to their own statements,
they find enough time to read little, even
If il is not very extensive.
The class of books which they read
varies. Some of them enjoy those of a
serious nature. while others confine them
selves entirely to fiction. They all read cur
rent literature, such as newspapers and
magazines, and some men enjoy book
reading to such an extent that they sub
the review of books. They do this so they
will not lose any time on books that do not
interest them. By reading these reviews
they get an idea of the author, his style of
work and general trend of the whole story.
and in this way they seldom read book
that does not interest them.
A representative Of the Journal the other
day took IL upon himself to inquire of
number of business men whether they de-
voted any time to general reading or not
The responses proved quite surprise, for
a number of men whose time is mainly
given to business proved to be well posted
on literary subjects.
Mr. William O'Connor, who is member
of the firm of NJ. O'Connor e. Co, whole
sale grocers, was the first seen. Mr.. OCon-
nor has devoted considerable time TO travel
and has also taken an active interest In
the Irish land question and has made a very
close study of ii. While in Europe he was
elected delegate from County Galway TO the
convention which was called TO consider
Mr.. O'Connor said in regard to reading
books:
Yes. / read books, but do not get the
time to read as many as 1 should like. You
see a man in mercantile life has considera-
BILE reading to do to keep posted on the de-
tails of his own business. There are a num-
Der of commercial papers that L am re-
ouired TO read carefully merely to keep up
with the times in my own affairs. Current
literature is something that pursue very
closely. and as l take considerable interest
in the Irish land question 1 read everything
/ can get that bears upon this subject and
also many papers and articles that bear
upon England and Ireland, and in fact of
most foreign affairs. 1 take a few maya
zines that are devoted TO the reviews OF
books These l find very satisfactory TO
read, and whenever 1 find book mentioned
that think will interest me, l get 1t. The
best time for a man TO read is during his
vacation. He can take several books with
him. and l have found that il is a very
profitable thing to do. My book reading Is
not confined to any particular kind or style.
but is varied, for 1 read as the notion
strikes me. AS to the number Of books that
/ read in a year, 1 don't suppose that get
through with more than fifteen or twenty.
The fact of the matter is, don't keep any
count of how many j read"
Harry Kerkoff, clerk for S. D. Pierson,