The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-04-05

Never before this year of grace 1903
has tyranny oppressed freedom without
some. poet to sing the wrongs Of the
oppressed. Milton wrote Of the Abb
genses, Byron sang of the Greek strug-
gle, our Massachusetts poets Of the
negro's wrongs. But here and now
is a people-the Russians-scourged
with whips for a century and with
scorpions for a year, a picturesqns rab-
bic fighting for their rights and the
rights of mankind against a picturesque
desp0tism-and not a line Of verse do
we give them, unless it is a sonnet OK
two from Alfred Austin's bread and
on the Russian crisis because there
have been no poets. In the Anglo-Sax-
on world is the race of poets extinct7
James Barnes, author Of the detec-
tive novel, Outside the Law" tells OF
a discussion as to the character of au-
thors which he overheard on a ferry
boat. His interest was particularly
aroused as it was his own latest book
which two youngsters were discussing
"Soy," said one Of them. does an au-
thor dare do all he writes?v Sure
How would he write it," swell, in dis
Outside de Law a Teller goes awful
fast In an automobile" de author
done that for sure. Dey's all rich
We'll, another man FORCES billn"
Oats a mistake in de book" 'Bus
how about de man what robs a bankT~
DE man wot had de noive to writo
dat book" said his i~nterlocutor firmly,
would have noive enough to rob =
bank any day."
The publication Of Miss Ellen GIas-
COWS new novel, 1.-The Wheel Of Life"
has been a conspicuous literary event,
not only on account Of the distinguish
ed reputation Of the author, but BE-
cause it records the full ripening Of
her art and is a new revelation Of her
unusual powers. 1t is a profound and
dramatic story OF life In New York
City. The hero is a man Of striking
individuality the heroine is a poet OF
rare talent. Between them is evolveE
a drama Of vital and moving interest
and the lay characters and forces that
contribute to its unfolding make it 4
piece Of literature of large proportions
The brilliant frivolity Of society Is &c
forth and the character Of q good man
is made attractive. 'The Wheel Of
Life shows a largeness of vision and
a depth of understanding that will rank
it with the genuine achievements Of
American fiction. 1t Is by far Mis-
Glasgow's most mature and impressive
work.
Half a dozen clever girls In New
York are earning substantial incomes
as book digesters." Each Of them has
for her clientele women too busy with
social ENGAGEMENTS to find time for
reading, yet who wish to keep abreast
of current literature. The "digester
carefully follows noteworthy publica-
tions in fiction, art, science. history or
religion. Once or twice a week III
calls at the house of a client" to re-
view the contents Of the books read
She is careful TO memorize any cpl
gram or witty saying that her client
might introduce effectively In converse
tior. 1T is remarkable how little leis-
ure some women have" said a Vassar
graduate who has adopted the new
calling. "They can seldom give me Z
half hour all to myself. / am asked to
call at the same hour as the ~hair-dress-
er, the manicure or the c~hiropodist,
and in specially gay seasons all three
Of these attendants may he at work
upon her while I sit at a little distance
and post her upon current books