The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1906-09-06
ME art of writing is perhaps
the oldest of known arts. Its
benefits to humanity are in

NdE arC OF WrlCluS IL perhaps
the oldest of known arts. Its
benefits to humanity are in
estimable; and it is reasonable
to presume that all intelligent and cul-
tured persons desire practical knowl-
edge of this art, which is undoubtedly
the pre-eminent of all arts. To attain
perfection in any art it is important
for one to study the works or produc-
tions which have stood the test of
time-thus ascertaining the origin,
object and progress of any particular
art.
Scientists have adduced evidence
which warrants the supposition that
the human race early recognized the
necessity of having some means of
writing. Among the various methods
of depicting thoughts in early times
was system termed hieroglyphics-
that is, expression of some meaning
by the use of characters. This method
seems to have been in vogue among
the Egyptians, Mexicans, Indians and
other races in remote ages.
Sorrow mingles with contempt when
we turn to those famous isles of
Greece, where literature attained its
par excellence, where Homer, the crea-
tor of Greek literature, the inspirer
of succeeding writer's, penned his
famous epics the "Illiad" and the
Odyssey" where Herodotus, the
father of history, depicted the observa-
tions of bis wanderings among the
Grecian, Syrian, Spartan and other
peoples. In that faraway land, long
ago, renowned scribes welded the pen
to save aourishing empire. Their
efforts were unavailing, but their
sublime sentiments have endured.
And from their creations the Italian
writer's derived much inspiration and
knowledge of this art.
In sunny Italy Dante gave incen-
tive to a nations thought. Grand
compositions on lofty themes resulted
Had the Romans needed the opinions
disseminated by pen, what misery and
remorse they would have escaped
But to them literature was despised
And with the fall of Rome this art
slumbered-slumbe during the tenn
pestuous time when agitations and ca
lamities, prosecutions and inquisition'
were of frequent occurrence Large
collections of writings were burnt
libraries were destroyed, naughty per
sons condemned treaties which did no
accord with their precepts-even i'm
posed severe DEGREES on persons guilt,
of disseminating indisputable facts
What disasters have befallen the human
race! What grand empires have faile
to heed the trumpeting note of saliva
tion sounded by the writer's who live
and wrote ages ago! 'Tis sad pictur
portrayed by literary persons, an
handed down to excite the passion
subjugate the arrogant, dispel the ill,
sions of superiority, and inspire pc
sons of all ranks.
Tho writing for grand purpose
inspired by noble themes, at tin
when this art had attained high e.
cellence, yet, what did those illum
nary lights of old-time literatu
accomplish? Only suffering for ther
selves. Many were banished fro
their native lands, compelled to fl
from nations where they penned il
mortal epics and truths; yet, the
labors were not in vain, for they ga
incentive to an art which has endur
carried their names down to pt
terity.
True, writers in all ages have be
honored by their countrymen, Civ
offices of trust, pensioned, praised, q
welcomed at the homes Of rulers. Y
when they realized the motive of thu
favors received from the rulers, tt
rebelled and were handed the hemlo
cup, or exiled to foreign lands. II
were masters of this art, and so 10
as they guarded their thoughts Il
were favored; but In giving free r
to their true sentiments they beca
objects of scorn. The art Of writ
the power Of words, brought woe
thov,,. tI,o camn art the same DOW