Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-20

brought that intention to an end How
ever. uncle in New York, a wealthy
merchant there would gladly have taken
upon himself the expense of his nephews
college career, but Aldrich was indepen-
dent and preferred going into his uncles
counting-house and becoming self-support-
ing.
When he was but nineteen he published
his first volume of verse. and by the time
he was twenty the success of his Ballad
of Baby Bell" which made his name a
household word throughout the land de-
termined his path in life beyond all turning
back. He became one of the band of lit
erary New Workers, of whom Bayard Tay
Tor, Stoddard and Stedman were also noted
members, and for "A time he was connected
with y. +. Willis on the editorial staff of
the New York Home Journal
In 1881, on the resignation of Howells,
AldriCh. by this time an editor of expert
and well known in literature well,
was made editor of the Atlantic. This po-
sition he held until 1890. Since this latter
date Mr. Aldrich entered into no other edi
torial engagements. but held himself free
to devote his attention to his own literary
work entirely.
1t was in Boston that Mr.. Aldrich first
made the acquaintance of his literary pa
tron. the late Henry l.. Pierce. who met
the poet at the house of a friend. and
was struck much by the young mans
wit and social qualities as he had been by
his literary gifts. In a short time a warm
friendship arose between the two. Mr..
Pierce was man of discrimination, and
ne recognized in Mr.. Aldrich man of
genius and resolved to do all in his power
to encourage him. As a literary patron
he showed that he had better taste and
was less tickle than many of the patrons
of former times, and at his death left the
poet large fortune.
A story has been told of curious ex-
perience Mr.. Aldrch had shortly after
he took charge of the Atlantic. 4 young
Boston woman, who has since become well
known in the world of letters, sent poem
to him for publication. 1t was promptly
returned with thanks. but the young woman
not To be discouraged. She continued
to send more poems and Mr.. Aldrich con-
tinued to send them back to her. At last
she grew weary of attempting to get any
thing into the Atlantic. She was nettled
at what she looked upon unjust treat
ment on Mr.. Aldrich's part, and resolved to
be revenged. Accordingly. the story
goes, she set about composing poem in
style and sentiment as like as possible TO
AldrichS work This she sent unscrupu-
lousy, with Aldrichs name attached TO
Boston paper. in which Mr. Aldrich read
1t TO his manifest Amusement Even TO him.
it is said, the verses appeared to be his own.
although he had not the faintest recollec
ton of writing them. The following day,
however. he learned the truth of the mat
ter and straightway vowed never to read
one of her contributions again, but to re-
turn every one of them to her, marked
unread" Nevertheless, she resolved
to publish something in the Atlantic. and
intercede in her behalf. He therefore car
ried to Mr.. Aldrich a prOfuse apology and
some verses. and after a little persuasion
the editor was prevailed upon to accept
both. MIR. Aldrich was married in 1866 and
Is survived by his wife and one son.