The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-24
Poe's Relations With Mr.. ALLAN
BY
BY PHILLIP ALEXANDER BRUCE,

inclined to leave a share of his es-
tate to nephew who had adopted as
his heir the child of strolling players?
Would 1t be agreeable to the uncle to
know that this child of other blood
and OF parentage not altogether re-
puta Die, would ultimately come into
possession OF one-half of his for
tune?
Only Wandering Actors.
Situated. as Mt. Allan then was. the
most ordinary circumspection prompt
ed him to weigh these questions with
care IN declining TO adopt Edgar legal
". But apart from this suggestion OF
prudence. 1t was not unnatural that he
should have demurred to adopting q
child sprung from parentage so envir-
oned. The American stage had less So
cial distinction in those days than it
has in these; and the Poes were only
known as wandering actors of second
rate abilities. who had died In such
abject poverty that both had TO be
buried at the public expense, and one
even in the potter's field
| Having. after much hesitation, ad-
mitted the child to his hearthstone as
1t were, on permanent probation. Mr..
| Allan. although coldly fulfilling all the
obligations which he had assumed to-
wards him. does not seem TO have
really forgotten. or even permitted the
boy to forget his uncertain position.
II know" said Mr.. John Mackenzie.
that often. when angry with Edgar.
he would threaten TO turn him adritt.
and that he never allowed him TO lose
sight of his dependence on his chart
ty." 1t is possible that Mr.. Allans
general attitude was more rigid than
1t would have been had he not Looked
upon 1t as necessary to counteract the
injurious effect OF the boys over
Indulgence by the ladies and servants
OF his family. Whether he was infu-
enced by this fact or not. the prepon-
derating evidence is that he corrected
Edgar. for trivial offenses with de
gree OF harshness that was renuEnan
TO the tenderness of the child's age
at the time. This punishment. how
ever. is known 10 have taken the form
of an energetic whipping on but ont
occasion: and then It would appear
TO have been richly deserved. for Ed
gar had kept one OF his little com
panions out in the woods until night
fall. and also had diverted himself witt
killing the poultry In one OF the neigh
J. bor's grounds But more pardona bl
S misconduct. while NOT punished witt
D the switch. was punished in a va,
: that often seemed disproportionatel;
: severe.
Thus. when Edgar wae not yet tou
o years OF age having been taught b
I Air Edward Valentine. in spirit o
Il fun TO draw the chairs away az tn
e guests IN the house were about to sea
i themselves. he PLAYED this trick sue
- cesstulIy on an old lady, who to he
e CONSERVATION and discomfort cam
= down suddenly and UNEXPECTEDLY on til
% moor. Mr. Allan. naturally shocked b
10 the spectacle. Is said 10 have bee
{ quite as angry as II the culprt W;
e. fully able TO understand the rudsne
n o! hts own act. and led him from Il
Is room with the relentless air OF Blu
. beard.
Temper Was wnfnI
- There IS reason to think that II
child's temper was decidedly wilfu
~ and that. at times. tacttulness had
" % exercised to control him properly.
-. Sill the general testimony concurs
pronouncins him afectionate a,
:. sweet natured. and quickly response,
~ to kindness. That his tosterta the
:. however conscient!ously he may ha,
y. for the boy. was either unconscious
- these good qualities. or though, In
80 they were overshadowed by had on
- (Which IN some instances. at least. h;
70 their origin In Mr.. .Allan's own suspit
30 Gus ina g!nation) Is revealed In I
- following anecdote: Mrs Mackea7
once heard him say that Edgar d
, not know the meaning OF the wo
gratitude" to which she very sensit
20 replied: This could not be EXPECT
OF children who were not able to ~
Ar derstand their obligations"
,rf. This story discloses the pervert
leaning of Mr.. AlIan's mind when Z
lSar was still mere child ana