The Cordova daily times., 1915-11-02
ALASKA AND THE MUSE.

The Ruby Citizen notes the arrival of school teacher at Romnar who is unfortunate enough (accorng to the Ruby newpaper the author of book of poems At the outset of remarks in review volume the writer that lack of familiarity with Gilman and her literary products IS dls creditabe to mining editor rather than to herself
 She has made good book but what for? Her verses measure mn to c standard of mechanical excellence and may con tain ,c of the of real poetry but who cares Ihere n folin doen down in the hearts of many Aaskans that this country poor place for poets except they come here hop
 o be cured" He also expresses the opinion that Rapart twill turn out poor place to practice poetry m"
 To us it seems somewhat regrettabe that this tppant ana cynical attitude should assumed toward those who woo the Muse Tn reading the article is prompted to inquire why the development of the artistic temperament should be ds couraoe in Alaska than esewherendeed there would seem to be than the usual encouragement in the uround n What more natural than that the poetic spirit should be awakened quckenened the of the majestic natural wonders of Alaskaher tremendous mountains and noble 1vcrs with the wild spaces inhabited only by inc diversity of wild animal ge with which Alaska has been endoed the long days with their wonderful rcaWak enng of vegetation and fe the phenomenon of the midnight sun; the winters terrible aspect and darkness with their accompaniment of rays of that miracle ot nature the aurora boreas and the marvellous silence o semi lrcuc winter, If these are sufficient to inspire the poetic sou what under heaven is?
 The true Alaskan looks forward the time when the terri + will he tbe abode of happy and contented people, In spite of the the country is full of those whose only de sire is to enrich themselves that they enoy the comforts of life "Ousde there very many whose attachment to this Northern land amounts almost to passlon who would no more think of remaining "Ousde than the would Gon'
 plate spending of their days behind iron bars To such these is nothing ncongrous in the fact that reSaen ol Their doices are fitted up with all that makes home e dear
 good books music and the accessories 0 modern culture They have the desire ambitions and yearng that normal beings elsewhere possess and far more energy TO these there nothing ncongrous iii teh fact that resident o Alaska shoud be moved to express his sentiments ln poetic form no more so than to exercise talents for placing his impressions the natural wonders that surround nm OH canvas Many canvases spoiled by inferior arsts but we do not discourage painting that account Why shou the composition of poetic eusiOns be discouraged because o the mediocre efforts which often come to light Many o tue ord oreat poets have been condemned for having written puere and meaningless poems but this did not detract rom
 fine later products of genius Much of the that has hee written about Alaska better not to have seen the gt f flaw bnt we do not discourage the ambitious writer on that account
 The mae1aistic and cynical tone of the article quoted ond lead one believe that in this land of hard knocks otino is worth while but practical and prosac Such is v no means If poetic or other artlstlc genus develop in our midst Aaskans will be as truly apprece as would the residents of any other secon and will be as ready n nrneae the and fame of he who sings the prase ol Alaska as every ScOtchma to honor the name o Burns