Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1919-1980, 1921-06-30

4
cluse knows that Walter Pritchard
Eaton, Salem's distinguished guest
Of last night, is perhaps the most
famous Of New York's dramatic
critics.
Also that his short stories ap-
near between the covers of Amer
icas most discriminating maga-
zines.
But how many of you 70, my
brethren) know:
That it took six or seven years
of laborious literary endeavor be-
fore an editor would condescend
to turn over to linotype operator
one of Mr.. Eaton's manuscripts?
That even now, as one of the
country's most popular writers, he
is frequently the recipient OF the
"blue slip"-that boogy-boo re-
lection announcement with which
the aspiring scribbler is painfully
familiar?
That the east has but one at
traction--the theater-which IS
sufficiently alluring to prevent
Mr.. Eaton from packing. up his
Underwood with view to spend
ing the remainder of his life in the
west?
That he believes, along with one
or two other successful men, that
the forward motion on the road to
success is achieved only with the
expenditure of considerable en-
ergy-"a devil OF lot of it?"
First Story in COLLAGE.
Well, that's what Mr.. Eaton last
light told reporter who was un-
doubtedly lacking in most of the
qualifications which should attach
to an interviewer of Mr.. Eaton,
but who wasn't blessed-or cursed
which ever it is--with any cum
gersome portion of timidity.
Got time for a reporter? Sure,
Mr.. Eaton aequiesced when he was
attacked among group of anna
teur interviewers. The word
sure was the only adyerb which
dropped from the Bostonian's lips
sans the 'ly" with which the Mas
sachusetts' native is supposed to
be so well stocked.
my first story? 1t was written
while | was a junior at college
"And your college"
lis Harvard. There was no
apparent intake Of air into the
lungs, no assumption of the blase
mien which, we are led by Yale
men to believe, comes with such
announcements from the "effete"
Cambridge alumnus. "Effete" by
the way, Is word Of which Mr.
Eaton Is Unfortunately fond.
Save Is Plea.
Il understand the word is fire.
quently employed by the western
er in alluding to us of the Atlantic
coast" Mr.. Eaton smiled. Per
haps there is not much we eastern
ers can tell you about your own
country, but If there is one thing
about this country we would like
to tell you, that thing is conserve
it. Don't let anyone ruin it.
They'll try to. But don't let
them"
"You have made many lauda-
tory remarks about the west, Mr.
Eaton. But If it came right down
to it, would you rather live here
than in the east?"
There's just one thing to con-
sider," he answered. THAT thing
is the theater. My life. you see
has been pretty we'll interwoven
with the stage. 1 love the work
If 1t weren't for that" He shrug
ged his shoulders.
II love the west. 1t is wonder
ful. Salem-your city--is beau
tiful." Mr. Eaton removed his
adequately horned trimmed spec
tacles, IF 1t weren't for the thea
tire, should like living here. And
IL 1t weren't for the expense en-
tailed in travelling, I'd come here
very frequently, regardless.
Stories Are Rejected.
Having disposed, more or less
neatly, with the matter of Mr..
Eaton's geographical preferences,
the short story was again men
toned. -t
Your first one, Mr.. Eaton.