The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1922-01-01
Barometer of Public Opinion
Wnllnce md Rcn Mnr.

Editor World Recently a distinguished pull
pit orator had the idea that Gen Lew Wallace
wrote Ben Hur after he had visited Palestine.
Such a story has been printed and makes n
plausible background for an interesting piece Of
fiction
In order to keep the record straight a few
facts concerning the production Of that great
novel will not be out OF place
Early In his administration President Hayes
appointed Wallace, governor of New Mexico
Ben liur was commenced in the Wallace home
among the beech trees I'm the southeast corner
OF the Elston Grove. in Crawfordsvnle Ind
and was finished at Santa Fc in a building
known as the governors palace which is said
To have been built In 1885 The publication was
In 1850. On his way from New Mexico to New
York to see his publishers he spent n few days
at his home. Court being In session, he natural
" drifted In where he could meet many OF his
neighbors and associates. After adjournment
a score or moro QUICKLY gathered around the
gifted citizen whose conversation never failed
to be interesting. Among other things the pro-
duetton of Ben Hur was discussed. There was
a curiosity among many o-know why he had
selected such subject and laid the scenes in
the Holy Land lie Informed us that he had
written the book account OF a conversation
with Robert Iugcrsoll on the train between In
dianapolis and Crawfordsville. lie said he had
been letting hlS wife look after The religious
interests OF the family, and found that he did
not have at his command sufficient informa-
ton 70 properly discuss religious topics with
lie determined to devote more time TO the
question and become posted but he knew that
he would not thoroughly investigate the sub
ieot unless he could impose upon himself some
task that would require the most diligcnt study
After he selected his topic involving the story Of
the Christ, he was no easy taskmaster. lie
ransackcd the libraries for all that was avail
able concerning the customs, geography, his
tory and religion OF the Bible lands and peo-
Pile In order that he might accurately weave
his story and discover the authenticity OF the
Scriptures. The result was Ben Hur. In the
course OF his remarks there was one significant
expression. with peculiar emphasis he said
that II was absolutely impossible for anyone 10
so through the evidences that he had studied
and not believe that Jesus Christ the son
OF God,
In 1881 President Garfield appointed General
wallace minister to Turkey, and dagonally
across his commission In big letters with a
stubpcn, wrote ben lIur" That brief COM
pliment highly priced by the author.
In 1854, Wallace came home. on leave to
participate in the Blaine campaign. In CONVEX
he mentioned the fact that his information con-
accurate that after visiting Palestine he would
not make any changes in Ben Hur by reason
Of his wearing his general uniform and sword
when attepding a review OF the Turkish army,
kc obtained from the sultan many tavors that
were never granted other foreigners
The Fair God" was published In 1873 and
THE Prince OF India" in 1898. Both were fine
productions, but his fame as an author came
from .Ben Hur
Oklahoma City, Dec, IA ALVIN Campbell.