Milford chronicle., 1924-06-13
Lure of Politics
Cast Aside For
Realm of Poesy
Secretary of State Benson Issues
Another Volume of His Poems.
BY Merrls Taylor in Every Evening

Another Volume of His Poems.
BY Merris Taylor in Every Evening
Alden R. Benson of Dover, Secre-
tary of State, farmer, State chairman
of the Republican party of Delaware
during its latest campaign, and active
leader of the dominating faction of his
party in Kent county, would be taken
last of all as a poet by those who
know him only by this brief recital of
his daily life and activities. But the
| spirit of the muse was born within
him, and finds expression despite the
wide variance of his practical pur-
| suits. 1t possibly is passion with him
at least it has found continual ex-
preston during a career largely de-
voted to the eXactions of business and
the turmoil and conflict of political
campaigns, especially political cam
paigns in Delaware, which are never
laid aside even during the periods be-
tween the biennial elections, so alb
sorbing is the game to a great ma
jority of the people in our State.
\ A few years ago Mr.. Benson col
lated and published in book form a
SCACA Jus anu d0OClllD-
lage of his poetical emanations, which
were well received by his friends, and
by those who admire real poetic ex-
preston and sentiment, which it may
truly be said he possesses to an un-
usual extent, even though he has not
secured for himself a reputation and
standing in the great world of let
ters. And now he has issued a second
volume, more pretentiOus than the
first, and even more representative of
his easy facility in dealing with the
art of rhythmic, 'deliVerance. That it |
will be even more faVorably received |
than his initial volume is assured.
This later volume is entitled Lotus |
Lilies" The sectional division of its
contents is: Sentiment, Nature, Dia-
lect and Miscellaneous, and each is
well and appropriately represented.
Many quotations might be printed to
illustrate the fine tone and pleasing
effect of these poems, but it is perhaps
better to say that for appealing quail
ity and thought, for real hOmely hui
man nature, they make agreeable
and pathetic reading for. all who in
any manner feel the influence of the
poetic muse. And, most creditable to
he author, they are largely of and
or Delaware, the State so well loved
~ it's people.
Very appropriate is Mr.. BensOn's ded-
cation of his volume to "all fellow
inners who know the need of friend
hip and a sympathetic understanding
# human frailty." That will appeal
o many. And quite striking is his
nswer to the query: What is Poet
W" in which, after setting forth it's
arious elements, he concludes:
1--WE know it is something that sets
S aglOw-
But just what it is we're not sure
e know"
The keenest analyst could not say
ore.
Opening with a pleasing and COM
rehensive tribute to Delaware, it's
and possibilities and
S splendid products, the poems are
ext presented under their classifica-
on headings. There are more than a
lndred of them, all good reading, no
after what critical criticism may be
lssed upon them by those who meas
e all expressions in rhyme by the
andard of acknowledged leaders in
e field of writing. The arrange
ent is in good form, and the reader
carried through the pages by sue
ssion of effusions which appeal
Ost pleasingly.
The illustrations are fine and ap-
opriate. The frontispiece is lotus
y in full bloom, printed in delicate
tural colors. Also, there is one of
large bed of lotus lilies. The others
e: Frank Bancroft's field of Stay
N Winesap apples, in Kent county;
se Hedge Crescent Farm, in nature
ors; sand dunes. at Lewes; Dover
cen, supplemented by photographs
three of the famous historic paint
rs in the Capitol; and seven pages
typical views of Delaware. Thus, it
i be seen that Delaware is the dom
ting note in this feature of the
nirable collection.
7he book is finely printed and ex-
sitely bound. With its contents,
S imparts an impression of COM
teness to the entire production. !
'tainly it is in every way COM
ndahle.