Evening star., 1937-08-28

By NC. r.

THE reviewer has received the
following letter, which she
passes on to readers:
Il Dear Editor:
Il should like to request the aid
Of your readers in the preparation Of
a biography Of Edwin Markham, upon
which am engaged.
The poet and his son, Virgil Mark
ham, have placed at my disposal
various memorabilia, including work.
books, correspondence, etc. I wish
the biography to be as complete as
possible, and solicit, in the interest
OF historical accuracy, any anecdotes,
clippings and correspondence con-
cerning his early life, his habits,
writings, philosophy, humor, etc. He
has been colorful figure in American
letters and many communities pre-
serve cherished "reminiscences OF his
visits.
Il shall be grateful to any who have
interesting Markham material which
they may lend me. 1t will be re-
turned to the sender with sincere ap-
probation.
Very truly yours,
VERNON B. HAMPTON,
1901 Hart avenue, West New Brighton,
Staten Island, N. Y"
Will readers who wish to send Mr..
Hampton material communicate with
him directly, at the above address?
THE second issue OF Photo History is
at hand, and is devoted to = pic
torial presentation Of the case for
the c. I. O., apparently. Photo
History, in case you do not remember,
is a quarterly pictorial, each issue OF
which is given over completely to q
single subject. The frst portrayed
the war in Spain.
The present issue is highly sensa-
tional and frankly propagandstic. 1t
seems to be an effort to create and
fan class hatred and such is the
NJ oalty Vi 4tS HlClAlOu tlldI OllC ACClo
that 1t Is aimed primarily at the
ignorant. The spirit OF the mob, in
deed, breathes through these pages
mob intolerance, mob violence, mob
stupidity. The name Of the publica-
ton would seem to be entirely mis-
leading-for this is not history, but a
most arbitrary Interpretation and dis
tortion of certain episodes Of history.
There is quality about 1t that can
not but be sickening to any American
who quantity adheres to the liberal
tradition Of our Government. But one
cannot regret its publication either,
for it sheds revaling light on the
methods being used to create class
hatred among Americans today.
A NOSTALGIC article leads of In
September Scribner's. 1t is called
when America Learned to Dance"
and its author is Frederick Lewis Al
len. 1t is the story Of the first great
modern dance team-the Vernon
Castles.
1t sketches the beginning of the dance
craze Of the teens which followed the
appearance of Irving Berlin's Alex
anders Ragtime Band" and Every
bodys Doing It." introducing those
forgotten rhythms, the turkey trot,
the bunny hug and the grizzly bear
These were crude protests against ira
dition, says Mr.. Allen, interesting as
such, but somewhat sad as dances
Then the Vernon Castles appeared with
their one-step and gave elegance and
grace to the revolution.
"One evening when they were tired,
says Mr.. Allen, Vernon suggested
that they should just walk around the
room, rising up on the toes with each
stride. 1t was preposterous dance
they both thought, but it made ar
instant hit, and by the Spring Of 1918
the Castle walk was all the rage"
And out Of this rage grew the dance
craze which swept on through the
2Os, he says, long after the gay, grace
ful young couple had ceased to ap-
pear, or to be thought of. They were
the originators Of modern dancing
Or so says Mr.. Allen.
don herold, in his department OF
Scribner's. has this one to tell of the
late Kin Hubbard, that dry commen-
tator who, under the name of ABB
Martin, used to carry on the immorta,
tradition of American humor.
"A burglar" says don, came anc
took his money and silverware anc
then cut the telephone wires and left
In a few minutes the burglar returned
I can't get your car started the
burglar said. Would you mind com.
ing out to the garage and helping
me start it?'
"'Ill be glad to- said Kin
"As Kin backed the car out Of the
garage for his burglar, he asked
Which way. are you going?'
'Why?' asked the burglar.
"'Oh, I thought II you were going
downtown, I might ride along with
you
Sure, that's o. K. I've got a jot
to do on the other side of the town
I'll be glad to give you 4 lift The
robber took the wheel and they drove
along genially.
care you stealing this cor So,