The Wilmington morning star., 1945-02-25
Sidney Lanier

original and talented Of American poets, a
true southerner in the most patriotic sense
of the word and a highly accomplished must
clan.
Desnite the mark Lanier left on the liter
airy life of the South, there was little ooserv-
ance of the anniversary. Only comparative
few remembered him, paused to recall his
high above the sectionaism of his day-to
American literature.
Why?
Because Lanier has never received the rec
ognition deserved for his works from the
public as a whole. He was not sensationalist.
He was not promoted. Rather, the early re-
ception of his poetry suffered because it came
in an environment, Impoverished by great
war, too busy trying to reconstruct itself
to extend the name of any worthy man of
letters. Every phase Of life in the South was
destined to struggle for existence after the
War Between the States. Therefore, its liter
ly accorded those Of other sections Of the
reborn nation. It is noticeable in his biogra-
ply that his most fruitful years were in Bal
timore, a city whose people had more time
for the arts than other southern communities
His career too, was comparatively short
one, handicapped by health broken by his SER
vice from 1861 to 1865 in the war. In his
memorial to Lanier, William Hayes Ward
cd II I'm with.
''But how short was his day, and how sIend-
er his opportunity! From the time he was
of age he waged constant, courageous, hope
less fight against adverse circumstances for
room to live and write. Much very dear, and
sweet, the most sympathetic helpfulness he
met in the city Of his adoption, and from
friends elsewhere, but he could not command
the time and leisure which might have length
write the music and the verse with which
his soul was teening. Yet short as was his
literary life, and hindered though it were,
its fruit will fill large space in the gar
nering OF the poetic art OF our country
ALI familiar with his life know that he was
a Georgian. However, he visited North Caro-
lima many times, both during and after the
war; and it is fact little known to many
soldier included service here. The greater
part Of his time in this state was in the west
ern section, always seeking to regain his
health with failure coming with his death at
7 yr,n near Trvon m Cont = 1891 Tho bo,e.
in which he died has become a shrine visited
by thousands each year. Tryon itself has done
much to honor and perpetuate the memory
of Lanier. Its library bears his name and the
Lanier club now more than so years old, has
sponsored many OF that communitys leading
public projects.
Because of his love for the states noun
tain country, 1t was appropriate that Secre-
the United Daughters of the Confederacy,
named a peak on Hannah mountain in the
Great Smoky Mountain National park for
Lanier.
This is but one Of the several means of
remembering Lanier achieved through the
good and persistent efforts Of the u D. c.
in recent years. Today, its members are
engaged in their greatest Lanier undertaking:
Presentation Of his name for election to the
Hall Of Fame Of New York University. This
work is being carried out well by Mrs. W.
D. Lamar, Of Macon, Ga, Chairman of the
Sidney Lapier committee and Mrs. T. L. eau
die, of Wadesboro, Chairman of the commit
tee OF the North Carolina division of the
U. D. c. 1t is interesting to note that this
state was awarded the prize at the general
convention of the organization in 1912 and 1913
for having done most to advance the name
Of Lanier ALI U. d. C.. members who have
participated, either in major or minor roles,
are to be congratulated for a real service
to the south and literature. Their efforts are
so worthy that they deserve any assistance
from outside their organization that will bring
greater recognition of this outstanding poet
The goal is much too important for failure
now.
He deserves place in the Hall of Fame
and it is time, belatedly So, that he 'take
his final rank with the first princes of Amer
lean song"
Drovoo,. D1ooo