Life — October 17, 1901 — page 14: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

314 Kickers’ Column. The Editor regrets that he is compelled toexctude many interesting letters on account of their length. Letters should not be longer than two hundred words, and are more likely to be inserted f atill shorter. [ EAR LIFE: Y invites the | There is, undoubtedly, a large number of readers and admirers of Lire who belong to the Jewish race, and I state this, to a certain extent, on the strength of personal observa- tion. The fact of their being readers and admirers of Lire proves them an intelli- gent, intellectual and refined part of that race. Like in all other people in which these qualities are inherent, they are drawn to a publication of the sort of Lire, be- cause its brightness, its wit, its artistic quality and literary value are appreciated and enjoyed by them. But, perhaps, more than all these attributes, the spirit of fair- ness and justice, and, above all, the moral tone and influence of Lire appeal to them. Why then, please tell me, do you endeavor to hurt the feelings of this portion of your admirers by the main cartoon in this week's Live, and at other times in the past? Now, understand me, that you go hammer and tongs for the Theatrical Syndicate is, in my opinion, highly just and praiseworthy. ‘The managers, in question, are a sordid lot who ignominiously drag the Drama down to the dollar and cent basis. But why do you attack a religion which surely possesses many bright names and deeds in all the Arts, including the Dramatic? Js it right and fair and just to maliciously emphasize the religion of men when attacking their y deeds? If, perchance, our theat- rical managers belonged to the Protestant or the Catholic race, would you speak of them as the * Protestant Syndicate,” or the “Catholic Syndicate"? I think not. Hence, there follows this logical conclusion, é. ¢., Liretends to be an anti-Semitic publication. And if so, this is the main point to which I desire to call your attention: Do you con- sider an anti-Semitic tendency ofa publica- tion to be a highly moral one, and do you consider it consistent with the spirit of Lire, which, I take it to be, is whatever is basic, right and just and elevating between man and man? Sincerely yours, Richard Scheiner. New York, September 11, 1901. ur ‘* Kickers’ Column’ low : Lire has always admitted the exist- ence of the ‘intelligent, intellectual and refined ’’ Jews of whom our cor- respondent speaks. It sympathizes » LIFE - with them in their suffering from the acts of the great majority of their race. LIFE has never criticised the Jews for their religion, but for their racial characteristics. When there come into existence Catholic or Prot- estant codes of business morals and social manners distinct from those of the rest of the world, Lire will criti- cise them as Catholic and Protestant, just as it now does those that are dis- tinctly and exclusively Jewish. —Epitor. Epitor or Lire. Dear Sir: l appreciated your courtesy last spring in publishing a necessary correction of a false report which Lire had copied from the dai If I write to you again, pray do not consider me hyper- critical. I have already written you concerning an article which misrepresented Christian Science in a recent number, Let me now eall your attention to a further article entitled, ‘ Letter from a Burglar,” in your issue of September 19th, in which the supposed teachings of Mrs. Eddy, and the writings of Mrs. Ella Wheeler Wilcox, are made the motive for a humorous skit. Mrs. Wilcox is not a Christian Scientist, and I do not feel justified in speaking for her, but it occurs to me that Lire would not willingly make sport of the religious inions of a great body of decent people, such as Christian Scientists are conceded to be. When this practice once begins, it is sure to lead to inevitable injustice, for spiritual matters can only be apprehended spiritually. In saying this, I do not forget the character of Lire, as an independent representative of public opinion, nor do I forget its great service in behalf of what good in American life. many funny secular events and material points of view among mortals, that I cannot but think any periodical is going out of its way which ridicules the spiritual teachings “hristian denomination. If Lire considers the faith of Christian Scientists a subject for ridicule, what must it think of the teachings and practices of a man like Paul, who unconcernedly shook off the viper which had fastened itself on his hand, or of Peter, who raised ‘abitha from the dead, or of the Master himself? What explanation can be given of the straightforward promise of “Jesus: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father"? Christian Scientists are trying to live up to the teachings and practice of early y press. But there are so, Christianity, and they deserve the support of Lire, Yourstruly, —W. D. MeCrackan. New York, September 24, 1901. Eprtors Lire. Sus: You can put this in the Kickers’ Column, or in the waste-basket, as you like, but the American people should rightly charge you with using a keen blade in the same work that the infamous Hearst accomplishes with a butcher's cleaver. The difference is in your constituency—yours, perhaps, being less susceptibte to poison than the readers of the damnable sheets published by Hearst. Yours truly, W. P. Kellogg. Dexver, Coto., October 1, 1901. Eprtor or Lire. Dear Sir: In your capacity as editor of a paper given to amuse readers you are of necessity led to ridicule most everything of a public nature, and for several years it has to you appeared proper to do so with our late Chief Magistrate. I have read all you have printed and have been vastly amused at some of the cartoons you have printed, but occasionally have doubted the wisdom or propriety of some of them. I have now before me your issue as of the 26th, and I want to thank you for the manly and thoroughly honest editorial in same. I feel now that while you may be inclined to poke fun at subjects sometime serious, you are the right stuff at heart, and I have a few lingering doubts removed. Very truly yours, Charles Williams. Havenrorn, September 24, 1901. sagan “course 1 rrv: YEARS OLD, a: YOU OVER} WHY SHOULDN'T 1? sEvI WOT HAVE YOU MADE OP younsELF?"* comicbooks.com