Life — December 9, 1909 — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

P. D. Johnson. Bob Addams. Popular Birthdays HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE Born December 13, 1846 ditor of The Out- Jook and at the same time one of the principal contributors of the Ladies’ Home Journal indicates a wealth of cul lure not usually to be seen. If analyzed Mr. Mabie would be found to be nine parts culture and the rest oratory. He reads and he writes, and young women throughout the land eagerly await his verdict on the latest book. For a book not to be known or commended by Mr Mabie is to argue itself immoral! Sir, we grect you on this the day of days. We think that. all publishers should at least take a holiday; but in the absence of such a desirable ‘celebra tion we contribute our mite of good wishes. May you continue to write and to cheer the hearts and minds of thousands. EDWIN HOWLAND BLASHFIEILD Born December 15, 1848 “Artem quacvis alit terra.” (Even America!) Recently, strolling in the Congres- sional Library at Washington, as we were looking at your work we reflected upon the splendid decorative quality of your art. But it never occurred to us at that moment that the time would so speedily come when we should have the opportu- nity to join in your praise and to felici- tate you upon your birth The refining influence of vour work is a cause for national pride. Viewed daily by thousands of people it is a silent power for good. To have added to our stock of beauty is an achievement more desirable than much fine gold We regard your birthday, To be the associate therefore, C. Allan Gilbert W. BL Ki Harrison Cady as an important event. We welcome you to it and greet you upon its threshhold with distinguished felicitations Salute! WILLIAM K. VANDERBILT Born December 12, 1849 Aurea nunc vere sunt saccula, pl auro Venit honos Ovid. There is probably no family name in this country that is so universally known as that of the Vanderbilts. Identified with our development and standing for commercial and social success, and. per sisting over two or more generations, it has held its own steadily To its most distinguished representa tive, therefore, we offer a health. We are glad to note, sir, that you keep your me out of the papers as much as pos sible, and, in contrast with some other millionaires we could mention, are not engaged in going about making a nui sance of yourself Your benefactions are not a matter for public display: your utterances are not made for self advertisement; your actions are never conspicuous May you live long and prosper. ARLO BATES Born December 16, 1850 Cum tabulis Horace, The English language has its slums, no Jess notorious than Whitechapel. That you have toiled among nouns and verbs as a settlement worker is surely worth while. And that an admirable spirit of lucidity has governed you, and pedantry has passed you by, is much to your credit. A list of your volumes attests your gen. eral worth. Philology has taken on a lighter but none the less distinguished atmosphere since you came to be. its younger brother. To be literary for so num censoris sumat honesti. Ellis O. Jones. Harvey Peake More of LIFE'S many years in the midst of Boston and still to survive, is an admirable achieve- ment. May time touch you as lightly as you have touched on some of the heavy problems of literature Here's to you! PTIMISM is the mask we wear be- fore our friends. “AGNES sat playing bridge all the afternoon with her back to a glorious mountain view.”” Yes. She is president of our Back tc Nature Club."* “DISPLAY NEXT TO PURE READING MATTER’? comicbooks.com