Life — March 31, 1910 — page 19: what you’re looking at

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

*LIFE: JOSEPH LINCOLN STEFFENS Bora April 6, 1866 “We had no Lincoln Steffens then,” said Joe Cannon re- cently, referring to the old days when there were only one or two American And zines. yet, even now, we can say that there is only one Lin- HOW TR, coln Steffens. The fine art of muck-raking Stetfens is born to the muck-raking purple nobody doubts. He possesses accuracy and AGNES REPPLIER courage. His “Shame of the Cities” was Boca Apeil 1, 1857 a great help at a national psychological mo- ment. Sir, there is much yet to be dor few reforms to undertake, a few peccadillos to correct. You are young. We rely upon you to complete the sum total of our perfections. Here's to you, Lincoln Steffens. May your birthdays never grow less in importance. There are unquestionably certain days in the y the unreliable fairies unite to display their delighiful incor sistency and at the same time their reckless generosity. This is why, doubtless. they selected All Fools’ Day to distribute so many gifts to such an eminent person and friend and contributor to this journal as we are now felicitating upon the attainment of an , other: birthd, WILBUR WRIGHT To have a sense of humor, a sound judg- Born Apel 6, 1867 ment and a supreme literary proficiency all Lire feels a sort of comradeship for Mr. Wright, inas- once is a great award from Nature, Yet much as it is the mission of each of us to overcome the effects Miss Repplier has ail these and more. Forshe — 6f too much gravity. Lire was first in the is a delightful human being in the bargain. eld.” The Wrights seem disposed at present to dispute the honors. But there is room ‘ 5 for both NICHOEAS MURRAY BUTLER To have enlarged man’s vision and given Been Apxil 2, 1862 him control over a new element is a con- siderable achievement, recognized as such by the French first and afterward the Amer- ican people. Mr. Wright, we congratulate you upon Our great universities have turned out, some exceedingly desirable citizens. Not the least of these is’ the head of Colum- bia College. Professor Butler has a com- bination of executive ability and certain your nativits, your:laventivenené ted pour qualities of style which entitle him to the . Eetraordinary ee ule Mayet bec per: fame of being one of our foremost educa- manent. May you remain simple and unspoiled, as becomes tors. He has cast some illuminating side a genuine artist, lights upon our educational system, and he Here's looking up at you! is held in much respect for the remarkable * ability he has shown in administration. your practical achievements. May your dren's questions, he is entitled to the highest degree any philosophical training never become so university can bestow. prominent as to interfere with your humanity. Salute HARRIET PRESCOTT SPOFFORD Born April 3, 1835 Madame, your name recalls to us a sense of our obligations. You have contributed so much to American literature and to woman- hood that your birthday is an occasion for many pleasant thoughts. We esteem you highly. We trust you will continue to dwell with us for many years. We delight to honor you. And we celebrate your birthday with our best wishes for your health and continued happiness. JOHN BURROUGHS Born Apal 3, 1837 Mr. Burroughs, our admiration for you takes on so many different forms that it is difficult to express ourselves with that simplicity of which you are such a delight- ful representative. In the first place, you have established intimate personal relation- ships with the animal world and a sympathy with and understanding of its many moods and atmosphere which would be alone enough to entitle you to our homage. Then, again, you are a lover of truth, and in you the simple life has required’ no learned exegesis to render it intelligible. Sicnding in the doorway of your forest home you are a lofty and imperishable monument to what is best in life, and this in the face of one of the most ex- travagant and luxurious of civilizations oe We love you, John Burroughs. Fit successor to Thoreau, SEEN. OFF 700 MUCK? may your fame he as enduring! “on, No! A CLOSE CUT IS ALL THE STYLE ON THe STREET.” comicbooks.com