Life — January 25, 1917 — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

‘LIFE: The Winner of the $500 Contest in Criticism THOUT a dissenting vote, the judges in Lire’s Con- test in Criticism awarded the prize of five hundred dollars to the following contribution: 'Y acquaintance with Lire began in Ireland, in 1896. 7 A passing tourist dropped a copy in the road. We children picked it up, carried it home, marveled at it and treasured it till its frayed pages no longer held together. Later we came to America. We remembered Lire. It was the first periodical regularly to enter our home. It still comes. “An Irishman never’ reasons.” So you will not expect a logical or judicious criticism from me. But the intuitions of an Irishman, like those of a woman, “lead aright where reason leads awry.” Sometimes Lire treats things that are sacred to us in a flippant way. Its editorials occasionally have a cock-sure tone that grates a little. And there is a trace, now and then, of that provincialism which makes New York and New Yorkers ridiculous. But, in the main, Lire is versatile, virile, vivacious. It contains more thought provokers to the square inch than any other paper on the globe. It has a kindly humor, rides no tiresome hobbies, and is unafraid; istanding four-square for true Americanism and fora ‘preparedness which will conserve both peace and jonor. Best of all—it has a great, warm heart. Had it nothing else to commend it, its labor of love for suf- fering childhood, both at home and abroad, would win for Lire and hold for life the chief place in our affec- tions. A check for the amount of the prize has been sent to the writer, who is Mr. SHamus O’SHaucunessy, Walnut and N. E. Seventh Streets, Leavenworth, Kansas. After the preliminary reading and re-reading of the two thousand five hundred and sixty-two manuscripts complying with the rules of the contest, the final selec- tion narrowed itself down to fifteen contributions. Three of these have already been printed; that of Mrs. John Russell Young, 1513 L Street, Washington, D. C., on page 1152 in the issue of December 21; that of Barr Moses, Brandon, Minn., on page 1192, issue of December 28, and that of Elliot Field, Cleveland, O., on page 92, issue of January 18. The others of the fifteen follow. Eighty-one contribu- tions were rejected for failure to comply with the rules, which were very simple and printed repeatedly in these Pages. The reading of these comments sent in by Lire’s many friends and apparently few enemies has been both a creator of conceit and a chastener of pride. Above all, it has been instructive. Never in the history of publishing has an editor been able to get so near to the opinions of his read- ers. In some cases the affection shown for Lire has been really touching to those who do their best to make Lire what it is. It is Lire’s regret that it was not feasible to award the prize to every contestant. The unsuccessful ones must take the will for the deed and with it Lire’s grateful ap- preciation for the kind words and—as a result of others not so favorable—Lire’s resolution to try to be better than ever before. EAR LIFE: Birmingham, Ala, The work of your artists is the greatest factor in your popularity and influence. They excel in sentiment, satire and humor. With the exception of Arthur Guiterman’s verses and occa- sional contributions from other sources, your poetry is medi- ocre, You have the sanest editorial writer, the most discriminat- ing dramatic critic and the most brilliant book reviewer with whom I am acquainted. Save for the writings of Edward S. Martin, Metcalfe and Kerfoot, your original prose is, for the most part, drivel. It lacks spontaneity and wit. It shows a striving after smartness that is not attained. Your attacks on the medical profession are unjust. Haven't you ever known a country doctor, Lire? I cannot help sym- pathizing with you in your attitude toward the vivisectionists, although I fear you do not give them the benefit of the doubt. I commend your independence, your intolerance of sham in high and low places, your patriotism and your faith in hu- manity. Typographically you are a delight. printer. And had you a thousand faults, dear Lire, I would still forgive you because you love dogs and little children. My hat’s off to your Tuxedo Park, N. Y. “ JN all thy aspects whether grave or mellow Thou'rt such a touchy, testy, pleasant fellow, Hast such a lot of wit and spleen about thee. There is no living with thee nor without thee.” EERE LIFE: Douglas, Ontario. One tam I peek up a papair they call Lire. It ees a goot papair for sum and a bad papair for sum more. The goot that is in it is on the wrappaire, maybe I dunno—but all life she's just like dat, with the goot on the outside and the bad if she’s dug up too mutch. One tam I like Lire; one other tam I not so pleased—but one tam I like myself and another tam I keek myself hard. Lire she’s just like dat. I can’t make her bettair—nobody can—I can’t make her worse, so I say “ Bon Santé.” Yurs truily, Hart Moors. comicbooks.com