The Argosy, Vol. 82, No. 3 — page 201: what you’re looking at

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

THE LOG-BOOK. in the subjoined letter. I am very glad to give it a place in the Log-Book, and thoroughly appre- ciate the compliment the writer’s determined efforts to master our stories implied. Mr. Lanz surely cannot complain over what the author does for Ole Swensen in “ Solid Ivory ” in this issue in spite of its title. Rock Island, Illinois. I have been a constant reader of THE Arcosy since the same month I came to this country seven years ago. The first copy I came across I found on the farm where I worked. I did not know a word of English, but I had a Swedish-English dictionary, so I set to work and translated as I read. Believe me, it was some job. After the day’s work was done I went to my room and read THe Arcosy with the dictionary at my elbow. It took me two months to read that magazine, but I was richly rewarded for my trouble, for I never read any book in the Swedish language equal to THE Arcosvy. I cannot see why people have to do so much kicking about the stories they don’t like. They ought to know that they cannot expect all stories to be to their liking. I have read many stories which I did not like, but why kick? Some one else might like them. But you always find kickers wherever you go, people who cannot live without kicking; and if there is nothing to kick over, they kick anyhow. I think that “A Mys- tery of Roscoe Conkling Park,’ which I just finished, is “ bra,” and I hope you will have more of the same kind; but watch the kickers ad- vancing. In some of your stories I see that where there is a Swede in it, he is always an ignorant, bull- headed scoundrel. The author must judge the Swedes by himself. ' HERBERT LANz. THE SPRINGFIELD TALE SCORES. A LONG-DISTANCE HIT From far-off Central America a doctor sends these words of praise for the book-length novel of Springfield, Massachusetts, by George Foxhall, which was the feature of the February Arcosy. Letters of this sort convince me that I am on the right track in demanding from my authors stories that reflect human nature. No matter, then, in what locality the scene happens to be laid, their work will ring the bell wherever it is read. Galeras, Olancho, Honduras, Central America. Many thanks for ‘‘ Why there was a Murder on Pearl Street,” and to Mr. Foxhall thanks for Peter and Peggy. If you could keep this tale as a standard and size up other contributions by it, you would, indeed, stand high. I am sure no one can read this novel without being the better therefor, in spite of the blood-letting included therein. Would there were more Peters to meet a Peggy. More power to Mr. Foxhall’s elbow. Witiiam C. Rosertson, M.D. THE MOVIES NOT IN IT WITH THE ARGOSY Who said the movies were hurting the maga- zines? A howl went up not long since that 575 motion pictures were going to put the speaking plays on the shelf. Yet the New York theaters have just had the most successful season they have enjoyed in many years. All of which is in- troductory to the second clause in the last sen- tence of Mrs. Haughawout’s letter below. San Francisco, California. I have been reading THe Arcosy for sixteen years. My husband was a dentist in Iowa. One day a dental-supply man came into the office and left me his Arcosy that he had just finished. Nuff said. That was in 1900. I have never missed a single copy. I have often wanted to write to the Log-Book, but lacked the nerve. When I get my Arcosy I turn to the Log-Book first, then hunt the shortest stories. I just finished a short story in the April number, “Who Is Charles Avison?” by Edison Tesla Marshall. I sat on the edge of the seat while reading it. Would like to have long stories by same writer, I like stories of the improbable, desert islands, and stories of the Far East. I liked “The Brides of Sana.” Robert Royhe (April Log) says: “‘ Don’t give us any more such tales as ‘The Brides of Sana.’” He didn’t like it, but I wonder if he ever thought other readers might. I have found stories in THEe Arcosy that I didn’t care for, but I didn’t get my hammer out. Somebody else that paid his dime might like them. I didn’t like “ Claim No. 1,” but not a knock. I thought it the poorest story ever published in Tue Arcosy. Yet I personally came in contact with people who thought it fine. Hawkins I never read at all. The best story I ever read in ARcGosSY or anywhere else was ‘The Moon Maiden.” I simply went dippy over that. I am sorry that we have lost Fred Jackson. His “ Winged Feet” was his best, I think. I think THe Arcosy writers are all good, and [ would give up a movie any time to buy THE ARGOSY. DOESN’T ETTIE HAUGHAWOUT. NOTICE WHO WRITES THE STORIES Here’s the first kick against serials since I have cut them down to three parts. Novelettes take the edge off the book-length, but I now and then give you, you will note, an extra long short story, _ such as “Twelve a Week Short,” appearing this month. Falco, Alabama. I have been a reader of THe Arcosy for about seven years, but have always bought it at the news-stores until now, when I have decided to subscribe. While I am writing I wish to register a hght kick against the serials. Not against the stories, for they are good; but against the manner of publishing them. When I order a meal, I want it all at that time, and when I begin to read a story, I prefer it complete and not dissected. * One book-length novel, a good novelette, and several short stories is my idea of a modern ARGOSY. I notice quite a fuss about certain writers, and for the life of me I can’t see why. It is seldom that I ever notice who has written a story. If it is in THe ArcGosy it is worth reading, so I pitch right in. .OO (E@)