Anna Dickson General Correspondence Robinson, Aggie Day and Edith Day 1908-10 & und.1/ 141. Washington St. Hempstead, NY. Sep. 13, '08 My Dear Never Forgotten Friend: Will this letter too go out, as have so many others to different points in Penn. & New York, trying to trace our A.E.D.? But no answer, has come, so I have not known whether you were too ill to answer,or, what was likely, had no heart to. But friends are for dark days, & dark days come to all of us. Life is not according to our likings or plans. it will not bend to them I have found. These Sept. days bring thoughts of dear mammy who found her release in [U???], & I am drawn by the ref?????ed letters from you, I kept. You had just recd. a photo. of Edith & wrote "and so this wonderful & booful little creature is yours? Well, she is lovely & looks as if she had plenty of brains with her beauty, & must be a delight to you now, & a great big comfort in time to come" Just that & I have been very busy trying to fit her for this2 light of Ann Arbor days, when the little home sheltered the family circle, & honored guests, who are among its brightest recollections. I tell my 'onliest,' Edith, of those times, & she is almost a sharer in them, though then undreamed of, how she is, at 22. The hope and light of this house. One of my last 3 world, her work in it & hope she may leave her little mark on it, if it is only in the impress she may make of cheer, kindness & a disposition to view life with a level eye, &, keeping true & pure. Her success in newspaper work has been marked. She is one of the few women on the N.Y. Times, & its owner says one of its valuedones. The other day "Town & Country" offered her the editorship of a publication they are taking over, but heallth first, & I prefer a modest guarantee weekly, to overburdening young shoulders. This is a sport-loving community, & there is a lot of athletic news for an out-door girl to send in; polo she knows, & has a wide acquaintance here, having grown up in Hempstead, N.Y. we moved here when she was two years old. You remember Ike Fiskie? He is not well, & stays in a N.C. Sanitarium most of the year, as his sisters have been abroad with another 4 brother still more delicate who has died lately. Ike was with Scribner Sons for years, then went to his brother who was our consul in Italy, returning after a long stay abroad. The pines & firs of N. C. seem to agree with him, &, with the excellent care of the Doctor of the Sanitarium, who has been a personal friend for over thirty years, he is able to keep out of chronic invalidism. We receive delightful letterssuch as only Ike could write. With the Doctor he takes long horseback rides, as both own horses, & pictorial postals come to Edith-from all over N. Carolina. Prof. Tyler, the sunny one, has "passed over", with the majority of old friends. If you receive this I wish you would send me a line. Mr. Robinson has not been well 5. for a few years but we are hoping that he will be better some time. Business troubles tormented him for years. A dishonest but old-time family lawyer looted the estate, & there was distracting trouble for years but I try to put that in the background. It has not been easy living up to my early determination not to hug the past, but lookforward, as women are not prone to do. May this be recd. I am not sure of the address ever, & believe me, unfalteringly, Your old friend, Aggie Day R.141. Washington St. Hempstead, N.Y. Jan. 18. '09 My Dear: I send a message, that has been in my writing-desk for years. It was not needed to remind me of you, but there always comes at the holyday season, freshened recollections of the old friends, the old home, -precious recollections.We - Edith & I, went to Roslyn, in Nov. to hear Mrs. Harriett Stanton Blatch. She spoke for Mrs. Clarence Mackey, before the school children, & we were invited. Col. George Harvey went over at the same time. I never supposed Geo. Wm. Curtis could have so worthy a successor, on "Harper's". I told my Edith that "Dicky" 2 If there is anything I can ever do for you, (we know several influential publishers, editors, & dramatic men, who love to do really kind things,) do not hesitate to give a faithful old friend the situation. In this revival of the woman suffrage question, I often think what a power you could be in their camp, as speaker. ought to be among these women, they would honor her so warmly, & she would again come to her own. Edith says I have brought her up on fairy tales', Mother Goose', Aesop's fables', and delightful tales of Anna Dickinson." Dear child. She has needed the happy recollections of her mother's youth, for she has not had as good a chance at happy times in hers. But she has a happy disposition for all that. "With dear love, to A.D. from A.[?S.]" (R)No.1065. Forest Av 11.12.1909. To Mrs. A. Day Robinson Dear Aggie Day, when the hasty exit was made from the hospitable home I said, "in about two weeks, will hope to continue this." ------ Am in town, but not for the pleasure of more talk -- not yet. -- I have been postponing the purgatory of Dentist-- Chair till now, December near, I must delay no longer. Just stick it out! -- Mrs. Ackley here had, and has a deal of business on hand and has gone -- to come -- and away again. -- Before long we will, camp for awhile, and I shall let you know at once, so that you, andthat dear girl of yours, will come over to break bread and hold conference. = Anent the named Edith desired for someone -- I have not found the last address, and the find would be of no moment, as she will perceive when she quite knows the story from start to finish. = I said, and out of the hasty summary she probably understood, that all I wish is a suitable publisher for a [record?] that needs no vouchers. From opening to close I am plaintiff with legal and tested evidence -- proof for the right man to see and be satisfied, and then to fruit for any and all to read -- We are making much ado over Continental Law and Procedure. Here is a story of American justice and methods to make people of any Civilization sit-up and take note. = "Things" can be enlarged when we next hold conference. = I will write you again, soon, of our doings. Meanwhile will [you] let me hear from you. -of your own and your rooful girl's welfare? [?] desires her best regards to both. -- You will observe this is not a letter, -- just a line of connection. -- May it find you in health and content. -- My love to both. Always, Anna E DickinsonAggie Day Robbinson 141 Wash". St. Hempstead NY Nov. 21. 1909 Dear Dick: Well, it is nice to be writing you again, & I meant it should be last Sunday, but a niece of Charles Dana's came in & she remained, & even then, the afternoon & evening were not long enough to tell me her pet views, for she is a Socialist, aTheosophist, a Childculturist, a Naturepathist (Boston school), a vegetarian, & she is very bent on my being all five. I, who always have ,& always will let what I d'ruther, & who never had a qualm of dyspepsia in my life. My only idea is that the stomach has its limits, & should not be overworked. After she left I went to bed, after some crackers & beer, with my offspring people who have attained maturity under healthy-minded, & bodied, -- parents ,of clean lives & sound hearts, are poor material for theorists with anaemic bodies, & long tongues. I like this lady, but she is white as chalk, & the only person I ever wanted to cram with rare beef. It is so with Brisbane. He is very well, but always proclaiming about the injury of corsets, & howchildren sh. be reared, + how people sh. be brought up in communities, + live together +c. It would be hard to find a man who has a greater horror of company, or who is more of an aristocrat. I find so many theorists inconsistent in their living. It is a lot harder to live up to a few righteous ideas than to talk a multitude of them. Edith went to Binghamton the 3rd of Nov. for a week. She was nervous + full of lassitude. The shock of her father's death is still present, + it was well to break up home associations. Sunday is our hardest day to wear through. It was only seven weeks ago to-day he went out so stalwart + strong 5 in the early morn. to be brought back in eternal silence. We are very quiet + keep very busy. Work is the helper through the days, but the holy days will be difficult. Next Thursday we are going to get out of here, early, prowl around N.Y. hear Father Robertson with a girl-friend of Edith's, + get home safe. Robin was one of those men who loved the "great simplicities," the woods, the water, + above all home, + the little family. These were his world. The only thing that shook him was being away from us. Edith is much the same. Atnight there is but one spot for her, + that is home. Well. I have been fortunate in knowing, + being associated with men who hated uncleanness, + slander, + gossip. Nothing would make Robin look more uncomfortable than a bit of a malicious gossip breaking out about man or woman, + people did not talk it before him often. Edith used to tease him about it but he declared there was enough for people to do without blackening each others names + reputations. "shipwrecking them by a dry tempest"- he called it. We have not forgotten you for a day, + will do our little best, to talk up, + work up to what is best. Modern means will have to be employed, for the world movesalong different lines, & we have to use the modern machinery of "pull", & influence. One of the greatest blocks with Editors is that they are only slightly interested in any subject more than 24 hours old. The mill of present day events is grinding so rapidly that they declare they cannot give their precious "space" up to any thing, subject, or person, in the past, however interesting. In the Dec. "American" Mag. you see the same spirit in "Keeley" of the Chicago Trib. That is what Edith dreads more than any other point in endeavoring to interest editors or publishers. "Abuses", they say, "of course, but, our hands are too full now." I want you to come [*some Sunday p.m. & stay longer. Regards to Mrs A. with love, Aggie Day R.*]W/ Mrs. A D R =12.6.1909. Dear Aggie Day, Mea Culpa! - You know I never was an eager penswoman - and I have not advanced on that line! - Truly tho’ you [did] have not heard from me because I thought some how — here or there — to see and talk with you, - but after all, I doubt that profit and pleasure forming till after the Holidays. - Mrs. A, is absorbed by Xmas [business [beegenes] business and I shall scarcely see her till the Candy tempest has passed. = No. - It would be a vain effort to outline the book. In a way it is too complicatedmany things boiled down - and packed in. - The only way to understand What it really is is to read it, but before that is accomplished I will write for more covering it. = I wish Hempstead and the Bronx were not so difficult - well! - Will have to accept facts as they are, and"Personalities" Some Court Recordsds [not of the Libel [?]] Will see more of you I am sure with the New Year. = I hope your dear girl was rested and refreshed by her outing - and is "trig." - And that you are in comfort and health, Mrs. A's best regards and my love to both, Always ADDec. 15" 1909. My Dear Dick: The days come & go very quickly, and one of the things in which I am permitted to rejoice is, that you are in reach of tongue & pen. I still preserve the little cards of greeting you used to send on the holy day season, & have often looked at them since &progress, also Edith being tearingly busy with some extra work on a Polo Almanac they have asked her to edit. It is stupid, but will pay her, only she has to earn it, works day & night. After the dummy is prepared for publication there will be breathing space - maybe. Have you seen those bad postal cards? "It is just one d _ _ thing after another." Well, while one can't say "There's my sentiments-" there is a lot of truth in it. Keeping up this little house, with plenty of our sewing, & minor cares, leaves only time for sleep. But I shall try to push in even some of the occupied time on a few little stockingless children, though our means are less this year & we wondered if we would meet again. Few Christmases have passed that I have not sent an inquiry in some direction. Many have gone to Goshen, but I said "once more" as I had often done in years past, & at last, the Pittston P.M. sent Mistress Susan's's address, & suggested that I bombard her. Well, it is over, & may there be better days, if best days are now in our wake. We are trying to edge nearer to publishers, but the season is against must do less. We had planned since last year to have a real tree for the little forlorn people, & give them, besides candy, & a gift that made them feel happier, some ice cream & cake. [Mr. Robenson had the little electric bulbs all ready, but his going alters everything this chastened Christmas. He loved children especially poor little ones very much, & looked forward to giving a dozen of them a tree of their own, & two friends were going to bring them here, & take them for a ride afterwards in their motors. So it goes, in this life. As Mother used to say, "The mean people are spared & the big-hearted, who plan for others' joy are stricken down, Personally, we should both feel relieved when the season is past. We want you & Mrs. Ackley to come out on some Sunday p.m. & spend the night. It seemed forlorn to have 2 you tramp away into the darkness, bound for the Bronx at 10:30. My thought followed you, the change at Jamaica & L.I. City in the late eve. Come next time in the daytime, & go away the next day in the light, & we will have a chance to say more than "Howdy, & Good Bye." Last Friday p.m. we went in to hear Gadski & Flahaupt in Il Trovatore at the Metropolitan. The Brisbanes sent Edith tickets, & Mrs. Thursby, (Arthur B's sister) was my companion - in. She spoke of you, & said "I wonder what has become of her?" & was deeply interested to know you were still on this old footstool & very much alive. She is the widow of an Englishman & is on here to be with her two brothers.The younger brother has always been an invalid. Arthur B. is of course devoted to the Hearst interests, but for all his brains, his enthusiasms are in making money in real estate, & farming. He has 6000 acres in Allaire N.J. a deserted village he bought, & property galore in town. His cousin, Seward Cary is in the Astor interests, as his mother was an Astor, & her Brisbane inherited from his father more than one million in N.Y. City property wh. has doubled & quadrupled & more since Albert Brisbane's death. He is a dynamic being, boiling over with energy & action, but never is the main chance sacrificed. To me, he seems more of a [?] than an editor, though he succeeds in both. They have two houses here, the big house he has now rented to Seward Cary for two years, & the cottage, adjoining the [O.H.P. Belmont place, where they keep up quite a bit of state, though on a smaller scale. We are the only individuals in Hempstead they cultivate, having a large circle of [?] & foreign friends continually coming and going. Beresford always makes his house with them when over here. I would be glad if they became interested in you but like so many of these people, their time is always jammed full of engagements. [?] makes [?] go to Chicago once a month, & he has to travel more now than on the old [contracts?]. Do you know much of McClure's policy? He takesabuses that are existent & makes them a stench in the nostrils of the public. The magazine is now on five subjects, including the white slave traffic. Do you know him personally. If so, tell me a little about him. I wish we could interest three or four prominent men with Miss Tarbell, as the influential woman, in the cause of getting a good publisher. I believe in enlisting influence & affluence, if the two can be combined. That was one reason why I wanted Mrs O. H. P. Belmont to meet you, & get interested. She is very sharp, & business-like, & will fight shoulder to shoulder, &, with her pocket-book, for any one who speaks a word for her pet cause. Mrs Thursby told me that Mrs Belmont's income was over $250,000 before O.H.P left her more than $1,500 000, & all his securities. We wish you & Mrs A. could come out here the p.m. of Dec. 25 - & stay over night, or will Mrs A. be too tired from her business campaign? With love, Respectfully, Aggie O. R.Hempstead, L. 1. Jan. 27th 1910 My dear Mrs. Ackley: There are many things that I could not say yesterday with Miss Dickinson growing instantly more excited, and in face of the growing interest of the clerks and customers in the store. There are further things I could not, would not, say to her that you with your business experience will understand. But do not think that because I managed to be as polite as I felt I ought to be under the circumstances, that I did not go away smarting from the way she expressed herself. And I am smarting yet. I understand that it was not directed at me personallybut at my work. It is one thing, Mrs. Ackley, to say that if Reicke's intuitions were good he could insert the paragraph in the Saturday Supplement that Anna Dickinson was writing a book. It is quite another thing to intimate that he['ll] or his children will rue the day if he doesn't. People are not doing things at the point of a club. More points are gained by courtesy and control than have ever been gained by vituperation and threats. That newspaper business is as plain as sunlight and night. In the first place all this feeling against Reicke is worked up on circumstantial evidence so far as I can see. He was on the Herald at that time, [twenty] nineteen years ago. He [was] is about forty-five now. What power has-2- any newspaper man of twenty-six on any paper? Anyway, granting he was forty-five then - there is one notorious fact that nothing on earth can change - if there is one thing in the world which papers fight shy of, and have [been] done so since the beginning of newspapers time, it's Libel. The fire of Hades has no comparison with it! Those newspaper stories were near never printed - with the newspaper men back of them believing them to be false, - the Hon. Ambassador notwithstanding A Man saves his own skin before anybody else's doesn't lie - and the price of a Libel suit is a man's job. They were given every reason to believe they were true. Why didn't they send reporters to her? Because Dr. Seward and the combined forces of other such reputable (?) people were on hand to say: "You can't rely on anything she says - utterly unbalanced - will say anything - terribly unfortunate thing." She was taken from her home in a sensational manner, there were other sensational occurrences and every effort was made to foster the impression. Certainly they believed theywere printing the truth. Suppose the Book is published. What makes circulation? Book Reviews in newspapers. If the papers have wronged her why should they not be used to put her back? I noticed too, yesterday that the impression was prevalent that I wanted that Interview on my own account. While it would do me a certain amount of good - it was not that which made me wait an hour for the Interview which made me so uncomfortable, - as the deep desire to see a brilliant woman reinstated. If I took the wrong tack in my first effort that was my misfortune. It is with a sense of regret for the whole thing that I make my report to this man who , throughout his whole career, has carried with him the reputation for absolute squareness. That is the predominating thing, of all the things, that is said of him. I am at sea. From her attitude yesterday she [was] is entirely independent. It is evident that it must be done in One Way. If anyone I might put her in touch with, - say this man who has been so long in Harper's, the Vice-Pres. of Appleton's who lives here; Miss Tarbell - should offer suggestions, and they were met with the whirlwind I got into yesterday. - I am sure it would be dropped. They'd feel like they'd gotten hold of a hot poker - as I did. Poor me, I felt like crying "What have I done?" I am very frank; I am equally sincere, Yours as ever, E.D.R.Hempstead, L.I. Jan. 1, 1910 My dear Miss Anna D: It was sweet of you remember this offspring of your old friend and I appre- ciate with all my heart your thought of us. These little bits of paper that stood for so much in "the old days "shall be valued highly in "the new days" by this child, believe me. I was telling a littleyou might some day like to meet. She is very enthusiastic, very loyal and has been very successful. I have not forgotten, you see. Hoping to have the pleasure of seeing you before long, and Mrs. Ackley, beleive me with all best wishes for the New Year, Sincerely Your Friends' Daughter and Friend -- Edith R. friend, who is a very successful magazine writer, about you the other day. She is quite young and her father who is now dead, doubtless interviewed you many times in the "old days" in Chicago. She was Really interested and as it is possible she might get in touch with some Chicago publishers. That candy was bully! Jan. 2. 1910 Hempstead, N.Y. My Dear A.D. This time I am going to have my little session with you undisturbed. This is the third letter that has been commenced & “circumstances over wh. I had no control” &c, jumped in, & hauled away my “quiet hour” with you. I seem to be in the line of picking up old & prized associations this [*The Brisbanes sent an enormous basket of fruits, flowers & jellies, & some poor body sent us some mignonette in bunches, bless ‘em. So we felt we must be cheerful.*]season for Ann Arbor has waved a signal or two & who sd. wigwag from Watertown N.Y. but our old friend "Fiskie". He used to be in with the Scribners for years. then went abroad & was with a chorie spirit of a brother who lived in Italy most of his life, first as consul, then from choice, as his health was delicate & he cd. not stand the rigor of any cold. Fiskie is very like him & it is in the South he sojourned. Bret Harte liked the original being & always wanted him to have the place when he [*Tell Mrs. Ackley if she comes down town to look at the "Swananoa", 105 E 15th St.*] came. They hit it off well together, & Harte said he only wanted to see a little more of him to put him in a sketch. Fleeting is fame "I met a dramatic critic (sure) the other day who had never read Bret Harte's earlier stories or any other of his "Much as he could do to keep up with the virile current fiction," he said. I felt justified in making so much of a fuss that he promised to read [*Perhaps we cd. get better rates if she likes the flats. We know the man who controls them, or has room here. They are reasonable.*]"The Luck etc." The next week he came around hugging the book & saying he did not wonder I was dazed by his ignorance. Now mind this critic is no chicken. But Harte's later writings were not of the quality of the first & he was just displaced by the fiction volumes & magazines that overwhelm this age. We got through the holydays, pretty well, owing to the thoughtfulness of friends who wrote, called up, & sent messages of cheer. Dear Dicky, are you giving to Edith precious mementoes that are almost too valuable for you to part with? It is like your generous heart & I know one of your hardest trials is not to be able to be as lavish as of yore. Thank you. She will prize them. [* Love &, A. D. R*] [*Delicious candy may the Ackleys prosper. Bless 'em. *]Tues. Jan. 18, 1910 141 Washn. St. Hempstead, N.Y. Dear Dicky: We like your Mrs. Ackley, she is staunch with heart of oak, & raised up for you at the time when you most needed her. We also like her practical mind. She sees every loopholeloophole of advantage. Edith says she was evidently not built as a handicapper, but belongs to the "pushing & a shoving" class that helps one to attain an object. Backed in one direction she would waste no time in lamenting, but turn to another point with unabated vigor. I could even imagine the incomprehensible "Susan" somewhat afraid of her. Perhaps you never have cold toes. If so, give the socks to some one whose feet will not warm up in bed, without a bit of help. We are cold-footed creatures here. anyway, don't thank any body for them. They are not worth it.we will hope to see more of you when the child has a better chance to chat. This week she is reading galleys at the printers, but always has time to think, & play & hope, & map out for you, 'in her moind's eye'. With your, & Mrs A's help, she is bent on your "arriving" somehow, somewhere. But we believe in the "bird in hand" & have learned not to build wholly on hopes, or glimmers of light. Both are necessary, but there are preliminaries, then timbers, & Edith says she wants every step on solid ground, then she can stand on proofs & snap her fingers at the rest. Enclosed Brisbane's ed's. He sent a big check to Mrs O. H. P. B. for the S.W.-strikers. With love, A.D.R. Hempstead, L.I. Jan. 14, 1910. Dear Mrs. Ackley: Could you meet me in the Waiting Room at Sterns any morning before 11 o'clock, some day next week? The note received this morning from W. C. Reicke of The N.Y. Times is of interest and importance. He is very close to Mr. Ochs and is really a great man in New York journalism to-day. I am afraid I have named a bad time.The trouble is I cannot be sure of my own time after that, when I am in town. If there is any place I can 'phone you making an appointment, upon arriving in the city, let me know. Let me hear from you as soon as possible - please. Yours in a rush, but Faithfully, Edith Robinson=No.1065 Forest Av. (Bronx) NY City. 1.9.1910= Dear girl,-Mrs. Ackley has passed on to me your information and your request.- In substance is it not what we talked over in the hospitable parlor? --I never "hankered" after interviews, and for nineteen years I have had reason to refuse things so called when offered me-with eagerness of various.--Like that of the Herald of April 1891 in which a stupendous mass of lies was used in2 my name to cover another stupendous mound of murderous libel of which I knew nothing. - printed by the Herald in February. Your Mr. Reick was then Mr. Reick of the Herald. - What possible guarantee would I have, not matter how honest and faithful the interviewer, that the matter would not be garbled? or used to stab me in the back? - For twenty years, - almost, - I have known "Newspaper Row" only as a murderer. I would need proof it had reformed 3 before I trusted myself to it's hospitality. =Incidentally you speak of the book. - Raymond, or Noah Brooks being there the Times would have items, without the necessity of formal interview - to the effect - that Anna Dickinson is writing - or, has about completed a book anent individual - (not merely political) - Personal Liberty in the United States to which the readers of the United States, may well give attention." = You know this has nothing to say against your beautiful zeal. -4 if you held the key to the door?--but you do not! In past time more than one friendly and ardent young soul has come to me - saying, with tears or rage, "'I will never ask you for another interview." You know what I turned in last night, -and you know what the paper printed this morning our Mr so-and-so said there would be an Ed. Note." -And of course there was none--or a thing to pervert, or poison all the truth that might be in the "interview." =Mrs. A has gone out of town- went yesterday, - and it is 5 only because I was very busy in ways with her you failed of this screed this morning. I hope it will come to your hand tomorrow, and that it will find both well and happy - with love. Always Anna E Dickinson To/ Miss Edith Day Robinson 6 = Dear Girl, - I have written the letter so that you may use it, if you so desire, at your discretion. And I will write you more another time. - This is sent now, in haste, that you may not look for it longer = Tell dear "A.D." her "booties" are fine, fine, and that I will thank her for them and will write her a letter presently - With love to both AED To /E.D.R.Thurs. p.m. Just received your letter to E.D.R. who is in town correcting "galleys." Wrote you last eve when will Mrs A. be home again, so you can both come out, if this weather holds good? Faithfully, A.D.R. [*Albert out Sunday*] [*much interest in learning again of you*] (Postmark reads: Hempstead, NY Jan 20 6-30P 1910) Miss Anna E. Dickinson 1065 Forest Ave. The Bronx, New York City[*In 'phoning you will get the Central in the Building who will put you on Mr. Thomas extension wire and his sec. will answer. Just ask for me.*] 60 WALL STREET. NEW YORK. [* 615 H - John*] January 25, 1910. My dear MissDickinson: I have your letter of the 19th inst. for which thank you. I may not have the Key to the Door but I understand better than you think I do. I have put myself in your place and I know I should be fearful but I should not let fear rule. I can't imagine an old hand at the game, "crying tears of rage," - even a woman; you can't surprise 'em as a rule by anything. May I come up to-morrow afternoon. It is about my only time. I go to the Oculist at 12:15 and will be at the Office of J. B. Thomas, Jr., above address at 1:30 until 2:30, possibly longer. Would it be all right for Mrs. Ackley to Phone if it is all right to come and how to get there. I'll never be able to find the way. If either of you happen to be shopping do let me meet you that I may be guided up there. You speak of my "request" for an interview. Dear Lady, it is in your interests too you know; your interests are my interests, because Aggie Day was your [g]friend and happens to be a Mother of Ours. Besides, we like you too. (Which subtelty is charming) When you knew W. R. he was a servant of James Gordon Bennet. To-day he is his own master. [*If he had to carry the policies of the Herald with him everywhere he went, he would not have the position which he occupies on the Times today.*] Yours Faithfully, Edith Day RobinsonHempstead, N.Y. Feb. 10" 1910 Dear Dick: Have I not waited long enough after the ans. to my aforetime letter? Here comes the "tracer". Been busy this a.m. preparing for some young people on the 12" who love to come to the country, even in winter. One of them is Edith's former secy - when she was running "Town & Country", Frank Harper formerly of the "London Chronicle". He came over to get along faster in America, & when she got through with him, she gave him a letter to the Outlook people, & he has landed in that office as Roosevelt'sSec"y, receiving his mail, forwarding &c. of course, he has "arrived", & he always has an interesting budget about his chief, when around. Besides, it is diverting to hear his views about the "Americans". We must be equally amusing to the newly-arrived Englishman. How does the prospect open for the book? Mrs. Ackley seemed to think you would be perfectly willing to make suffrage as a "leader", to a place that had been worked out to bring you in personal contact with two publishers. Knowing that you had been interested in every thing concerning women, especially suffrage, it was my idea to take advantage of the present question in which women of influence & affluence are interested, & have you ride to your object on that wave, using it for that purpose. Once in their midst, & apparently a factor, you would be in contact especially with Col. Harvey, whose heart is deeply interested in the matter, and could aid your own cause by word of mouth, after a little. The three publishers I have seen did not know you were living, & each wanted to see you backin the world discussing present-day problems. When E. returned to The Times Office, Col. H. was there, waiting for Mr R. to go with him to a dinner at Mrs Mackay's & talk over the suffrage programme. She told Mr R. that you were unwilling to talk over it, & there was nothing to be said. He offered to speak to Mrs. Mackay, but said it would not be worth while unless you were interested in her favorite subject, then it could have been easily arranged to bring you forward on your pet project. It had been arranged that with a little publicity, they could go on to your plays - with Adolph Klauber. My heart was quite Hempstead, N.Y. set on that place. It seemed so direct a way to the book, in which I have become interested, now. You know every dept. in a newspaper has its own staff, & they never encroach upon each other, because they do not want favors asked by the rest. Mr R. has no more to do with the Sat'y Review than I have, nor as much, because I occasionally get an order to review a book. He belongs on the City Dept. & everything passes under Mr Och's final O.K.-ing. Mr R. might pass on an article, but if Mr O. had another one on his table, that hethought wd. interest a greater number of readers, the first wd. be dropped. It is a matter of comparative judgment, & selection, for a limited amount of space. Four literary men edit the Sat..'y. Review & the rest of the staff know nothing about it, & obey the unwritten law of "Hands off, every Dep..t. except your own". Few outsiders know the difficulties & the hedges growing up between the different departments. Being solid with one does not make you in the least so with another. One of the Journal's best workers was a Washington girl, Mary Manning, who had worked with them six years. She told me that it was two years before she saw Brisbane, & six months before she cd. reach him, on a grievance she only knew of. He was overwhelmed with just his daily routine. We have been to dinner here, at his home, & know that he never answers the telephone after 6 p.m. That is time set aside for reading & editorial work, & he usually works till 3 a.m., often 4 a.m., & goes to town at 9.30. The pashas of Turkey are easier of access. The Sun people are better, but when Edith goes there it is always an appointment a few days old. Mrs. Belmont called up last week about 7,30 p.m. but the Brisbane telephone maid explained that his evenings were reserved, & no messagesreported till morning. The Times people seldom see Mr Ochs. He's up on that last floor of the tower, guarded by two doorkeepers, & every column of the paper is shot up there, with a mass of "stuff", always more than five times enough to fill that "space", all of which has a charge upon it for Telegraph Tolls, & much of which must be rejected. Of course you are used to people saying, If there is anything I can do, permit me &c. But I can tell you that Prof. Tyler trained me to help him, & I was with him while he was getting out his History of American Literature. He was good enough to say that I had a knack of putting a light behind an idea, placing the verb where it did the best execution, & shortening the sentences so that each contained an idea, standing by itself - distinct. I have done a lot of that work since, & if you ever want to try me on a chapter, & see how you like the results, all typewritten, here I am, anxious to help, gratis with faithful love. Aggie D.R.NEW YORK, 45-47 PARK PLACE BOSTON, 133 OLIVER STREET BUFFALO, 45 NORTH DIVISION STREET PHILADELPHIA, 1010 WALNUT STREET PITTSBURGH, 803 LIBERTY AVENUE CHICAGO, 559 JACKSON BOULEVARD COLUMBUS, 313-315 NORTH FRONT STREET INDIANAPOLIS, 117 GEORGE STREET ST. PAUL, 41 EST THIRD STREET OMAHA, 1018 FARNHAM STREET DES MOINES, 203 WEST SECOND STREET CINCINNATI, 128-130 OPERA PLACE DETROIT, 24 WOODBRIDGE STREET EAST ATLANTA, 23 EAST MITCHELL STREET DALLAS, 301 ELM STREET PORTLAND, ORE., 18-20 FRONT STREET SAN FRANCISCO,218 SPEAR STREET CABLE ADDRESS "AMPRESSA NEW YORK" TELEPHONE 6890 BARCLAY American Press Association. FOUNDED BY MAJOR ORLANDO J. SMITH COURTLAND SMITH, VICE PREST. AND GENL. MGR. MAURICE F. GERMONF, SECRETARY-TREASURER WILLIAM G. BROGAN, ASSISTANT GENL. MGR ALBERT BERNET, SECOND ASST. GENL. MGR. General Office 45 and 47 Park Place New York. Earle Hooker Eaton, Managing Editor) EHE Feb.16,1910. Mr. A. D. Robinson, 141 Washington St., Hempstead, N.Y. Dear Sir:- I have received your favor of Feb. 11th, concerning Gerald Prime's article entitled "Women Who Knew Lincoln." I regret very much if any incorrect information concerning Miss Anne Dickinson was sent out in this article, and if anything further is issued concerning her in our service I will endeavor to have it prepared in conformity with the view inspired by you. In her best days Miss Dickinson was a very brilliant woman, and I would not knowingly cause her injustice or pain. I wish to thank you for your kindness in calling my attention to this matter. Very truly yours, Earle Hooker EatonHempstead, L.I. 3-16. 1910. My Dear Mrs. Ackley: The vice-Prest. of Appleton's who lives here, wanted to know the character of the contents of Anna's book, & if it was ready forreading, type-finished, &c, &c. He said otherwise no steps cd. be taken, or, the work considered, as a publisher would be on terra incognita. I could not tell him. I have written A. twice, first rending her the note of the Assoc.d. Press Ed. who supposed she was ill & incapacitated from work, as do most people, even as did Miss Tarbell. He said he would see that nothing of that kind got by him again, in a second letter. mine was the first denial he had seen, during his incumbency as Ed. I offered to help her with the typewriter, or in any way I could, gratis. Go over it withher if she wished. I doubted whether she would be willing, but offered any help in my power. I would not have proposed the suffrage way of leading up to the people who are so influential, like Col. Harvey, but thought from what you said she would be perfectly ready to do it, or any thing to reach the book matters. It was the first thing E. ever asked anything of The Times, & they granted it very willingly, but it was trying to work it up to that point, & have it fall through so absolutely. She felt very badly going back to tell them it had. I wanted you both to come out here the day Miss Tarbell is here, but not a single word from A. Perhaps she is only interested in me on acct. of that book, but I hope not. It would be so easy to reinstate her, & have her plays read to the Times critic, who would be interested, but her help is needed in creating a situation, & one must be sure. I hope the article will come out the 20" in the Amer. Magazine Yours A.D. RobinsonHempstead Long Island Dec 18th Dear Mrs. Robinson Thank you very much for your interesting letter. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed Il Trovatore the other evening-- If there is any opera that you would particularly like to hear this winter, will you let me know what it is and I will try &get the seats for you - I very often have them and it would be a pleasure to give them to you - It is very interesting to hear that Anna Dickinson is still living and that you have seen her - My father knew and admired her very much - She was a remarkable, and a very noble woman - I hope I shall have the opportunity of seeing you after Christmas for I am not going away for the holidays - Yours very sincerely Alice Brisbane Thursby [** You see you still live in the minds of the "elect." Destroy this please. It came with yours this a.m. Am busy making & filling 2 stockings for a little Italian & a little darky at Nassau Hospital - orphans. Love & - as ever - ADR.Hempstead, N.Y. Dear Anna: When I am asked - - what is the nature of Miss Dickinson's Book, I answer "Personal Liberty, in America". Is that right? &, will you give me a skeleton résume, because that is what is wanted, & I cant' [*Just tell me about the book, its possible length or size, & is it ready? With faithful love, Aggie Day R. *]that point is passed, one of the Harper men said, an argument is weakened that relies on 'busive language. We find no opposition thus far, only surprise, and, a great deal of interest. Edith is going to dine with Mrs Weldon Friday, & they are going to talk together. She believes that if you would talk in a parlor on some theme beside the object nearest your heart, it would be the shortest way to wake up publishers, & having them coming to you, rather than you get very far I find, without it. They want to know not only the character, but spirit of the book. Is it cool, dispassionate, or does it abound in the "deadly adjective", or, is there even vituperation of individuals, (not boards, or corporations, that is expected to the point of reasonable limit,) afterseeking them. She says, "Miss Dickin is coming back into another world; one where we all have to compromise, the most successful of us. Where we have to see out strictures altered, our work 'edited' by the being who publishes, and who from long & costly experience refuses to put his neck into the noose of any possible libel. It is better for him to sacrifice a best seller rather than spend his days worrying over a work he feels may sacrifice him if the public falls upon it tooth & nail, on the other hand, if he takes it, you have big backing in his 'house', & can afford to let some pet ideas tumble, for the main object. Will Miss D. be willing to do this?" Mrs Weldon is a fighter too but she says -"it don't pay - in getting your way. There are other methods that short-circuit a tussle now. She is influential with literary people, & is interested deeply in you. It is, as with Edith. Glad to help, but, her experience must weigh with the child, or she could not assist. The same spirit is brought into this. The ground must be worked first, & women will help, but first she wants to know how much the one interested will cooperate with the judgment of the majority.has had to drink deep of bitter waters, & had to learn many lessons that to her must have been more than difficult. She has taken a fancy to Edith, & when I rec..d. a snub from a snob out here, at the Nassau Charity Hospital Ball, she was mad as fury ' over it, & tucked that woman's name away in memory for future lack of attention & publicity (so dear to climbers) with "never mind, Child. That class of cats can never forgive a There may be not one question you would not agree on as to ways & means. She is more masculine than feminine, & has had a tough row to hoe. An unworthy father, a good mother, a bad husband. to support in a sanitarium, & all looking to her. The father, after month of illness that nearly finished the mother, died a little while ago, but Mrs Weldon woman for being younger & better-looking. Next time I shall refer to her as the wife of a well-to-do farmer in North Hempstead who deals in fancy breeds of cattle". And yet- Marie Weldon says she hates to have a woman allow the feminine to get the upper hand!! One of Edith's good friends is a man next to Col. Harvey & he is becoming interested. All this sowing may not result in reaping, but we certainly shall try. I met on Sunday a Mrs Lonergan whose husband was on the Chicago Tribune when you were on the Lec. platform. She was amazed to hear that you were alive & well. Her daughter does a lot of free-lanse work on "The World", & can be counted on - absolutely. Says Nixola G. Smith has problems enough at home without taking up those of her ancestors or any others. Bess Lonergan is worth knowing. Her brother was manager of The American for a long time. They are always having a [*shake-up on the Hearst papers. Brisbane works only on a 10 yr. contract.*]