
Our literary people are all agog over Mr. Howell's attempted
dethronement of Scott, and the preference which he assigns to
Tolstoi over the "Wizard of the North. Mr. Howell's has used a portion of your general
indictment of all the old-world literatures viz that they are saturated in the
aristocratic spirit—and lack that enthusiasum for democracy which the coming
literature must have. Could you not give the public your views on the subject which
is now cleaving literary Boston in twain? If you would not do this would you be so
kind as to give me your private view—I would not publish it if you so desired.
If you desired to submit
a ms. on the subject to the papers or magazines here I would be glad to present it
for you and would get you the best possible terms. You do not now remember
me—I therefore give as references—Mr A. H. Stephenson 214 Chestnut St Philadelphia—or Rev. Dr. A. A. Livermore Meadville, Pa.


