Vol 3 Section 0428

Sam’s letter (undated) to the Committee of the Gutenberg Celebration in Mainz, Germany ran in several U.S. newspapers—in the New York Journal and Advertiser as “Tribute to Gutenberg” [Camfield’s Bibliog.]. See Apr. 5 and Apr. 7 entries. Here is the reprint from the Marietta (Ohio) Daily Leader of July 18, 1900 p.3:

Dear Sir—Your request to have me contribute my mite to the Gutenberg celebration is both a pleasure and an honor. The world at large unhesitatingly admits that Gutenberg’s invention is the grandest event in profane history. It helped to create not only a new world, but also a new hell, both of which for nearly five centuries it has annually provided with new experiences, new ideas and new wonders. It found Truth erring about the world and gave it wings—but Lie was also roaming and managed to appropriate two sets of wings. It found Science persecuted and hiding in dark corners, but it gave it freedom on land and sea an din the heavens, and made it the welcome sum of human study. It found but little art and industry, but it added to them year by year. It made its inventor, who was shunned and despised, great, and gave him the mastery of the globe. It transformed religion, which was then the all-powerful ruler, into a friend and benefactress of mankind. War was then comparatively cheap, but of restricted effect; now it is very expensive, but gives more satisfactory results. It has brought freedom to some peoples and thrown others into slavery. It is the founder and protector of human liberty and yet it has fostered despotism where formerly it was impossible.

Whatever the world is today, good or bad, it has become through Gutenberg’s invention, which is at the bottom of it. And yet we offer him our homage, for what he said in his dreams to the angel of wrath has been fulfilled, and the evil caused by his grand discovery has been a thousandfold balanced by the good with which it has blessed humanity. Very truly yours.

MARK TWAIN

Note: The Daily Leader credited the Mainzer Zeitang newspaper for the article. Mainz (Mayence) Germany was celebrating the 500th anniversary of Johann Gutenberg’s birth. His actual birthday is unknown (because it couldn’t be printed in the newspaper until he invented the printing press!)

June 26 Tuesday – Sam’s notebook: “ McClure—to meet Philpots? No answer? / The Halls— 10 p.m. / Muriel Elliot, 3 p.m. / Concert. ? / 8 Salle Erard 18 Gt. Marlboro st W. / PLASMON 11 Cornhill, 12 noon. ” [NB 43 TS 19].

June 27 Wednesday – Sam’s notebook: “J.L. Adams & Mr. Cadenhead 11. / Mr. Provand, M.P. Will meet us in the Lobby 4 to 4.30. / Tea on House of Commons Terrace. / Mrs. Hincks, 7.30? / Central London RR Opening. Meet in the Booking Hall at the Bank Station at 2.30. Train leaves at 3” [NB 43 TS 19].

At 30 Wellington Court in London, Sam wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore, to thank and assure that they would “partake of your hospitality when we come.” The date of their return to America was still indefinite. He knew the ceilings in the Farmington Ave. house would have to be repaired before they could occupy, but their plan was to spend the fall and winter in New York. He would not pay for “that embroidery from Bacon,” as he did not order it. He furnished the new Dollis Hill House address, and hoped that he would move “in a day or two” [MTP]. Note: the Bacon reference is unknown. July 2 was the move-

in date.

June 28 Thursday – Sam’s notebook: “Thursday 12? / Skrine, dinner—hour not specified” [NB 43 TS 19].

John Y. MacAlister wrote to Sam on The Library letterhead, where he was editor.

Herewith a letter I have received from Bram Stoker in reply to my request for an opinion as to the value of a hypothetical play. Shall I endeavor to clinch the matter by proposing such terms to P.? [Penley] As his “generous” offer has not yet crystallized into ink and paper I have arranged for Cyril Maude to consider it. Frankly, whatever Penley’s offer might be I should prefer to have it taken up by such a company as Cyril Maude’s. It would be more appropriate to his theatre and they would do it more justice.

When you answer please return Bram’s letter as it is well to file these things, and I expect you would file it in the fire [MTP].

SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.