Vol 3 Section 0554

498                                                                        1901

“Yes, I think so—decidedly.”

“A manufacturer putting up soap, beer, whisky and the like under the label used by another manufacturer would be guilty of the same thing, wouldn’t he?”

“Yes. No difference between counterfeiting, be it whisky or a book.”

“Do you think it a important thing for an author to preserve control and title of his books?” “I certainly do,” replied Mr. Clemens positively. “I consider it very important.”

On cross-examination the witness admitted that when he said that certain acts could properly be classed by certain terms he was not speaking from a legal or ethical point of view, but merely giving the ordinary definition of a word.

When his examination was concluded Mr. Rives stated that he would waive verification of the testimony and Mr. Clemens’s signature.

“I will have him read it,” said Mr. Gurlitz, “and make any corrections necessary.” “You’ll have a hard time getting me to read it,” said Mr. Clemens. “Don’t you ever read your own productions?” asked Mr. Rives.

“Never, when I can get a proofreader to read it for me,” was the rejoinder.

The hearing was then adjourned for one week, and Mr. Clemens made his escape with all speed.

March 14 ThursdayAt 1410 W. 10th  in N.Y.C., Sam wrote a postcard to Frances A. Ramsay,

stenographer, hoping she could come the next day at 2 or 2:30 p.m., as he had an “accumulation of letters” [MTP].

March 15 FridaySam’s notebook: “Stenographer, 2 or 2.30. 7.30-engaged” [NB 44 TS 7].

March 16 SaturdaySam’s notebook: “Male teachers of N.Y.? 6.30. I better go at 8.15. / Irving Bacheller there.

Hotel Albert. Van E. Kilpatrick. Carriage will call for me at 8.15. General topic, Training of a citizen” [NB 44 TS 7].

The whirl of speaking engagements continued with Mark Twain talking at the Hotel Albert for the monthly supper of the Male Teachers’ Association of N.Y.C. The New York Times, Mar. 17, p.2, reported:

MARK TWAIN ON TRAINING THAT PAYS

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Speaks at the Supper of the Male Teachers’ Association.

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He Says that He Intended to Build Sixty-five Libraries, but Changed His Mind.

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The regular monthly supper of the Male Teachers’ Association of the City of New York was held at the Hotel Albert, East Eleventh Street and University Place, last evening. About 150 teachers from all the boroughs were present. George H. Chatfield, the President of the association, was the toastmaster, and the principal speakers were State Superintendent of Schools Charles H. Skinner and Samuel L. Clemens, (Mark Twain.)

Dr. Skinner was the first speaker introduced, and he spoke on “Patriotism for the Young.” He told of the patriotic exercises used in all the public schools at least once a week. Among other things he said: “Our schools must make our citizens, and our richest assets are our children. In these times, under present conditions, citizenship means a great responsibility, a very great responsibility to put on our boys. Our Republic has changed its place from a doubtful position In the line to the first place among the nations of the earth. We have told the world that we care not for contest, but that barbarism cannot be practiced in the Western Hemisphere. Today we do not care to own Cuba, Puerto Rico, or the Philippines, but we do want to keep them from the dark rule of a barbarian people.”

Mrs. Clemens was then introduced, his subject being, “Training That Pays.” In part, he said:

“We cannot all agree. That is most fortunate. If we could all agree life would be too dull. I believe if we did all agree I would take my departure before my appointed time, that is if I had the courage to do so. I do agree in part with what Mr. Skinner has said. In fact, more than I usually agree with other people. I believe

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