editoradmin
If – I Should Write a Book
by Frank Monroe Beverly
Freeling, Va.
Oh! could I sail to Bombay far,
And at her harbors look,
Or drink of Ceylon’s coffee rare,
Then I should write a book.
If I could tent in Labrador,
Traverse Prince Edward’s Isle,
Or hunt Newfoundland’s royal moose,
To write would be worth while.
If I could see the Klondike mines,
With all their yellow gold,
I’d hasten me to write a book
For fortune seekers bold.
If I could cross the snow-clad Alps,
Or see King Edward’s crown,
Then I’d do something – yes, I’d jot
All my impressions down.
Were I but great, I’d forthwith write
A book that all would buy;
Gold letters stamped on English green,
Attractive to the eye.
But I may write, since I recall
Some things I’ve seen so rare;
I’ve seen our nation’s Bell, and sat
In Washington’s old Chair!
The Cumberland Mountains
by E. J. Sutherland
SUPERB, in stately grandeur,
The Cumberlands stand hoar,
High-peaked, sun-kissed and rugged,
America’s Ben More.
Gay in their God-made beauty,
With forest flowers blest,
With trees and gurgling brooklets,
His powers to attest.
Past memories still linger,
And ’cross their wind-swept crest
Come echoes of adventure
From seekers of the West.
They’ve stood through circling ages,
And elements defy,
In Time’s wild sea, a bulwark,
Pointing to the sky.
Comes promise from the future,
Borne on a zephyr’s wing:
“The Cumberlands shall ever
Of mountains be the King.”
Southern Selection
by P. P. Cooke
Thou wast lovelier than the roses
In their prime;
Thy voice excelled the closes
Of sweetest rhyme;
Thy heart was as a river
Without a main.
Would I had loved thee never,
Florence Vane!
Editorial Scribblings
by Elihu J. Sutherland
Having identified myself with the fortunes of the Southern Amateur Journalists’ Association, I can think of no method more appropriate than editing an amateur paper to show my interest in the future welfare of that organization. In attempting such a venture as this, I am deeply sensible of the many obstacles that I will have to encounter to make it a success. I cannot banish from my memory the cruel and undeserved fate of many splendid journals in the past of our beloved Southland. The unjust criticisms and sneers of unsympathetic critics are making the lives of the young amateur editors very discouraging, and their ambitious projects mere “castles of air.” The seeming disregard and disinterestedness of the people of the South for such efforts at literary composition, are enough to cause the most sanguine and courageous spirit to waver and lose hope. Hence, I feel keenly the dangers in which I launch my first ship on the tempestuous sea of amateur journalism.
But the hope of being instrumental in helping a Southern amateur even the least bit, or creating one desire for the best in literature, or adding one whit to the interests of the S. A. J. A., presses me on to this undertaking, and should I succeed in accomplishing any of these ends, regardless of the destiny of The Virginian, I shall consider myself fortunate and my efforts not in vain.
I solicit the aid of all members of the S. A. J. A., all amateurs, and others interested in literature, in making a literary success of this enterprise. I do not expect to ever put this journal on a paying basis, but shall be well satisfied to be able to conduct it on the basis of “making both ends meet.”
I wish, also, the aid of amateur editors in guiding me aright. If I should fail to edit it up to the standard of your ideas concerning the conducting of an amateur journal, don’t fail to remind me of it. I shall appreciate any hint or suggestion that I can use to make The Virginian more hopeful.
With tears for the fallen, much joy to the successful, cheers for the surviving, kind wishes for the striving, and best hopes for the future of the S. A. J. A., I dedicate The Virginian to the amateur literature of the South.
Read the contents of this little paper carefully. If it interests you, and you would like to know more about it or the S. A. J. A., write me, and I will gladly inform you on any point I can. I have the honor of being a member of the S. A. J. A., and the Virginia member of the Activity Committee. Occupying this position, it is my duty to secure members for the S. A. J. A. I want to enlist this year every person in Virginia who takes an interest in journalism and literature. If you take any pride in writing, if you love to scribble down your observations, etc., let me hear from you at once. I solicit your correspondence. If you have any at once. friends of literary inclinations, send me their names and addresses – I want them – S. A. J. A. wants them.
The Virginian
An Amateur Journal
Elihu J. Sutherland, Editor, Tiny, Va.
Subscription… 10 cents per year.
Short Mss. on literary topics, poems. and history solicited.
Address all communications to the editor.
Exchange desired with all editors.