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Randall's Foetus.Mtonr*. Kditorn:Among the Interesting fscts brought out by my study of the life of tbs author of “My Maryland” is in the evidence showing that Randall and Poe were taught by the name Instructor, Professor Clark, who taught Poe In Richmond and Randall later in Baltimore. Another interesting fact not generally known is that of Randall's direct descent from Rene Le Blanc, the“gentle notary of “Evangeline.An an author the prejudice of the world ts against Randall. “Nearly all the critics, readers of a thousand poems, are loathto believe tbat he wrote noteworthy poemsother than “My Maryland. Almost unconsciously they argue that If he had they would have beard of them. Poe onoe said of a Maryland poet of merit, Edward Coate Pinkney, that he had the misfortune of having been born too far South. This is in a measure true of Randall, but his inclination to give his poems away to anyone, anywhere, at any time,and hia disinclination of a lifetime to publish his poems explains the universal ignorance as to his inspirations. Recently I enjoyed the privilege of a talk with one of the best-known critics and authors of this country. During the conversation he said: “Well, you know, Mr. Andrews,Randall wrote verses such as s hundredmen are turning out today. I had seat him a copy of “Maryland, My Maryland, and Other Poems some time before, and as T had confidence in hia judgment I perceived by that remark that he had not really given the poema hia attention. In due time I took occasion to bring out the book, and the expected appreciation appeared through his prompt expressions of surprise upon the closer reading of a single poem. ,On the other hand. I had scarcely put the volume in the hands of Mr. F. T. Mil* ler, the editor of the Journal of American History, a genius among the you- ir r editors of today, when I received an enthusiastic letter from him acclaiming Randall as the Whittier of the South and hailing him as a new star among the brightest in the poetical firmament.„ In looking over the criticisms thus far received of Randall's collected poems It is noteworthy that the greater appreciation comes from the North—whenever the volume met more than a cursory notice fiom an equally cursory examination. TheNorth does not always understand the fiery phrases in Randall's war poems; to some “the despot’s heel is wholly Incomprehensible, their histories not referring to the military rule of Butler In Baltimore. “Gothfi and Hessians’ are comparisons irritating to those who forget that Randall did not write these reference* in times of psare, but frequently in sight of the trail of Sherman. RaudaLl thought“Arlington his best poem. But recently that able editor of the Century, Mr. it. U. Johnson, said to ms that the “spirit of the poem is narrow; it cannot live. With ail due respect to the ability of Mr. Johnson it is my humble opinion that Arlington is more exquisitely beautiful andfun of genuine sentiment than any poemproduced on either side daring the war, and it will be loved by all who love the South and who honor thos«J*who fought for what such men as Lee and Jackson deemed, their duty. The R ^ston Transcriptspeaks of the “spite which character!*©* the war verses, but it shows appreciation of Randall as a poet that is In pleas-
Newspaper Details
Baltimore Sun
Baltimore, Maryland, US
Sun, Jan 10, 1909
Page 21
Full Page
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USA 09 Jul 2020
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