February 23 Friday – Sam’s notebook: “To the pure all things are impure” [NB 43 TS 6].
At 30 Wellington Court in London, England Sam wrote to Alfred E. Ann, having second thoughts about another letter [not extant] he had sent.
Not because I said anything in it which is not true, for I didn’t; but because when I allow my name to be used in forwarding a mining flotation stock-scheme I am assuming a certain degree of responsibility as toward the investor, & I am not willing to do that. I have another objection, a purely selfish one: trading upon my name…would damage me. I can’t afford that; even the Archbishop of Canterbury couldn’t afford it, & he has more character to spare than I have (Ah, a happy thought! If he would sign the letter with me, that would change the whole complexion of the thing, of course. I do not know him, yet I would sign any commercial scheme that he would sign. As he does not know me, it follows that he would sign anything that I would sign. This is unassailable logic—but really that is all that can be said for it) …[MTP]. Note: The strike-through is included to further show Mr. Ann connected to mining interests—see Feb. 20 entry.
Alfred E. Ann answered Sam’s above the same day. He was in Finsbury, a borough of London. “Your letter just reached me. Of course I will not publish the letter if you object. I am just leaving for Eastbourne shall write you more fully in 2 or 3 days” [MTP].
Sam also wrote to Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in Kirksville, Mo. to express frustration with the doctor’s response to Sue Crane’s letter for Sam, and another by Livy:
By argument of two experiences of mine I suspect that your secretary is afflicted with the several infirmities usual to his guild: indifference, unfaithfulness, incapacity, discourtesy, & chronic fatigue. To one letter which was written to you by my desire [from Sue Crane] he returned an answer whose curtness, vapidity inadequacy would have discredited the house-cat. To another, which was signed by my wife (Mrs. Olivia L. Clemens) he has furnished no answer at all.
…
When does your school-year begin?
What are the tuition-expenses?
What is about the usual cost of living in the town—for a young man?
The young man is a Swede; is of fine character & capacities; has studied & worked four years with Kellgren and (under Kellgren) is now head of the establishment. While the principles underlying your system & Kellgren’s are the same, there are differences in the application of them: Wherefore this gentleman wishes to take your course & acquire your diploma as his purpose is to practice in America [MTP]. Note: Sam added the need for “a speedy reply” after his signature. See Dec. 22, 1899. The young man is not named; possibly Sam wished to help him set up in New York for the family’s disposal.