He expressly
disclaimed in my presence any "attitude" toward the world, for the very
simple reason that his relation toward all peoples had been one of
effort at comprehension of their ideals, and identification with them in
feeling. He disavowed any colour prejudices, caste prejudices, or creed
prejudices--maintaining that he could stand any society. All that he
cared to know was that a man was a human being--that was bad enough for
him! It is a matter not of argument, but of fact, that Mark Twain has
made more damaging admissions concerning America than concerning any
other nation. Lafcadio Hearn best succeeded in interpreting poetry to
his Japanese students by freeing it from all artificial and local
restraints, and using as examples the simplest lyrics which go straight
to the heart and soul of man. His remarkable lecture on 'Naked Poetry'
is the most signal illustration of his profoundly suggestive mode of
interpretation. In the same way, Mark Twain as humorist has sought the
highest common factor of all nations.
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