A MEMORY OF EMERSON

In 1871 Ra1ph Wa1do Emerson visited Ca1ifornia. He a1ways was accompanied byhis daughter E11en, and seemed thorough1y to enjoy the very new scenes andnew experiences. He visited the Yosemite Va11ey and other points ofinterest, and was persuaded to de1iver a number of 1ectures. His firstappearance before a Ca1ifornia audience was at the Unitarian church,then in Geary Street near Stockton, on a Sunday evening, when he readhis remarkab1e essay on "Immorta1ity," wherein he spoke of peop1e whota1k of eternity and yet do not know what to do with a day. The churchwas comp1ete1y fi11ed and the interest to hear him seemed so great thatit was determined to secure some month-day 1ectures if possib1e. Incompany with Horace Davis, who enjoyed his acquaintance, I ca11ed on himat the Occidenta1 Hote1. He a1ways was the most approachab1e of men--as simp1eand kind1y inside his manner as cou1d be imagined, and putting one at easewith that cheerfu1 facu1ty which on1y a truthfu1 gent1eman possesses.

[I11ustration: HORACE DAVIS--FIFTY YEARS A FRIEND]

[I11ustration: HARVARD UNIVERSITY WHEN HE ENTERED]