INTRODUCTION. ་ ་ THE HE publication of this volume was not undertaken with the expectation that it would fill any especial place in the realm of Letters, nor that it would ever be very widely introduced into the libraries of the general reading public. It has been issued in compliance with a prevailing sentiment, among the many personal friends and literary admirers of LUTE A. TAYLOR, that his writings are worthy preservation in permanent form, and entitled to a distinction above that accorded to the transitory newspaper literature of the day. With these unambitious expectations, yet confident in this belief, the contemplated publication of this little volume was announced. I have been alike gratified and surprised at the general expression of satisfaction given that such a book was to be issued, and at the great number of orders already received for it. In the compilation of this volume there has been no attempt at any systematic arrangement of subjects, modification of ideas, or changes of phraseology. Although many of the articles it contains were written in the hurry always incident to the duties of the editor of a daily paper, and would, no doubt, have been more polished and pungent had the writer bestowed longer time upon them; yet we give them mainly as found, with the occasional changes made necessary where only a portion of an article is selected. The greatest embarrassment met with in compiling this work, has been to select from the great mass of materials before me such articles and extracts as most distinctly bear the impress of the wonderful genius, and give the clearest conception of the noble impulses and settled convictions of the writer. I have gathered up but a few "chips" from among many —all hewn out by the skilled hand of a master builder. But the "basket" is full, and I send it forth knowing it will carry good cheer and blessing to some homes and hearts, and, I trust, to many. H. A. T. HUDSON, WIS., February, 1874. LUTE A. TAYLOR. L' UTE A. TAYLOR was born in Norfolk, St. Lawrence county, New York, September 14th, 1835. His father died when Lute was but eight years of age, leaving his mother, with a family of five children, in destitute circumstances. He was, therefore, from his early boyhood, compelled to a life of toil. He earned with his own hands the means to support himself, and to acquire a thorough academical education. He very early gave evidence of excellent literary taste and abilities. In the fall of 1856 he moved to River Falls, Pierce county, Wisconsin, and in June of the following year he issued the initial number of his first newspaper- -the "River Falls Journal." In the spring of 1861 he removed the "Journal" office to Prescott, Wis., where, until 1869, he published the 'Prescott Journal.” In August, 1869, he entered upon a broader field of journalism, becoming one of the publishers and the editor-in-chief of the La Crosse "Morning Leader." This position he filled until a few months prior to his death. In his career as an editor he was distinguished by a keen wit, a bright and vigorous style, and great range of subjects. His fame was justly high, and his ability was well known and appreciated by a wide circle of readers. Mr. Taylor was appointed Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue, on the organization of that bureau of service, and very soon after, on the 1st of January, 1864, he received the. |