Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1891 — Whitman's Novitiate. [ARTICLE]

Whitman's Novitiate.

Whitman’s life has now covered 71 years. From 1819 to 1855, at which last date “Leaves of Grass” was first published, Whitman’s experience ltad been most varied, always in the line of the preservation of those primary rugged qualities which are the background of great events or great persons. He had been builder, type setter, reporter, teacher, editor; and through the associations thus brought had penetrated the shallows and deeps of American character. Losing any part of these, of travels North and South, of contact with class and mass, would have meant loss to the great poem and to Its prevailing spirit. If you speak to him about these potent influences, he will speak to you of the importance of things which history forgets. —New England Mcujazinc.