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Editorial
February 17, 1908
The Brownsville Daily Herald
Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas
What is this article about?
An editorial in The Herald defends Mark Twain against a circulating press story accusing him of a petty swindle by selling the same stray dog twice for profit in the 1860s, involving General Nelson A. Miles, deeming it libelous and beneath his character.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1908.
MARK TWAIN LIBELED.
Mark Twain told how he got something for nothing one day in the early sixties when he needed the money. He walked into a hotel and was petting a strange dog. General Nelson A. Miles, who chanced to be present, offered him $10 for the canine.
"To be frank," said the humorist to General Miles, "I haven't really got any right to sell you this animal, but if you'll give me $3 you may take the pup away when I'm not looking and I'll not tell who took it."
The bargain was closed, and General Miles took the dog to his room. A moment later the dog's owner inquired for his pet, and Mark Twain offered to find the animal for $3. The humorist then went to General Miles' room and explained all, had the dog returned to him, gave the army officer back his money and returned the canine to its original owner, thereby making $3.
The foregoing story about the great American writer named is going the rounds of the press.
Many admirers of Mr. Clemens would be glad to have him deny it. With some, the alleged incident may pass for a clever trick.
In truth, it ascribes to Mr. Clemens a piece of petty swindling which might do credit to a Bowery crook. THE HERALD refuses to believe that Mark Twain ever soiled his fingers by taking another man's money by such a dirty trick.
MARK TWAIN LIBELED.
Mark Twain told how he got something for nothing one day in the early sixties when he needed the money. He walked into a hotel and was petting a strange dog. General Nelson A. Miles, who chanced to be present, offered him $10 for the canine.
"To be frank," said the humorist to General Miles, "I haven't really got any right to sell you this animal, but if you'll give me $3 you may take the pup away when I'm not looking and I'll not tell who took it."
The bargain was closed, and General Miles took the dog to his room. A moment later the dog's owner inquired for his pet, and Mark Twain offered to find the animal for $3. The humorist then went to General Miles' room and explained all, had the dog returned to him, gave the army officer back his money and returned the canine to its original owner, thereby making $3.
The foregoing story about the great American writer named is going the rounds of the press.
Many admirers of Mr. Clemens would be glad to have him deny it. With some, the alleged incident may pass for a clever trick.
In truth, it ascribes to Mr. Clemens a piece of petty swindling which might do credit to a Bowery crook. THE HERALD refuses to believe that Mark Twain ever soiled his fingers by taking another man's money by such a dirty trick.
What sub-type of article is it?
Press Freedom
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Mark Twain
Libel
Swindling
General Miles
Dog Story
Press Circulation
Moral Character
What entities or persons were involved?
Mark Twain
General Nelson A. Miles
Mr. Clemens
The Herald
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Defense Against Libelous Story Of Mark Twain's Swindle
Stance / Tone
Strongly Defensive And Moral Condemnation Of The Story
Key Figures
Mark Twain
General Nelson A. Miles
Mr. Clemens
The Herald
Key Arguments
The Story Portrays Mark Twain As Engaging In Petty Swindling By Selling A Dog Twice
Such An Act Would Be Unworthy Of A Great Writer Like Mr. Clemens
The Herald Refuses To Believe Mark Twain Committed Such A Dirty Trick
Admirers Hope For A Denial From Twain