文档介绍：Billy Baxter's Letters
Billy Baxter's Letters
William J. Kountz, Jr.
1
Billy Baxter's Letters
PREFACE
In presenting this work, we believe that an explanation is due the
reader as to why the letters are given in their present form at this time.
The first book published, "One Night," was "issued by The Duquesne
pany to show its great love for the American people,
and to incidentally advertise the 'R--R--S--.'" Its ess was
immediate.
"In Society" appeared February 1, 1899, and scored as promptly as
"One Night." The demand for the booklets was phenomenal, and Mr.
Kountz received thousands of friendly letters applauding him for his
humor. He also received flattering offers from the ic
weeklies, the metropolitan dailies, and great advertisers throughout the
Union. He declined them all, being primarily a business man, and
carrying literature only as a side line.
On May 1st "In Love" was given to the public, with the promise that
"In New York" would follow on October Ist. On the evening of August
9th, William J. Kountz, Jr., turned to the writer of this preface, and
referring to "In New York," said: "Well, I'm through, all but going over
it." He never returned to his office, and on August 18th he died in the
room where he was born not quite thirty-two years before.
We then conceived the idea of putting the letters out in their present
form, as a last tribute to the author, who in less than a year's work lifted
himself into a place among the nation's humorists.
We have reproduced only such of the prefaces and advertisements as
have been widely discussed for their humorous quality, and which the
author's friends insisted should no be omitted.
The two heretofore unmentioned letters were discovered after the
author's death, and are published in the rough, as they were found. "Out
Hunting" is based on a trip which actually took place, and from personal
knowledge contains a good deal of fact. It was doubtless written before
"One Night,