Howells, William

DEAN, novelist, was born at Martinsville, O., March 1, 1837. His father was a printer and the son learned the trade, becoming afterward connected with the Cincinnati Gazette, and the Ohio State Journal. He was appointed U. S. consul at Venice in 1861, and remained there until 1865, his experiences abroad being detailed in his Venetian Life (1866), and Italian Journeys (1867). In 1871 he accepted the editorship of the Atlantic Monthly , which he held for ten years. In 1886 he took charge of "The Editor's Study" in Harper's Magazine , occupying that position until 1892, during which year he edited the Cosmopolitan . Mr. H. has written many graceful poems, but his repuation rests upon his novels, in which field of literature he stands high among American authors, being the leading producer of realistic fiction. Among his many novels may be named: Their Wedding Journey (1871); A Fore gone Conclusion (1874); A Counterfeit Presentment (1877); The Undiscovered Country (1880); The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885); A Hazard of New Fortunes (1889); The Coast of Bohemia (1893). This is but a partial list, one of his most recent books being a work of Socialistic fiction, entitled Altruria , in which his acceptance of the doctrines of the Socialists is fully indicated. His works of fiction include also some minor dramas, notable for their humorous situations and skillfully managed dialogue, entitled: The Register; The Elevator ; The Parlor Car; The Sleeping Car, . How'land, SIR WILLIAM PEARCE, Canadian statesman, born in Pawling, Dutche co., N. Y., May 29, 1811; educated at Kinder hook, N. Y. In 1830 he removed to Canada and engaged succe fully in trade; was a member of the Canadian A embly (1857-67), and of the Dominion Parliament (1867-68). From 1862 to 1863, he was Minister of Finance; Receiver-General (186364); Postmaster-General (1864-66); Minister of Finance (1866-67), and of Inland Revenue (1867-69); lieutenant-governor of Ontario, (1868-73); was knighted in 1879.