Life in Maine

The steamer Pemaquid made its way across the waters of Penobscot Bay and came to land. John William Davis disembarked. On the dock waiting for him was Charles Dana Gibson, his host. The creator of the Gibson Girl, the publisher of Life, was there despite his physician's orders. A recent illness had required him to guard his health closely, but friendship and hospitality had temporarily overruled the art of healing.

The Democratic nominee for the Presidency had come for a rest on the Gibson estate. "Seven hundred wonderful wooded acres to think in for the next ten days!" exclaimed Mr. Davis.

Publishers have always been the friends of Presidents and Presidential nominees. Consider such publishers as lately have been the friends of statesmen -Colonel George Harvey -Edward Beale McLean. Not such a one is Charles Dana Gibson. In the first place Life differs in the seriousness of its pretentions from the North American Review and The Washington Post. Not that Life is out of politics, because it presumes to smile at it. Life knows politics and takes part in it. Life has played its part in many fields. The least of these may be anti-vivisectionism, the greatest may be international cooperation.

The coupling of a politician with a new type of publisher and new type of paper tells something of the character of each. John W. Davis sees the humorous side of life. Doubtless Life will see the statesman-like side of John W. Davis.