CORRESPONDENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 288, 6 December 1890, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

PATCHWORK AND PLAGIARISM. VAN DEUSEN OR DESMOND— WHICH? (To tho Editor.) Sir,—Mr Desmond en'Jeavoura to wriggle out of the dilemma in which Mr Kelly has placed him, by claiming that the "Zoalandia" article " was written before the 'Twentieth Century' came into existence," andfurtherclaimethat tho "Twentieth Century " article is badly condensed from his own. In this morning's '' Herald "he repeats tbis assertion, and issues a distinct challenge to anyone who questions hie right as author of " Christ as a Social Reformer." 1 accept the challenge, and think that a plain statement of actual facto will fully substantiate Mr Kelly's charge, and convince any unbiassed individual that the Desmond article ie a very bad enlargement of the article by Van Deusen, and tbat Mr Doemond has wilfully deceived an unsuspecting old man, whose lose from active political life we all deeply deplore. I first met Mr Desmond on the night of January Bth last, and in conversation with that gentleman spoke of the " Twentieth Century," an d the fact that I subscribed to that magazine. Mr Desmond made a request that I should lend him some, to which I readily consented. A few nights af terl lon t M r Desmond some 40copies dating from 12th January, 1889, on to tho end of that year. Amongst them was a copy of the issue of 27th April (I had twenty-five of that particular date sent by the editor for distribution a3 sample copies). Theee papers were in Mr Desmond's possession for some time, and on returning them Mr Desmond said in substance as follows :—" / have kept one copy, as / want to copy an article which is in it on ' Christ and Social Reform. , " This particular issue was in his possession for a considerable time longer, and then returned (singly). I looked through it and found that it was Van Deu« sen's article which had been referred to. Shortly after this Mr Desmond told me that he was writing an article entitled •• Christ as a Social Reformer," and later on told me that he had sent ib to "Zealandia" for publication. At this time I was in constant conversation with Mr Desmond, the article was fully discussed, yet never a word was uttered about the article having been going a-begging for publication, or that Van Deusen had plagiarised it. Desmond lent me a copy of " Zealandia," and I recognised much of the phraseology, sentiment, etc. Upon the appearance of the pamphlet, I procured an early copy, compared it with the article in "Twentieth Century," marked the parallel readings, and circulated it amongst a number of gentlemen who are well able to judge of the merits of the case. This was a fortnight ago, and I have nob seen either "Twentieth Century "or pamphlet since, but was told on Wednesday last tbat an account would appear in the Star of an early date.

The above narrative is absolutely true in every particular. I shall not reply to any further denial which Mr Deemond may choose to make—it ie my word against hie, and an unprejudiced public must j«dge for themselves which is best worthy of credence. Van Deusen'a article appeared in April, 1889, Mr Deamond's in June, 1890; this gives fourteen months priority in favour of Van Deusen.

In this morning's " Herald" Mr Desmond says that he sent the MSS. to T. L. McCready of the " New York Standard," and repeats in the " Tribune," with the added statement that T. L. McCready was intimately connected with the " Twentieth Century." This ie so palpably an afterthought that ib only needs calling attention to to be seen. T. L. McCready is dead, and "dead men tell no tales." Why did

not Desmond give names in his hasty denial to the Stab 1 Further : T. L. McCready did not join the "Twentieth Century" till August, 1889, four months after the appearance of Van Deusen's article. I have written this from a deep respect for the memory of T. L. McCready, admiration for Van Deusen (a wealthy Now Yorker, whose purse and pen are at the service of humaniby), and from a deep love of truth and justice.—l am, etc., H. Cowley.

Kyber Pass, December 5,^1890.