Review of the Book

Progress and Poverty
by Henry George

Henry C. de Mille

[A letter to Henry George, 19 July, 1892]

Reading Henry George's book Progress and Poverty aloud to his family, Henry C. de Mille was deeply impressed both with the beauty of its style and diction, and with its economic argument and spiritual fervor. Accordingly he wrote George a letter from Pompton, New Jersey, dated 19 July, 1892, in which he expressed enthusiasm for his doctrines, and stated his own dramatic intentions.

My dear Mr. George: No-one can read your irresistible argument as to the cause of Poverty --- the modern Box of Pandora --- and particularly the latter part, in which you show that the moral law coincides with the economic; no-one can feel the heart throb, that pulsates through every line for the woes of mankind; no-one can witness and sympathize with the fortitude of that faith which induces a man to take up God's banner in a cause which nothing but faith shows him is not lost; no-one, in short, could have written the concluding chapter of 'Progress and Poverty,' and think it an unnecessary act on the part of a reader and faithful student, to drop you just this word of assurance, that the seed is not all thrown upon stony ground.

"I believe God, in his good time has placed your book in my hands---In my hands do I say? He has done more. He has placed it in my heart. Its principles are what I have dimly and confusedly been stumbling toward, over the wrecks of political economics, systems, and 'isms.' It seems to me to be the most practical demonstration of two truths --- 'God is Love' and 'The laborer is worthy of his hire' --- that have been my sheet anchor since the time I began to read God's word as expressed in his tables of stone, the stones of the earth and in the tables of the hearts of those holy men of old, who spake as they were moved by the Sacred Spirit. It does seem to me that, as Paul says, 'in these latter times also God has spoken to us.'

"I was struck by the title of the Duke of Argyll's essay --- 'The Prophet of San Francisco.' How unconsciously our enemies speak the truth sometimes. 'Nazarene' was spoken as a term of reproach. It is rather a proud title now for one to wear.

"I believe that a prophet has spoken; that a man inspired with the truth of God's Kingdom and an appreciation of his Kingship wrote the words of 'Progress and Poverty.'. I tell you so, because I know the value of a word of cheer to the toilers in the cause of light, and the comfort it brings to one in the advance guard, where the stones are sharpest and the briars thickest, and the way darkest, that another recruit has joined the band of strugglers, another has started to raise his feeble torch to illumine the way. When I had read the first half of 'Progress and Poverty,' I wrote (with the aid of my German suggester) 'The Lost Paradise.' I then went on to the solution and the warning which I shall make the subject of my next play, and circumstances permitted me to finish the reading of your book. In it I found my text. If I can make the dramatic sermon approach anywhere near the dignity, clearness, and grandeur of the text book, I shall feel that I have truly done God's work.

"That I never do anything by halves, and am half hearted in no cause that I embrace, is the reason why you receive this tribute of gratitude from your Friend (for so I can sign myself after reading the book) and Admirer,

"Henry C. De Mille." "Merriwold Park "Monticello, "N.Y.