George J. Smith asks.—"Will you kindly tell me the names of artists who teach pen-drawing and illustrating? When does the annual contest for prizes begin?" Many artists take students, if such students possess native talent. They require students to come to their studios, though some of them have classes at art-schools. Apply to Irving R. Wiles, Charles Broughton, or Clifford Carleton. Their addresses may be had in the directory. Of course they charge for lesson-giving. And we do not say that these gentlemen will now take pupils. Why not join the classes at the Art Students' League? Round Table contests are announced, usually late in October. See one of the issues of this paper for them. It is not likely there will be an illustration contest unless there proves to be a good prize story to make a picture for. In almost no other way, save that of giving all contestants the same thing to illustrate, can conditions fair to all be made. Full information will be published in the Table later.
Frank S. Teal.—We know of no place to procure the Table button or pin save through this office, and we have none in stock. David A. Hill.—So great has been the growth of the Good Will institution that a building suitable to house its industrial school should cost, on the ground of present and future need, $10,000 at least. This sum is quite beyond the power of the Table to give. When, three years ago, the Good Will work began, the size of the Institution did not demand a building costing one-half that sum. The Table thought to raise $3000. It raised about $1600, when the situation developed as above outlined—a situation in which all of us, as friends of Good Will Farm and its work in behalf of poor boys, greatly rejoice. The money raised by the Table is to be, by vote of the founders, turned over to the trustees of Good Will, to be invested in a Round Table Fund, and the income used to help such boys as the trustees think most deserving of aid.
Another Mother and Man.
The truth of the adage about the hand that rules the world being the one that rocks the cradle is again exemplified, but this time not in the world of statesmanship, but in that of science. Nikola Tesla, who ranks with Edison in electrical invention, was, as a boy in Montenegro, full of mischief, and also under the guidance of a remarkable woman—his mother. He once went by himself to a chapel in the hills back of his native town, and managed to get himself locked in it at night. A search was made for him, but there was no clew until, clear and sharp on the night air, rang out the tones of the chapel bell. Nikola was cold, nervous, and hungry when found.
On another occasion, when up to some boyish pranks, his mother suddenly appeared on the scene. He was so startled that he fell into a kettle of fresh milk, spoiling the milk and his clothes at the same time.
Like many other men who have become famous along one line of usefulness, young Tesla was started in life at another line. His father wanted him educated for the Church, but his mother encouraged his scientific tastes, and finally had her way. She was a woman of unusual ability, force of character, and ingenuity. This last characteristic was developed in her embroidery, which was of artistic and original designs, and made her famous all through the part of Montenegro in which she lived. To his mother's love and influence Tesla attributes much of his manhood's success.