"THE FORGOTTEN MAN" I In July, 1899, the publishing community learned that financial difficulties were seriously embarrassing the great house of Harper.

For nearly a century this establishment had maintained a position almost of preeminence among American publishers.

Three generations of Harpers had successively presided over its destinies; its magazines and books had become almost a household necessity in all parts of the United States, and its authors included many of the names most celebrated in American letters.

The average American could no more associate the idea of bankruptcy with this great business than with the federal Treasury itself.

Yet this incredible disaster had virtually taken place.