JANE AUSTEN CENTENARY.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.")
Ilia—Knowing the great interest that the Spectator has always taken in the works of Jane Austen, I, as one of her biographers, would like to inform you and your readers of a scheme which has been started to commemorate the centenary of her death, which will occur on July 18th next. It is proposed to place a tablet upon Chawton Cottage, near Alton, Hants, recording the fact that Miss Austen lived there from 1809 to 1817, and that it was from this house that all her works were sent into the world. Some of these sere written earlier, but all were published whilst the authoress was residing in Chawton Cottage, or immediately after her death. The carved oak tablet, designed by Miss E. G. Hill, will suggest objects connected with her life, and the inscription will include the words: " Her admirers in this country and in America have ueited to erect this tablet." A Committee has been formed, consisting of the Dean of Norwich, the Earl of Iddesleigh, Lord Latymer, Sir Frederick Pollock, Bt., Sir Robert Hudson, Sir Wm. Robertson Nicoll, Clarence Graff, Esq. (of New York), W. D. Howells, Esq. (U.S.A.), W. J. Locke, Esq., C. K. Shorter, Esq. It is thought that many who are grateful for the enjoyment given to them by her novels will like to join in this tribute to Jane Austen by small subscriptions or otherwise. These may he sent to John Lane, The Bodley Head, Vigo Street, W. 1; or to the John Lane Company, New York; or to myself. Any surplus money will Be used for the benefit of the village of Steventon, Hants, Jane
Austen's birthplace.—I am, Sir, &c., CONSTANCE HILL. Grove Cottage, Frognal, Hanipstead, N.1V. 3.
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