Laus Veneris and Other Poems. By Algernon Charles Swinburne. Doxey's, At the Sign of the Lark, New York. (The Lark Classics.) 451⁄2 in. 149 pages. 50c. Maid at King Alfred's Court (A). By Lucy Foster Madison. Illustrated. The Penn Publishing Co., Philadelphia. 5x7 in. 362 pages. Man and the Spiritual World. By the Rev. Arthur Chambers. George W. Jacobs & Co., Philadelphia. 5x71⁄2 in. 289 pages. $1.25. This is a significant work by an Anglican clergyman and scholar. The object of it is to stay those who are quitting the Church to join the Spiritualists and Theosophists for the satisfaction of their interest in the occult problems of the world of spirits, by showing them that there is in the Bible, properly understood, all the satisfaction they seek. So far as the argument goes with churchmen who would ignore such problems, it is a strong showing of their inconsistency in accepting all Biblical statements concerning voices, visions, spirits, and angels, while rejecting modern statements concerning similar phenomena. One may take exception to the author's uncritical use of Biblical references, but for an ad hominem purpose it is excusable. Mr. Chambers holds that the physical is everywhere interpenetrated by the spiritual world, and that the physical body of man incases a superphysical, or spiritual, body, with which the spirit releases itself at death. Concerning the future state, he holds the traditional view of an intermediate existence between death and final judg ment, but that during this the redemptive work of Christ continues, and he reasons strongly against the notion that man's final state is fixed at death. Altogether it is an interesting discussion of problems now commanding increasing attention. Maya: A Story of Yucatan. By William Dudley Foulke. Illustrated. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York. 5x72 in. 219 pages. $1.25. New Pronouncing Dictionary of the Spanish and English Languages. In Two Parts. Compiled by Mariana Velázquez de la Cadena. Revised and Enlarged by Edward Gray, A.B., M.D., F.R.M.S., and Juan L. Iribas, A.B., LL.D. D. Appleton & Co., New York. 7x102 in. 681 pages. This new edition of a famous dictionary shows that a great deal has been accomplished in recasting and modernizing the material found in the work of Velázquez. In print and binding the present volume leaves nothing to be desired. It should take its deserved place as the Spanish dictionary. Photographic Mosaics: An Annual Record of Photographic Progress. Edited by Edward L. Wilson. Thirty-seventh Year.) Edward L. Wilson, New York. 42x71⁄2 in. 176 pages. 50c. This photographic year-book is of interest primarily to professional photographers, who will find in it a résumé of the conditions of the trade in this country for the year. It is of almost equal interest to the amateur by reason of the large number of excellent half-tone reproductions of portraits and landscapes, and the many helpful hints on photographic proc esses. Plant Life and Structure. By Dr. E. Dennert. Translated by Clara L. Skeat. The Macmillan Co., An admirable presentation of much in brief, and leading up to the conclusion of an Infinite Intelligence as the author of life in plants as in men. Plutarch's Lives. Edited by Edward S. Ellis, A.M. The Penn Publishing Co., Philadelphia. 42x6 in. 237 pages. Religious Movements for Social Betterment. By Dr Josiah Strong. The Baker & Taylor Co., New York. 5x7 in. 137 pages. 50c. Originally a monograph in pamphlet form in the series on American Social Economics prepared for the Paris Exposition, this volume was strongly commended by The Outlook last summer. As a valuable contribution to sociological studies, it deserved this republication in book form. We would say to those who write us for information about institutional churches, that they will find it here. Ruba'iyat of Omar Khayyam. Translated by Edward FitzGerald. With a Commentary by H. M. Batson. Biographical Introduction by E. D. Ross. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York. 54x8 in. pages. $1.50. 288 This edition leaves nothing to be desired in the way of typography and binding, and furnishes the readers of Edward Fitzgerald's translation of the Persian poet with every possible facility for studying that work, including, as it does, a sketch of the life and times of Omar Khayyám, which is in its first part historical and in its second biographical; an account of Fitzgerald; the text of his translation, and over two hundred and fifty pages of comment bringing out the poet's philosophy, with incidental light upon his allusions, his style, and the times in which he lived. Selected Letters of Voltaire. Edited by L. C. Syms. The American Book Co., New York. 5x7 in. 249 pages. 75c. Sequel to a Tragedy (The). By Henry C. Dibble. The J. B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia. 434X734 in. 276 pages. Spanish Conquest in America (The). By Sir Arthur Helps. A New Edition, edited, with an Introduction, Maps, and Notes, by M. Oppenheim. 4 vols. John Lane, New York. Vol. I. 5x7 in. 369 pages. The first edition of this work was published in the fifties, and yet the present edition has a timeliness which makes it almost a book of the season. It was as a man to whom moral interests are supreme that Sir Arthur Helps investigated the history of the Spanish conquests in America, and his account of these conquests is continually illuminating respecting the moral problems which the recent American conquests have brought upon us. The new edition is edited by M. Oppenheim, who contributes an admirable preface, bringing into high relief the contrast between the benevolent theory of the Spanish invasion of America and the sordid practice which prevailed. Springtime Flowers: Easy Lessons in Botany. Survivals. By Lewis V. F. Randolph. Illustrated. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York. 5x7 in. 98 pages. $1. Settlement After the War in South Africa (The). By M. J. Farelly, LL.D. The Macmillan Co., New York. 512x9 in. 323 pages. $1.50. This is a clearly printed volume, as befits its author's lucid argument. At first the book would seem to bear a somewhat misleading title. Many pages are devoted to Mr. Farelly's four years' observations of racial, political, economical, and legal problems in South Africa before the war; apparently few pages have to do with "The Settlement After the War." It is evident, however, that exact and first-hand knowledge must precede any judgments as to finality in the settlement of governmental conditions, and Mr. Farelly is, to all intents and purposes, an admirably patient and painstaking investigator. His opinions on British rights, on the Boer character, on London Cabinet vacillation, on the Kruger policy, and on the real aggression to the present war, are worth any one's notice. Such considerations form a necessary background to the discussion of measures made needful by the war concerning the territorial and constitutional settlement of annexed districts, as well as on the reorganization of the general government of South Africa. Mr. Farelly's idea of imperialism is inspiring in that it stands for justice, liberty, and humanity. In common with many pro-Boers, as well as pro-British, he believes that fusion, whether immediate or ultimate, is the only salvation for the nationalities of South Africa. Fusion would be greatly advanced were some of his recommendations followed-for instance, an inter-State scheme of irrigation, the reform of land tenure, the establishment of a general court of appeals. Shall We Believe in a Divine Providence? By D. W. Faunce, D.D. Funk & Wagnalls Co., New Dr. Faunce discusses this vital question very helpfully to any sincere doubter. He rightly insists on a religious spirit as necessary to a right conclusion in this problem of religion, no less than a scientific spirit in a problem of science. He does not undertake to solve all mysteries, but he makes plain enough what is the rational conclusion in view of the alternatives of skepticism and faith. He corrects false notions of Providence, and demonstrates that moral ends must be its main though not sole concern. But in view of Dr. Faunce's acceptance of the truth of the Divine immanence, and general consistency in applying it, we wonder how he can still say that "Nature, including not only things but the dumb animals, is not normal but abnormal." Many who accept the statement of the Divine immanence as a theological proposition are not as yet ready to accept, or even aware of, all that it involves. Sylvana's Letters to an Unknown Friend. By E. V. B. Illustrated. The Macmillan Co., New A kind of out-of-door diary, though without the formal and frequent divisions of a diary. A record of sentiment in a garden, somewhat in the vein of "Elizabeth and Her German Garden," not so vigorous, pointed, and fresh as that very readable book, but pervaded by a very pleasant and wholesome sentiment, written in a graceful and easy style, with charming illustrations. A very companionable though not a particularly luminous book. Songs of Two. By Arthur Shelburne Hardy. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. 5x7 in. 36 pages. $1. Reserved for later notice. Story of American History (The) for Elementary Schools. By Albert F. Blaisdell. Illustrated. Ginn & Co., Boston. 5x71⁄2 in. 440 pages. Well planned and interestingly written. Systematic Methodology. By Andrew Thomas Smith, Ph.D. Silver, Burdett & Co., New York. 5x71⁄2 in. 366 pages. $1.50. There are numerous "methods" of teaching which are simply special devices for facilitating the apprehension of a particular subject. Dr. Smith shows in this volume that there is but one rational method of teaching anything that embodies truth, and that all variations of this method depend on the kind of truth to be conveyed. The first half of his work is concerned with the basis of rational method in psychology, ethics, and logic. The second half deals with the applications of it in the several school studies, and abounds in suggestions of practical value. As a treatise on the theory and practice of teaching, this work shows the hand of a master both of the science and the art. Things Worth Knowing. By John H. Bechtel. The Penn Publishing Co., Philadelphia. 4×6 in. 279 pages. Three Witches (The). By Mrs. Molesworth. Illustrated. The J. B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia. 5x7 in. 278 pages. Twenty-five Stepping Stones Toward Christ's Kingdom. By O. P. Fradenburgh. Published by the Author, Liberty, N. Y. 6x83 in. 203 pages. $1. Verses for Little Citizens. By Mary L. Wyatt. Illustrated. The Woman's Temperance Publishing Association, Chicago. 8x91⁄2 in. 48 pages. Walcott Twins (The). By Lucile Lovell. Illustrated. The Penn Publishing Co., Philadelphia. 514x734 in. 211 pages. What Was His Duty? By George Hyde Lee, M.D. The Neale Co., Washington, D. C. 48x7 in. 221 pages. Women of the American Revolution (The). By Elizabeth F. Ellet. Illustrated. George W. Jacobs & Co., Philadelphia. 2 vols. 5x8 in. $4. The augmented interest gratifyingly manifest in American colonial and revolutionary history is accentuated by the publication of these volumes, delightful alike in paper, print, illustration, and binding. The work is especially valuable in that it gives to us a glimpse, not only of women of noted patriotism and those highly placed in public life, but also of women highly placed in the world of literature and of society. He who would gain a distincter idea of America during the colonial and revolutionary periods will do well to read these volumes. Young Financier (The). By William O. Stoddard. Illustrated. The Penn Publishing Co., Philadelphia. 5x7 in. 269 pages. Correspondence Emigration to Cuba To the Editors of The Outlook: Mr. Walter Wellman's article on "The Cuban Republic-Limited," in the last "Review of Reviews," shocked some, delighted others, and surprised still more. That it was a truthful-and, indeed, inspired-announcement of the intentions of the Administration can be safely assumed. The policy therein outlined will be bitterly denounced and warmly defended; but I do not propose now to consider its ethical aspects. The desire for the annexation of Cuba, always strong, has grown rapidly since the Spanish war, and, now that the purpose of the Administration has been made known, it will do so faster than ever. Whether right or wrong, this policy will undoubtedly be adhered to for four years, during which period the fortune of Cuba will be made or marred. Its ultimate absorption is inevitable. The uncertain points are: How long will the process take? and, Will its people be dragged into the fold, or will they come willinglyjoyfully? This subject is too important to be treated from a partisan standpoint, and those of us who oppose the Republican party should be careful not to allow our party feeling to influence our judgment or action. On the contrary, we should, if anything, be the more actively helpful in the solution of the problem. The most difficult factor in the race is racial. Probably no white race is so antipathetic to the Anglo-Saxon as the Spanish; and, though a majority of our people are not Anglo-Saxon, this is admittedly the strongest element in our population. The task before us is to change a repelling into an attractive force, which will require very wise action. The Government cannot do this alone. The Cubans cannot be made loyal Americans in a lump. They will have to be won individually; and this can be done most successfully by private persons on the ground. Fortunately, Cuba is sparsely settled, and can support ten times its present population. Moreover, it is the nearest and most easily reached as well as the most fertile and attractive natural winter resort for the people of a large part of this continent; and many hundreds of thousands of our people could earn a living easier and would be healthier and happier there than here. Those who enjoy cold and wilt in hot weather should move further north rather than south; but those who hug the stove in winter and are most comfortable in summer would be better off in more southern latitudes. How far south they can safely go varies, but more than enough to Americanize the Queen of the Antilles are constitutionally fitted for the Cuban climate. It seems, therefore, that the solution of the grave problem before us is to be found in emigration—especially from our Southern States. Cuba's various attractions need no enumeration, but three points. should be impressed on prospective emigrants: 1. There is room for many thousands of winter residences, hotels, and boardinghouses; but Cuba's chief need is more educated, public-spirited people, with sufficient means to make homes for themselves, people who, instead of trying to buy the whole island, will be content with a few acres each, upon which to raise the things that find a ready market here. 2. At first the settlements should be mainly in groups, of elements socially harmonious, which will act together for the general good. 3. But, more important than everything else, the emigrant should cultivate the altruistic part of his own nature; persistently bear and forbear; and be careful not to expect too much, nor to give too little. In short, he should make the people feel that, while properly caring for his own interests, he is a true friend, and that they are benefited by his presence among them. The principal reasons why there has as yet been so little emigration to Cuba are that the people have had no assurance that the government would protect them, if necessary, from flagrant injustice; and that, if they should go there with little or no knowledge of the language and conditions of the country, they would be likely to return with nothing but experience. It therefore seems to me that, if Cuba is to be Americanized, there should be one or more Emigrant Associations formed by people who have no axes to grind, and whose sole purpose is to help the best class of people to make homes for themselves in Cuba, with the least expense and trouble. To this end they would facilitate the formation of emigrant parties, the procuring of reduced rates of transportation, and the general dissemination of needed information throughout this country. Offices should be opened in various parts of Cuba, to which immigrants could go for counsel, with agents whose sole duty it would be to help them in selecting and purchasing the kinds of land they might desire, as well as supplies; to prevent or allay friction between immigrants, and to encourage their co-operation; and to promote cordial business and social relations between the newcomers and the natives. The New England Emigrant Aid Society, by appealing to the patriotic, altruistic, and Christian sentiment in its day, saved Kansas to freedom. It is more than possible that the right kind of an association now, by organizing the same elements, would soon regenerate Cuba. If this is to be done, no time should be lost. The destinies of Cuba are in our hands. can make it an earthly Hades, or the garden-spot of the world. Which shall it be? ALBERT GRIFFIN. Topeka, Kan. Oleomargarine Again To the Editors of The Outlook: We In your editorial on the Oleomargarine Bill you close with the following: "And the sale of oleomargarine as butter is such a fraud. Otherwise why color it at all?" May not the same be said of butter which is colored? How many creameries are there, in your State or this, where no coloring is ever used? Every one in the least familiar with dairying knows butter is not the same color the year around; that its color is controlled by the grade of the milch cows and the feed. If over ninety per cent. of the "best" (?) creamery butter is colored, why is there such a cry about oleomargarine, when the same calamity-howlers are mum on the subject of colored butter? Statistics on manufacture of milk and butter "color" are difficult to procure, but the amounts given are so appalling as to make us wonder at the silence of State Food Commissioners. Look a little deeper and you will see the shadow of the ballot-box filled with granger votes. Is it not a fraud to take white butter of a grade just above rancid, color it, and load it on the market as "best dairy" and even sneak tons of it into "creamery" grades? Granting the coloring matter is not unhealthy, is it not a fraud to use it for the purpose of raising lardy, unpalatable butter in value? But do not for a moment suppose a political party would dare attack this. Milwaukee, Wis. W. B. H. Politics and Public Service To the Editors of The Outlook: Commenting on the recent article by Mr. Washington Gladden, the following propositions are made prominent: (1) The public service companies corrupt the city governments; (2) they exact exorbitant returns on their investments; (3) to the detriment of the people; and (4) the remedy is for cities to own the corporations. The first two claims must be allowed. Sums of money are offered to men in office with the intent and effect of purchasing them; these men are elected by the people. 3. This is denied. Everywhere and at all times in communities of men the greater number spend as they get. It is the exceptional man who sets his heart on accumulation. Without this there could be no progress. I am not speaking of ideal men, but of the human being as he is. Individuals must accumulate capital before progress begins. If any one will take a public service company, trace its history in getting and spending, I think he will find somewhere in this country, in the shape of material improvements, almost every dollar of profits, legitimate and illegitimate, made in the enterprise. The question now is this: Will the country be better off if all these improvements are obliterated and their cost returned in detail to the persons who furnished the means of erecting them? (I leave out with bare mention the fact that all these improvements have been paid for in cash, and necessarily employed labor on a large scale.) I am inclined to say no. The few cents a day contributed by many thousands, accumulated as a fund, is W. L. potent; remaining dispersed, nothing large governments consist of corruptible peror permanent would come into being. sons. The only remedy is to change that. Most of us are like certain plants, the Crolbaugh, Pa. growth of which is accelerated, not retarded, by judicious pruning. The transaction here under review is simply one of robbing Peter to pay Paul for doing work that enriches both. If Peter was not robbed, Paul would not be paid, and the improvements would not be made. Always allow that I am speaking of these gentlemen as we find them, not as we can easily imagine them to be. The error in such complaints as this is that the money obtained is regarded as "lost." What the corporation gets unjustly is supposed to be lost by the people; but the conservation of capital may be studied with advantage as well as that of energy. 4. This also is denied—as a generality; it may be true in particular instances. Where men are corruptible, sources enough will be found to effect their corruption. The core of this proposition is that city Only a Quotation To the Editors of The Outlook: Your reviewer of books reveals his shallowness in a sharp criticism upon an expression in my new book, "Making a Life." That sentence is in a long quotation from Carlyle. It is not mine. know Carlyle is not as good as I am, but I simply ask justice. CORTLAND MYERS. I [Mr. Carlyle, then, must shoulder the responsibility for this peculiar sentence: "The Great Western, bounding safe through the gullets of the Hudson, threw her cable out on the capstan of New York." The absence of quotation-marks in the long extract to which Mr. Myers refers was responsible for our temporary shifting of the burden.-THE EDITORS.] Notes and Queries It is seldom possible to answer any inquiry in the next issue after its receipt. Those who find expected answers late in coming will, we hope, bear in mind the impediments arising from the constant pressure of many subjects upon our limited space. Communications should always bear the writer's name and address. Any book named in Notes and Queries will be sent by the publishers of The Outlook, postpaid, on receipt of price. You say that "religion is the life of God in the soul." Is there any other life but God's life? Is not all life God's life? Do not irreligious people possess life in their souls? Or do they have souls? Is it not, then, God's life which they have in their souls? D. H. R. All life is one, and the Infinite life finites itself in all living things to which, it gives birth. But we recognize more and more of life in the ascending grades from the grass to the cattle, from cattle to men, from men merely self-conscious to men who are God-conscious. In the God-conscious, religious life, the life of God is most fully manifest. So Jesus said, "I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." The phrase you quote uses the term "life" in the intense sense often given to it in the New Testament. Some fifty years ago Kames's "Elements of Please give the names of several books, in the The best thing we can suggest is Hatch's "Influence of Greek Ideas and Usages upon the Christian Church" (Scribners, New York, $3.75). Who is the author of this verse: "They roll sin as a sweet morsel under their tongue"? C. S. F. Matthew Henry, in his famous "Commentaries," uses the phrase in reference to Psalm xxvi. I very much wish to find a piece of verse which was in one of the school readers I studied in my younger days. I should think it would be in one of the old series known as Sargent's Standard Readers. The verses recite the experiences of two or three persons who take a walk over the same route. All of them save one bring back a commonplace and wearisome report of an uninteresting experience. One of them, however, gives an enthusiastic account of what he had seen, heard, and felt. Can any one put me upon the track of the verses? N. B. "C. G. H." asks concerning the authorship of "The harvest time is passing by," etc. It is from a song for contralto or baritone, both words and music being composed by Will L. Thompson, who is also the publisher. It can be obtained (price_35 cents) from Will L. Thompson & Co., East Liv erpool, O., or through any first-class music-dealer, The song has a chorus ad libitum," but can be used effectively as a solo. D. E. B. “H. E. J." asks as to West's picture of Lord Clive. In the reorganization of Hindostan, under Lord Clive's administration, the Shah of Oudh granted to the East India Company the diwání Díwán" is officer or minister of finance) or hnancial administration of the affairs of Bengal and Orissa. The picture, no doubt, represents the official document passing from the Shah to Lord Clive. L. |