11 JANUARY 1919, Page 22

Essays and Addresses in War Time. By Lord Bryoe. (Mac-

millan. 6s. net)—Of the eight chapters in this thoughtful book, three were written early in tile war to explain our position to the neutrals, three were delivered as addresses to Birmingham University and the British Academy, and two on Nationality and on a League of Nations are now. Lord Bryoe's reflections on "War and Human Progress "form a striking reply to the fashion- able German doctrine that war is a positive benefit as well as a necessity. There is a melancholy truth in his remark that in human history war has been the rule and peace the exception, but war, which checks material advance, cannot be shown to make for intellectual or moral progress. In the chapter on Nationality Lord Bryce gives a useful summary of the many complex problems which confront the Allies, especially in Eastern Europe. He looks to America to give them disintereeted counsel and moral support. In discussing a League of Nations Lord Bryce sides with these who desire an elaborate international machinery, including a Court of Arbitration, a Council of Con- ciliation, a Congress, and perhaps a permanent Executive. Of the crucial question of disarmament he has no solution to offer.