Dottings of a Dosser. By Howard J. Goldsmid. (T. Fisher
Uswin.) —A "dosser" is the frequenter of the lodging-houses of the poor. Mr. Goldsmid assumed this character, and he tells us in this volume some of his experiences. Society cannot but be obliged to men who go through this kind of thing, and reveal what they learn so painfully. We do not wish to detract from their merit, but we cannot help wishing that they would use in their description the simplest, plainest language. Anything of goad-humorous periphrasis is objec- tionable. And, indeed, nothing but plain words is wanted. These " revelations of the inner life of low London lodging-houses " are nothing less then horrible: In his twelfth and last chapter, Mr. Goldsmid asks, " Should aught be done, and why ? " His answer we cannot give at length ; but the substance of it is,—take the matter out of the hands of the police authorities, and appoint special inspectors. But then, the newest teachers are eloquently assuring vie that all thie army of inspectors is an offence against true principles of government,—or shall we say anarchy ?
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