24 OCTOBER 1914, Page 24

The United States and Mexico. By G. L. Rives. 2

vols. (Charles Scribner's Sons. $8 net.)—This valuable contribution to American history begins with the ratification of the treaty by which, in 1821, Spain ceded Florida to the United States. In the same year Mexico achieved her independence. Mr. Rives tells the story of the transactions which resulted in the war of 1846-1848—his second volume is mainly devoted to its military operations—and the acquisition by the United States of Texas and California. We imagine that his authoritative and readable book will long remain a standard history.