SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
( Notice in this column does not necessarily preclude subsequent review.) THE ROUND TABLE. (Macmillan. 5s. net.) The December issue of this admirable quarterly deals with several important questions of the day, notably the Near Eastern imbroglio, the confused state of German politics, the domestic situation in America and her attitude towards European affairs, the unrest in China and the colour problem, treated especially from the South African standpoint. In regard to the Near East it is suggested that the Straits in time of peace should be open to all merchantmen and also to warships, but that the Turks should be allowed once more to fortify Gallipoli ; on the other hand stress is laid on the importance of protecting the Christian minorities, especially in Constantinople, against the frenzied intolerance of the Turkish Nationalists who are moved by racial rather than religious passions. The article on the colour question insists that the theoretical recognition of an equality between Europeans, Indians and Kaffirs, which does not exist in fact, is likely to embitter rather than to assuage racial animosities. The South African policy, giving separate institutions to the native communities, as in the Transkei, is carefully explained and deserves consideration in Kenya and other colonies where the
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