7 AUGUST 1909, Page 26

A Vindication of Warren Hastings. By G. W. Hastings. (H.

Frowde. 6s. net.)—Posterity has accepted with approval the verdict of acquittal with which the long trial of Warren Hastings was terminated. Still, there is a general impression, with which Macaulay's famous essay has something to do, that he was guilty of oppressive acts. Mr. Hastings argues the question thoroughly, and, as far as we can judge, makes out a good case for the defendant. The matter cannot be exhaustively treated, and it would be useless to take this or that detail. We 'must be content with commending this ably written volume to the notice of our readers. One thing is manifest, and it is receiving fresh confirmation every day,—that Parliamentary interposition in such affairs is a most serious matter. If Edmund Burke went so far astray, what are we to say of the men who would play his part now ?