13 NOVEMBER 1909

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On Thursday the Turkish Circular Note on the Cretan question

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was presented at the Foreign Office. The purport of the Note is to urge upon the protecting Powers a prompt settlement of the Cretan question on lines which would guarantee...

*** The Editors cannot undertake to return Manuscript, in any

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case.

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

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I T seems as certain as anything can be in the region of politics that when the Finance Bill comes on for second reading in the House of Lords in some ten days from now it will...

The drawback to a small majority either way under the

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ridiculous system which gives Ireland forty Members more than she has a right to is the danger of the Nationalists holding the balance. We publish elsewhere a "communi- cated"...

Granted that the Lords decide upon demanding the decision of

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the country on the Budget before it has been tasted—in fact, demand a Referendum—it is, in our opinion, their busi- ness to do their best to provide the machinery for such...

While we hold that the Lords are making a mistake

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in tactics, we do not wish to exaggerate the consequences which will probably flow from their action. Though there is danger of an ugly crisis in which the country may be...

If we were forced to prophesy what would be the

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result of the elections, we should be inclined to express the belief that the majority will be a small one either way, but that possibly the Unionists may have the advantage....

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There was a heated discussion in the French Chamber on

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Monday, when the supporters of electoral reform showed themselves to be in a large majority. In two divisions the principles of proportional representation and of the scrutin de...

Mr. Asquith spoke at length on the Congo problem. A

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month ago he would have had to employ very different language from that which was now possible. Up till recently the conditions on which the Congo State was founded had not...

A curious situation has been brought about in Hungary by

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the action of M. de Justh, the President of the Chamber and leader of the extreme wing of the Independence Party. While M. Kossuth and Count Apponyi were entertaining the...

The religions question in France is discussed in an interest-

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ing message from the Paris correspondent of the Times in Tuesday's paper. He thinks the question will not dominate the General Election next year, but it is none the less...

If the religious question were only a religious question, it

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would be no worse than our own eternal quarrel, but it is much more ; it covers a definite policy on the part of the Church, which is in nearly all respects hostile to the...

The interest of the speeches at the Guildhall banquet on

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Tuesday, if we except a significant utterance of Lord Justice Farwell, on which we comment elsewhere, centred in Mr. Asquith's references to foreign policy. After a sympathetic...

The special correspondent of the Times at Melilla says in

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Wednesday's paper that there will be no more forward move- ments by the Spanish army in Morocco. Almost the whole Beni Sicar district will be held by fortified posts, and for...

After the Finance Bill had been formally read a first

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time in the Lords on Monday, Lord Denman moved the second reading of the London Elections Bill. Lord Derby, who moved the rejection of the Bill, admitted the hardship of...

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The controversy over the alleged Leonardo bust has not been

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closed, but further information has come to light greatly strengthening the case on behalf of the Lucas attribution. We expect that what will in the end prove to be the true...

We have much regret in recording the death last Saturday

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of Lord Selby. He was chosen Speaker in 1895. Although his appointment was in the first instance vigorously opposed, he rapidly gained the complete confidence of the House,...

The coal strike in New South Wales has assumed for-

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midable dimensions, the Northern strikers having been joined by those of seven Southern collieries. Coal has gone up to 60s. a ton, and while other industries are seriously...

The list of Birthday Honours which appeared on Tuesday Morning

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included the names of six new Privy Councillors, six new Baronets, and twenty new Knights. Of the Privy Councillors, we may especially mention Sir Walter Hely- Hutchinson, who...

The mono-rail system invented by Mr. Louis Brennan was tested

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on Wednesday at Gillingham with a much larger car than was used when the first public experiments were made. The car was forty feet long and ten feet wide, and weighed...

Sir Robert Perks, in announcing his intention not to seek

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re-election for the Louth division, gives his reasons for his decision. He declares himself profoundly dissatisfied with the educational and financial policy of the Government....

Mr. Shackleton also receives the honour of knighthood. Another distinguished

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explorer, Dr. Sven Hedin, has been appointed an honorary K.C.I.E. There were many comments upon the absence from the list of the names of any new Peers, but later in the day it...

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TOPICS OF THE DAY.

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- UNIONIST POLICY. T T now seems certain that before many weeks have elapsed we shall be in the throes of a General Election. We regret it, but that cannot alter the fact. In...

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CHEAP CAPITAL AND LOW INTEREST.

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I F a wise philanthropist, who desired to benefit the working class, were granted a wish in the field. of practical economics, what form should it take ? We have little doubt...

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" IN OPEN COURT."

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T I ORD JUSTICE FARWELL, speaking at the Lord Mayor's banquet, repeated in simple words the truth about the successful administration of justice in Great Britain, and it is a...

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HOME-RULE FINANCE. [COMMUNICATED.] P may safely be assumed that at the

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coming General Election the Irish Nationalists will make a determined effort to force the pace on the question of Home-rule, for their claims have been more or less shelved in...

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THE SAYINGS OF CONFUCIUS.

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O RDINARY men think of Confucius as the great Chinese sage who taught reciprocity, and summed up the whole duty of man as "fellow-feeling." They know next to nothing that is...

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THE ART OF LIVING IN THE COUNTRY.

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I F " life requires an art," it requires it much more in the country than in towns. We do not mean the art, which may certainly be acquired by any one, of understanding the ways...

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SQUIRRELS BROWN AND GREY.

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A CORRESPONDENT, writing to. the Spectator of October 9th on the subject of " A Squirrel's Ferry- Boat," seems to have started, if not a hare, a chase after stories about...

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CORRESPONDENCE.

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THE WONDERS OF TROPICAL AFRICA. [To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECULTOE.1 SIB, —Tropical Africa with its dark forests, black people, and strange customs still draws its worshippers;...

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LORD MALMESBURY AND THE LAND.

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[TO THE EDITOR OF THY "SPROTATOR...] SIR, —Speaking at a public meeting in Wells (Somerset) on November 2nd, the Earl of Malmesbury is reported to have said :- " The Unionist...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

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SMALL OWNERSHIP AND LAND BANKS. [To THE EDITOR OF THY " SPECTATOR."' Siu,—Having read with much interest the article under the above heading in your last issue, may I be...

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THE LAND POLICY OF NEW ZEALAND.

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[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR.."] SIR,—As a New Zealander of over forty years' standing, I cannot resist the temptation to express an opinion concerning the allusions made...

THE ADVANCE OF SOCIALISM.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Sim,—In your issue of the 23rd ult. " Senex " takes me to task for asserting that as a Nonconformist I prefer to vote for the present...

THE BUDGET AND THE FAMILY.

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[To THE EDTTOS OF TEN "SPECTATOR. "] SIR,—Being an aunt wishing to free gifts to nieces from the 5s. duty proposed by Clause XLIII. of the Finance Act, should a donor die...

THE LORDS AND THE REFERENDUM.

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[To THE EDITOR. 07 THE " srscrAT0R.-] SIR, —Any one who has looked for a word upon the subject of redistribution amidst the babel of Radical political tongues which has filled...

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THE INDIAN POLICE AND THE DRAMA OF CONFESSION.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR. " ] SIR,—The questions repeatedly addressed during the past Session to the Under-Secretary of State for India regarding allege.] misconduct on...

UNEMPLOYMENT.

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[To ma EDITOR OF TIIR "srserAroz.1 Sin,—For the army of unemployed—too many, alas ! un- employable—who spoil the peace of our homes by their importunity we are ourselves...

THE NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL THEATRE.

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[To THE EDITOR OF TES " SPECTATOR:1 SIR, —The case for a subsidised theatre rests upon a great many arguments, but will you allow me to mention one in especial? It seems to...

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COMPULSORY SERVICE.

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[To THE EDITOR OP THE " ESPECTATOR,1 Six,—There appear to be some unhappy people who, while shuddering at the words "compulsory service," yet feel con- strained to keep an...

THE BOY SCOUTS.

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[TO THE EDITOR Or SrECTATOR."] Six,—I should like to take advantage of your columns to make a few remarks concerning the Boy Scout movement, which you have of late in several...

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THE HONEST OPINIONS OF MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL.

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['To THE EDITOR OF VIZ " SPECTATOR. "] SIR,—In your last issue there is a letter signed " G. P. t.," with the heading " The Honest Opinions of Mr. Winston Churchill." "G. P. B."...

[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I should like,

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with your consent, to make some reply to your correspondent "Member of Victoria League," who in your last number attacks the boys' official paper, the Scout, which he condemns...

AN EPIGRAM FOR MR,. LLOYD GEORGE.

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[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR. "] SIR,—I received this epigram for the Chancellor of the Exchequer from a friend Tais 'Axcfprats* anPa7orliabv Tipas Tabs yhr gxorras...

REMINISCENCES OF LECKY.

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[TO THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—My general sympathy with your praise of Mr. Lecky (Spectator, October 16th), together with my lifelong obsession by the daemon....

THE MERCHANT SERVICE.

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[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR. "] SIR,—Sir Walter Runciman forgets himself and the subject of this discussion, and writes in a white heat of wrath with me personally ; but I...

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WAYLAND SMITH.

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[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR. "] SIR,—In the article on " Ceremony and Survival " (Spectator, October 30th) Wayland Smith is said to be common ancestral property to...

CEREMONY AND SURVIVAL.

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go THE EDITOR 07 THE "SPECTATOR. "] SIR,—In your very interesting article, " Ceremony and Survival," there is mention of shoeing of oxen in Sussex. To show that this was not...

PERSONAL SERVICE AMONG LONDON POOR.

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[To THE EDITOR. OF THE " SPECTATOR. "] SIR,—May we endeavour to enlist the sympathies of your readers in. the following cause? A very encouraging response has been received to...

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR. "] SIR,—May I point out

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two inaccuracies in the story of Sir Humphrey Gilbert and the Squirrel' as told in your corre- spondence column P The ' Squirrel' was of only ten tons burden, and Sir Humphrey...

THE END OF THE HORSE.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR. "] SIR, — I have lately returned from a three weeks' driving trip in my one-horsed dogcart through parts of Somerset, Dorset, Hants, Wiltshire,...

A SQUIRREL'S FERRY-BOAT.

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[M THE EDITOR OE THE "SPECTATOR. "] SIR, —Our Canadian squirrels do better than the Siberian variety mentioned in " E. M. W.'s " contributed poem by William Howitt (Spectator,...

TYING CRAPE ON BEE-HIVES.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR. "] SIR,—Having read several letters in the Spectator on the subject of bees, and recalling the superstition connected with tying crape on the...

AN HISTORIC TABLE.

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[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—Associated with North Polar exploration interest is the table used by President Cleveland in practically all of his work at the White...

SIR HUMPHREY GILBERT.

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[To THE EDITOR Or THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR, — As Sir Humphrey Gilbert's family crest was a squirrel, his vessel was probably named in allusion to it, and not from any poetic fancy...

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NOTICE.—When Articles or "Coriespotulence" are signed with the writer's name

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or initiate, or with a pseudonym, or are marked "Communicated," the Editor must not necessarily be held to be in agreement with the views therein expressed or with the mode of...

BOOKS.

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LADY SARAH WILSON'S SOUTH AFRICAN MEMORIES.* "ADVENTURES to the adventurous" is no doubt true, but adventurous though every member of the Churchill family be, Lady Sarah...

POETRY.

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IN God's cathedral huge as earth I stand— A child before an Empire's Altar High- () mother, mould and school our childish land, Thy cords of love in love yet faster tie : Our...

A MARTYR TO SCIENCE.—DR. J. H. WELLS.

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[TO THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOE.” . 1 SIB,—The death of Dr. John Herbert Wells last month at the early age of thirty adds another name to the list of those who have lost their...

SLAVE-GROWN COCOA.

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Ws have received the following contributions in answer to the appeal of the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines' Protection Society, on behalf of the deputation to the United States :—...

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THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY.*

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WE have to thank M. R. Deslandes of Bayeux for tho happy thought of reproducing the famous tapestry on plates of fair size and at a very moderate price. The photographs convey a...

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FRIEDRICH LIST.*

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Miss HIEST, a late *choler of Newnham College, Cambridge, has made an excellent use of the opportunity given by the award to her of the Alice Hopkinson Memorial Studentship. She...

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LADY ST. HELIER'S REMINLSCENCES.*

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THE agreeable art of reminiscence has not been very fortunate of late in its exponents. Too many samples have been wholly devoid of interest, and a few have had only the...

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THE HARVEST WITHIN.* A GEBAT interest attaches to Captain Mahan's

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book, suoh an interest as must always attach to a clear and heartfelt V.P.S.A. With 12 Pull-page Plates, and 52 Illustrations in the Teat. • The Harvest Within Thaughte on the...

ARMOUR AND WEAPONS.• YFOULICE8 1 8 book, Armour and Weapons, is well

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worth reading. Not only does the author attain to the highest accuracy, but he contrives, even in the small space at his • Armour and Weapons. By Charles ffounces. With a...

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THE STONE AND BRONZE AGES IN ITALY AND SICILY.*

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THE institution of the Craven Travelling Fellowship may fairly be cited in proof of the fact that Oxford is not neglect- ful of the duty of adapting her ancient endowments to...

MAURICE DE SAXE.* " Tars is the end of a

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beautiful dream !" said Afarechal de Saxe to Dr. Sense, sent by Louis XV. to attend him on hie deathbed at Chambord. His was an extraordinary life, in some ways typical of that...

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SIR WILLIAM BROADBENT.t WILLIAM BROADBENT did not find his path

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of life smooth from the beginning. After a trial of his father's business —he was a small manufacturer of cloth—he was apprenticed to an uncle who was a medical practitioner in...

THE UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW.* - THE University of Glasgow, founded in

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1451, was junior by forty years to St. Andrews and senior by forty-three to Aberdeen. In its early days it was less prosperous than either of its rivals, the chief reason...

NOVELS.

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GREAT POSSESSIONS.* Mits. WILFRID WARD has not always been happy in the choice of her titles. The remarkable ability of her first essay in fiction was obscured by a pedantic...

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The Tragedy of the . Pyramids. By Douglas Sladen. (Hurst and

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Blackett. 6s.)—The author explains in his preface how this book came to be written. He had read in a magazine the first two instalments of Mr. Hall Caine's "White Prophet," and...

Stradella. By F. Marion Crawford. (Macmillan and Co. 6s.) —Detailed

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criticism of the last work of Mr. Marion Crawford is perhaps out of place. It is sufficient to say that Stradella deals with the love story of a Venetian lady of the seventeenth...

BEADL.BLZ Novzas.—The Knight of the Golden Sword. By Michael Barrington.

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(Chatto and Windus. 6s.)—A romance in which Claverhouse is the prominent figure.—Cricket Heron. By Irving Bacheller. (T. Fisher Unwin. 6s.)—A. very lifelike picture of how a New...

Bella Donna. By Robert Hichens. 2 vols. (W. Heinemann. 4s.

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net.)—Mr. Hichens lays the scene of his new novel partly in London and partly on the Nile. His heroine is a woman who, having led a notorious life in her youth, persuades Nigel...

Tu Es Petrus. By the Rev. E. D. Stone. (B.

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H. Blackwell, Oxford. 6d.)—Mr. Stone argues that two passages in St. Matthew of which great use has been made in controversy, xvi. 17-19 and xviii. 17-18, are probably...

SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.

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[13-.4. this heading we notice such Books of As week as hens not been- reserved for review in other forms.] The Gospels as Historical Documents. By Vincent Henry Stanton, D.D....

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Astronomical Curiosities. By J. Ellard Gore. (Chatto and Windus. 6s.

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net.)—It would not be difficult to make a very pretty list of " curiosities " of the astronomical kind. How does it come about, for instance, that the dark side of the planet...

Travels in the Upper Egyptian Deserts. By Arthur E. P.

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Weigall. (W. Black - wood and Sons. Is. 6d. net.)—Mr. Weigall is Chief Inspector in the Department of Antiquities in Upper Egypt, and he gives us here what we may call the...

The Problems of Transportation in Canada. By the Hon. J.

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P. B. Casgrsin. (Laflamme and Proulx, Quebec.)—This volume contains reprints of a number of speeches made during the last six years by the author, who is chairman of the Railway...

The Church and the Duty of the Hour. By John

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Huntley Skrine. (The Holywell Press, Oxford. 1d.)—Mr. Skrine urges on the clergy their duty in the matter of national defence. It is against them that the taunts about...

Critical Essays of the Seventeenth Century. Edited by J. E.

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Spingarn. Vol. III., 1685-1700. (The Clarendon Press. 5s. net.) —This is the third and concluding volume of Professor Spingarn's work. The essays are twelve in number, the most...

Readings in American Government and Politics. By Charles A. Beard,

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Ph.D. (Macmillan and Co. 8s. net.)—Dr. Beard divides this work into three parts. Part I. deals with "Historical Foundations," from Colonial times downward to the development of...

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Recollections of Grover Cleveland. By George F. Parker, LL.D. (The

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Century Company, New York. 12e. 6d. net.)—Grover Cleve- land was President in the Democratic interest from 1885-89, and again from 1893-97., To most people in England he is...

The True Way of Life : a Reply to Mr.

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J. St. Los Strachey. By Edward Grubb, M.A. (Headley Brothers. is. net.)—The essays in this volume, which appeared originally in the British Friend, are written from the Quaker...

Nsw EDITION8. — Poems by Mr. Gray. (H. Frowde. 2s. 6d. net.)—This

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edition is reproduced exactly from the edition of 1768. The two poems which appeared between that date and the death of the poet (1771) are given in an appendix. They are the...