26 FEBRUARY 1910

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Friday's papers contain a statement issued by the Press Association

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which, if true, is of the very first importance. It is to the effect that it is now generally believed that, as a result of representations made by a considerable number of •...

Lord Kitchener's Report on Australian defence was published in the

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papers of last Saturday. It will be remem- bered that the Commonwealth had already adopted national service on the Swiss model in a modified form. Lord Kitchener's duty was not...

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

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T HE week closes as it began, with the fate of the Govern- ment still hanging in the balance. We have described the situation at length elsewhere, and will only say here that if...

Boutros Pasha, the Egyptian Prime Minister, was shot outside the

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Foreign Ministry in Cairo on Sunday last by an Egyptian Nationalist named Ibrahim Wardany, and died on the following morning. The assassin, who fired five shots, three of which...

The visit of the French Parliamentary deputation to Russia has

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had a significance quite apart from social ceremonies and official entertainments, cordial though these have been. Baron d'Estournelles de Constant with the other visitors was...

We note with no small satisfaction that Lord Rosebery has

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given notice that on March 14th he will move that the House of Lords resolve itself into a Committee to consider the best means for reforming its existing organisation so as to...

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

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case.

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Mr. Redmond, who spoke next, said that his party had

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supported the Government heart and soul at the General Election because they understood that a pledge had been given as to the abolition of the Lords' veto, and becausti they...

During the debate on the Address in the Lords on

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Monday Lord Lansdowne, while admitting the need of reform of the House of Lords, and noting that it was admitted by the Government, expressed the view that for the present it...

Parliament was opened by the King in State on Monday.

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The Speech from the Throne, which was exceptionally brief, dealt first with the coming inauguration of the Union of South Africa at the end of May, and with the recently...

The debate on the Address was continued on Tuesday by

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Mr. Barnes, who declared that the Election was mainly fought and won on the question of the Lords. The policy of the Labour Party with regard to the Upper House might be summed...

Mr. Asquith, who followed Mr. Balfour, explained that he had

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never said that a Liberal Prime Minister ought not to meet the House of Commons before he had obtained guarantees for an exercise of the Royal prerogative. He had asked for no...

The German Naval Estimates were discussed by the Budget Committee

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of the Reichstag on Wednesday. The votes for new construction amount to £1,719,500, which shows an increase of £722,500. On the same day in Paris the Chamber of Deputies...

In the Commons, after the Address had been moved and

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seconded, Mr. Balfour spoke. Whatever else could be said of the King's Speech, there was "very little in it." The only legislative project dealt with the relations of the two...

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The Cairo correspondent of the Times sends a long despatch

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to Monday's issue on the Khedive's recent visit to the Holy Places of Islam. A political motive was ascribed to the journey, but this view the writer dismisses as wholly...

Later in the evening the position of the Government was

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defended by Mr. Churchill. He declared that on the great question between the two Houses "no smooth compromise and no satisfying formula would suffice." At the same time, it was...

After Mr. Boner Law, following the lead given him by

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the Chancellor of the Exchequer, had indulged in a wrangle with the Ministerialists as to whether the thousand tons of horseflesh sold in the East End of London was meant for...

In view of the interest felt in the exact words

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used by Mr. Asquith in his Albert Hall speech, we place them on record :— "We shall not assume office, and we shall not hold office, unless we can secure the safeguards which...

We believe it to be beyond question that the German

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working man works longer hours for smaller wages than his British fellow-labourer, and, further, that the purchasing. power of the money he receives is considerably less than it...

Lord Morley is of course right to be very cautious

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in his statements, but it is quite clear that the Dalai Lama was driven from the Holy City by his fears of the Chinese army, which, whatever may be the political intentions of...

In the House of Lords on Thursday Lord Morley, in

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answer to Lord Curzon, made a detailed statement in regard to the flight of the Dalai Lama to Darjeeling. On Feb- ruary 12th forty Chinese mounted infantry arrived at Lhasa, the...

On Wednesday Mr. Austen Chamberlain moved, on behalf of the

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Tariff Reformers, an amendment to the Address. Kr. Lloyd George, who closed the debate on behalf of the Government, filled a considerable part of his speech with rhetorical...

Bank Rate, 3 per cent., changed from 4 per cent.

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Feb. 10th. Consols (2i) were on Friday 84—Friday week 82.

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TOPICS OF THE DAY.

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THE CRISIS. r E political situation is perhaps the strangest that has ever arisen in the House of Commons. Though it changes from day to day, and therefore though it is possible...

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THE PROBLEM OF THE SECOND CHAMBER.

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A SUPERFICIAL study of the debate in the House of Lords on Monday might easily lead to the conclusion that there was no very great difference of opinion between Lord Lansdowne...

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THE EITROPEAN SITUATION.

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"Fl UROPEAN politics have drifted into a back-water in which it is possible to enjoy the calm and collect one's thoughts. It is a very different state of affairs from a year...

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THE OFFICIAL AMENDMENT. T HE 'amendment which Mr. Austen Chamberlain moved

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to the Address, and which of course had the support of the whole Opposition, is important as expressing the creed of the bulk of Tariff Reformers. It coollY asserts as a matter...

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JUSTIN MARTYR.

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" T O the Father of all there is no name given," wrote Justin Martyr in the earliest Christian "Apology" which has come down to us. "God," he continues as he answers the charge...

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THE DETRACTION OF PUBLIC MEN.

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W E dare say many people share our opinion that there has been recently an unusual, possibly an unexampled, amount of detraction of our public men. No doubt when political...

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MEMORIALS OF OLD LONDON.

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T HE Committee for the Survey of the Memorials of Greater London are to be congratulated on a second admirable volume added to their Register. Ten years ago the Committee...

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CORRESPONDENCE.

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THE IRISH TRANSITION. pro THE EDITOR 07 TUE " SPECTATOK."1 SIR,—Within twelve months Ireland has suddenly lapsed into peace, and statesmanship has stopped cultivating crime for...

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

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THE NEW HOUSE OF COMMONS AND THE NATIONAL WILL. [TO TEE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."' SIR, — It is common ground that the will of the nation is the final authority in...

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A TWO - CHAMBER LEAGUE.

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[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Will you spare me space to urge that a League should be formed of two-Chamber men and women, to resist the attack of unconsidered and...

PROTECTION AND CORRUPTION IN AMERICAN POLITICS.

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[TO THE EDITOR 01 THE "SPECTATOR."] Sra,—Like most Britons, I have since the days of my youth accepted Free-trade with the Ten Commandments as being above criticism. Ten years'...

PATRIOTISM V. PARTY.

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[To TIM EDITOR Or THE " SPECTATOR:] SIR, — Those who are convinced that an effective Second Chamber is indispensable to the good government of the Empire, to whatever political...

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PULPIT AND POLITICS.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.] SIR, — You published in your last issue a communication of profound interest on the attitude of the clergy to politics. There is no man who...

PARTICULARISM IN THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THZ " SPECTATOR."1 SIE, — In his letter to you in the Spectator of February 19th Mr. Myers, while allowing that the "very greatest names" in British history...

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MR. HAROLD COX'S REJECTION.

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[To TEE EDITOR OF TEE "SPECTATOR. " ] Srn,—Your article of last week will have deepened the impression created by the speeches of Lord Rosebery, Mr. Harold Cox, and Lords Cromer...

LIBERTY AND PARTY SPIRIT.

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[To THE EDITOR OE TEE "SPECTATOR."] Sra.,—It might be of some interest at the present moment to recall the words put into the mouth of Pococurante by Voltaire (Candide, chap....

WELSH NONCONFORMISTS AND 'Mk; GENERAL ELECTION.

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[TO 111E EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR,"] SIR,—Mr. John Owens's letter in your issue of February 12th requires a longer reply than the time at my disposal now enables me to give....

ENGLAND AND GERMANY.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR, — I read in last week's Spectator under the heading "England and Germany" a letter which is said to be written by a foreign...

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR. " ] SIR, — Because as a Wesleyan.

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minister I share very earnestly the jealous sensitiveness which is abroad for the spirituality of the pulpit, I am concerned to find this question raised so prominently in the...

[To THE EDITOR OF THE 'SPEC'TATOR."]

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Srn,—Referring to "Inquirer's" letter in your last issue, will you allow me, as a member of the Council of the Liberty and Property Defence League, to explain that any...

UNDUE INFLUENCE.

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MO THE EDITOR or THE "Spzcwros.'1 SIE, — Referring to the letter of the Rev. F. G. Montagu: Powell in your last issue, may I give my experience as a tradesman and voter in the...

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THE CENTENARY OF SIR SAMUEL FERGUSON.

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LTO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] Stn,—The centenary of the birth of Sir Samuel Ferguson, the celebrated Irish poet and archaeologist, will be kept in his native city,...

CROMWELL AND DISRAELI. ETo THZ EDITOR OF TH1 " SPECTLTOE."1

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Sin,—As we have lately heard so much of Cromwell's saying that the " horridest " arbitrariness would be found in the domination of a single Chamber, your readers might like to...

A PERSONAL EXPLANATION.

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[To THE EDITOR Of THZ "SPECTLT014"f SIR,—I am loath to trouble you with another letter, and I would not do so if Mr. H. W. Hill were a private person. But he is secretary of...

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[To snit EDITOR OF THE "SeactsToa."1 Sin,—Your correspondent's " etymology

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" proves one thing,— namely, that Moliere's Docteur (who is really much older than :Moliere) and his race are not yet extinct:— "Le Docteur. Savez-vous vient le mot bonnet?...

POETRY.

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THE MIRACLE. IT befell up in heaven Where God's courtiers are That Michael the Prince Begged of Him 'a new-star: "Set it, Lord; in the sky, That men may thereby Give Thee...

MORE ANONYMOUS VOICES.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SIECTATOE.1 Sra,—If the subject is not quite ausgespielt, might I add to the company of the Saracen maiden the Greek mentioned. in- Mr. C: R. L....

"PUMPERNICKEL"

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[To THE EDITOR OP TICE "SPECTATOR."] Sra, — This name for wholemeal rye bread, associated especially with Westphalia, was in use in Germany and well known in England long before...

VILL A.GE PLAYGROIDTDS.

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[To THE EDITOR OF TEE " SPECTATOR...] SrB, — During last year you were good enough to insert a letter from me on the subject of a playing-field for the children of this place,...

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

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or initials; or with a. psendcmym i or are marked "Communicated," the Editor must not necessarily be held to be in agreement with the Views therein eapressed or with the ?node...

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BOOKS.

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THE FAITH AND MODERN THOIJGHT4 Tars book contains six apologetic lectures delivered by Mr. William Temple, a son of the late Archbishop of Canterbury, to men and women students...

II.—MISALLIANCE.

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It was a great relief to find Mr. Shaw as cheerful as usual on Wednesday. Misalliance, his new "Debate in One Sitting," shows no unexpected change of manner or matter. Small...

THE THEATRE.

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THE REPERTORY THEATRE. DURING the last ten years the serious drama has shown signs of a great revival in England. The new spirit has lurked hitherto in the backwoods of private...

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MRS. THRALE.* IN the course of his interesting introduction to

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Mr. Broadley's new book Mr. Thomas Seccombe declares that Mrs. Thrale occupies "a place in letters midway between Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and Jane Welsh Carlyle, approached by...

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THE WORKING FAITH OF THE SOCIAL REFORMER.*

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IN the early part of the nineteenth century the Scottish Universities were the recognised training-grounds of young men intended for public life. There was something in their...

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THE MEDICI.*

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"Or making many books there is no end": especially, one might add, books about Florence and the Floreutines. From Dante onwards the literature about them has never ceased to...

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ZAIIN'S "INTRODUCTION TO THE- NEW TESTAMENT." * ON January 29th

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last we noticed' very shortly 'tile second ' volume of this work under the impression that it was the sequel to a previously published first volinne, and was•itself to be...

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THE COMMON-SENSE OF POOR LAW REFORM.* Sin WILLIAM CHANCE does

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a public service by taking the field on behalf of moderation and common-sense in the matter of Poor Law reform. It is difficult to get up much enthusiasm over the proposition...

THE GREAT COUNTESS.* MATILDA, Countess of Tuscany, was undoubtedly the

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greatest woman of her time. She was also one of the very best ; pure in character and conduct, a devout Christian and Ohurchwoman, a loyal defender of the faith, as she knew it...

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Cousin Hugh. By Theo. Douglas. (Methuen and Co. 6s.)— This

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story of the beginning of the nineteenth century is partly concerned with the plots for enabling French prisoners to escape from England. That is to say, it is concerned with...

The Golden Centipede. By Louise Gerard. (Methuen and Co. 6s.)—This

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is a novel of the West African coast. Though it contains certain ineptitudes, it is amusing reading, and tho adven- tures are decidedly exciting. The core of the plot is the...

SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.

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[Under this heading we notice such Books of ths week as have not been reserved for mina in other forms.] In "The Century Bible" (T. C. and E. C. Jack, 2s. 8d. net) we have Ezra,...

NOVELS.

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SILVERWOOL.* CUMBERLAND, outside the Lake District, is singularly little known to the average Southerner. He has heard of Cumber- land wrestling and "statesmen," and of the...

READABLE NOVEL8.—The Home Secretary. By Wilmot Kayo. (Ward, Lock, and

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Co. 6s.)—A political story of a Labour leader who becomes Home Secretary. It is fairly probable, if not particularly striking.—White Walls. By Max Pemberton. (Same publishers....

The Prime Minister's Secret. By W. Holt White. (T. Fisher

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TJnwin. 6s.)—This is a melodrama concerned with international politics. The writing is rather confused, and neither the characters nor the reader know exactly, to quote...

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Memories. By Charles H. Kelly. (Robert Culley. 3s. 6d. net.)—

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This book is worth reading, and for more reasons than one. In the first and most important place, it tells us much about the Wesleyan body. Mr. Kelly has been twice President of...

Egypt and the Egyptians. By the Rev. J. 0. Bevan.

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(G. Allen and Sons. 5s. net.)—Mr. Bevan covers in the three hundred and twenty-four pages of his book a very wide range of subject. He writes about Egypt- from the dim beginning...

Abroad for the Bible Society. By John H. Ritson, M.A.

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(Robert Culley. 3s. 6d. net.)—Mr. Ritson relates experiences which came to him in his work as a chief colporteur (if the phrase may pass) in China, in Japan, in Korea, and in...

Confessions of a Clergyman. (George Bell and Sons. 2s. 6d.

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net.)—There is much in this book that will rouse the sympathy of readers. Where it dwells on the perplexities and doubts of a man who signs Confessions of Faith in haste and...

Church Life and Thought in North Africa: A.D. 200. By

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Stuart A. Donaldson, D.D. (Cambridge University Press. 3s. 6d. net.)— More than half of this book is devoted to an account of Tertullian. We cannot take this writer as...

The Autobiography of Sir Harry Smith. Edited by G. C.

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Moore- Smith, MA. (John Murray. 2s. 6d. net.)—Nine years ago the Autobiography of Sir Harry Smith, covering some forty years of active service, was published, together with some...

Socialism and Church History. By Conrad Noel. (Frank Palmer. 6s.

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net.)—It would be unprofitable to follow Mr. Noel through his review of Church history. Let us take what should be his strongest ease, the early Jerusalem Church. Here un-...

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The Newspaper Press Directory. (C. Mitchell and Co. 2s.)— This

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volume, appearing this year for the sixty-fifth time, gives us all the information that can be wanted about the Press of "the United Kingdom and the British Isles," with...