12 JANUARY 1918, Page 17

The Peril of Prussianism. By A. W. Johnson. (G. P.

Putnam's Sons. 3s. 6d. net.)—Mr. Johnson, who is on the staff of Columbia University, has in this little book shown very clearly " that the Prussian ideal of government and the American ideal cannot exist together in the world, and that the Prussian ideal is of necessity vicious in its nature, and degrading in its effects." There can be no compromise between these rival ideals ; one or the other must be destroyed. Mr. Johnson explains, too, why a return to the conditions existing before the war will not satisfy the Allies. His little book is a valuable commentary on the President's speeches.