New Greece. By Lewis Sergeant. (Cassell and Co.)—This is an
able and well-written plea on behalf of the new kingdom of Greece, the author's contention being that, on the whole, it has made so much progress during the very brief period of its existence, that it is en- titled to claim a favourable judgment. The author starts with the advantage that his case is established if but a few of his points can be made out. For what is a period of fifty years in the history of a nation,—fifty years, it must be remembered, taken at the beginning, not far on, when the rate of progress is naturally accelerated ? England has probably advanced immensely during the last half-century, but how about the first half-century after the accession of Egbert ? Or to take another test. Compare Greece with the South-American Repub- lics, or with Mexico. Judged by this standard, she is entitled to a favourable- verdict. Readers who are interested in this subject should examine Mr. Sergeant's volume, and can scarcely fail, if not to be convinced, at least to allow that much of the common talk in this matter is hasty and unreasonable. He has, in any case, given to the public a very full and interesting description of the social and commercial condition of the country as it now exists, as well as a sketch of the history of its foundation.
Previous page
