Ireland's Dream. By Captain E. D. Lyon. 2 vols. (Sonnen-
schein and Co.)—This book is described on the title-page as "a romance of the future." Mr. Gladstone is supposed to have passed a Home-rule measure for Ireland, and the story embodies a fore- cast of the state of the country three years after that event. National bankruptcy has supervened ; the National League main- tains its authority by terrorism and outrage which are now un- bridled ; and Dublin is invaded by a band of some fifteen hundred ruffians from America who come to demand a return of the money which has been sent over for the support of the cause. Failing to obtain it, they reveal themselves in their true colours as a gang
of robbers and profligates, and in one night innumerable houses are pillaged, and two thousand women are subjected to brutal violation. In thinking that the effects of Home-rule would be in many ways disastrous, we are, of course, at one with Captain Lyon ; but beyond a certain point, exaggeration, even in a satire, ceases to be polemically effective, and the author introduces some revolting details which are quite inexcusable. Were these things omitted, and the work subjected to a general toning down, we should have few complaints, for Captain Lyon's aim is good, and he has produced a stirring story.
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