SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
(Notice is this colunut does not necessarily preclude subsepteat review.) The Fiddlers. By Arthur Mee. (Morgan and Scott. 3d. net.) — The sub-title of this little book is " Drink in tho Witness-Box," and certainly the evidence it contains of tho havoc played by drink with our national efficiency is absolutely overwhelming. The Spectator policy of War Prohibition has boon so exhaustively set forth in these pages that it is not necessary to point out hero whore that policy differs in principle from the trend of some of Mr. Mee's remarks and from the ordinary Temperance Reform point of view: On the other hand, the evidence adduced, which the author must have been at great pains to collect, and which is admirably classified, makes an appalling record of the pro-German part which drink has played in this country during tho war. In nearly every case Mr. Moe gives chapter and verso in support of his evidence, a groat deal of which is drawn from the Records of Assize Courts and Courts-Martial andsthe daily Press. There are, however, a few statements which are merely based on " Facts in the Possession of the Author." Mr. Mee's book will of course raise plenty of contention and criticism. We arc sure, however, that it is sincere, and that the spirit which inspires it is a patriotism of the purest kind. As in other " propaganda " work done by Mr. Mee, the presentation of the facts is most ingenious, and also as a rule most stimulating. He knows exactly where to hit his reader.
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