Pima, the Sultan, and the Porte. By J. Drew Gay.
(Chatto and Windns.)—Mr. Gay, who has received two Turkish decorations, speaks up for his friends. His description of the Sultan, of whom he seems to have seen a good deal, is really interesting. But ho says nothing that makes us inclined to change our belief that the system which makes a man absolute ruler over wo know not how many millions of men is hopelessly bad. We can give him credit for good intentions, but it requires a miracle to make a wise ruler of a man who comes to the throne absolutely unprepared for his work, and a second miracle to keep him wise, amidst all the corrupting influences of an Eastern despotism. What glowing accounts we heard of Abdul Aziz when he came to the throne, and in what disappointment they ended ! From Constantinople Mr. Gay went to Plevna, reaching it in time to witness the great repulse of the Russian attack in September. In this part of his narrative the writer does not inspire us with much confidence in his judgment. Because, for instance, he has shown to him a sham revolver said to have been taken from a Russian officer, he concludes that the whole Russian nation is a " sham." For a sham, they have contrived to play in the past, and seem likely to play in the future, a very considerable part in the history of the world. Mr. Gay's adventures ended with an exciting escape from Plevna. He tells a story well, but there is not much more to say about his book.
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