1 JUNE 1901, Page 24

Ancient Ideals in Modern Life. By Annie Besant. (Theo- sophical

Publishing Society.)--Mrs. Besant has done well in epeaking these plain words to her Indian audience. She denounces the abuses of iiindoo life in strong language, child marriage among them. On caste she has much to say. The system, as an ideal, she approves; but she denounces the perversion of it. We occupy a standpoint very different from Mrs. Besant's ; we doubt whether the golden age of Indian life which she finds in the past ever existed. But for the courage with which she has uttered the warnings and remonstrances contained in these lectures, delivered before the Theosophical Society of Benares, we have the greatest respect.