Modern. Journalism. By a London d lditor. (Sidgwiek and Jackson. 2s. Gd.
net.)—This is certainly an entertaining book; and we have little doubt that it is instructive,—a good "Guide for Beginners," to give its sub-title. It is the modesty of a weekly journalist that prevents him from expressing a definite opinion. Our leisurely ways do not give us the necessary experience; we have not to choose between important items of news crowding in at the last moment. Still, now and then the subject comes within our range. There are some wise words, for instance, about the criticism of the expert. It is quite certain that a paper wholly written by experts would be read by nobody ; but it would be a deplorable mistake to neglect them. The descriptive and historical chapters are full of interest,—" Famous Feats in News-Gathering," for example, is a quite thrilling chapter. There is the story of how in 1833 a message came to the Times newspaper of an important utterance of Louis Philippe. Mr. John Walter the Second was there practically alone. He set to work to put the news into type with his own hands. Three hours later a special edition was on sale. Quite recent is the story of how the Daily Mail got the news of the making of peace in South Africa. The correct news was obtained by the signal of a handkerchief. If peace was certain it was to be white ; and the news was wired to England in tho shape, "Have bought 1,000 Rand Collieries." When the Times astonished the world by announcing the resigna- tion of Lord Randolph Churchill (as Chancellor of the Exchequer) it had a piece of luck, for Lord Randolph told the news to the editor before he communicated his resolve to the Premier. Look where we will, there is good reading to be found.
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