Cheer ! Boys, Cheer ! " Memories of Men and
Music. By Henry Russell. (J. Macqueen.)—Mr. Russell puts together under the title of one of his most successful songs the recollections of his musical career. Of men, he has known many eminent persons ; of his music it is needless to speak. Some of the best-known songs in the language are connected with his name. He claims not only to have amused mankind by his songs, but to have benefited them. The abolition of slavery, early closing, the reform of the private lunatic asylum, emigration, he has helped forward. His career began early. Elliston, whose fame still lives in " Elia," got together a "children's opera," of which Henry Russell was a star at a salary of 30s. a week,—a very poor wage, as he remarks, com- pared to what young artistes now receive. Afterwards there were tours in Italy. In America—" Oh! Woodman, Spare that Tree," had its origin in America—Mr. Russell spent a great part of his earlier life. In fact, a great part of the volume is occupied with the veteran singer's reminiscences of men and manners in the States, and very amusing some of them are. Mr. Russell had used the terms "best people" and 'county families," in talking to a Yankee (it was at Portland in Maine). Naturally his friend did not understand the phrase. Mr Russell explained, "By county families we mean the people who have all the money they need, live well, and do not require to work." " Oh, that's the sort is it?" replied the other. "Best people, indeed. We don't want any of that kind here. When they do come we .call them tramps." Here is a story of Sheridan Knowles. The play was always very real to him. One day he had been watching the rehearsal of a new comedy, but had to leave before the end. "Excuse me, Sir," he said to the chief actor, "do you marry the girl afterwards?" "Yes, I believe I do," said the actor, sulkily. "Thank Owl. I God bless you, Sir! I shall never forget your good heart." We hope that Mr. Russell has realised a handsome provision for his old age. If he has, it has not been by what he has received for the copyright of his songs. "My eight hundred songs have represented about four hundred pounds to me, though they have made the fortunes of several publishers." "Cheer ! Boys, Cheer !" fetched 23. This stands at the head of the list. " Oh ! Woodman, Spare that Tree" realised 8s. 25. This beats anything that can be told of the authors and publishers of books.
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