The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-08-24
SATURDAY MORNING, AUGUST "a.

would be perfectly happy" writes Mr. Dale,
IF the political affairs of the country could be
transacted quietly in carpeted rooms lit with
wax candles, and with walls covered with en-
cravings after the best masters or with water
color sketches from Italy and Spain and Al
gers; bat If they must go into heated halls lit
with daring gas, and defend their opinions in
the presence of a crowd of noisy electors, their
patriotism fails them" Then rising from this
delicate and apt satire he adds 'There is
still larger class-a class including thousands
and tens of thousands of the best men in the
Countrywide think it possible to enjoy the
fruits of good government without working for
hem.'' A mistake Of history occurs where Mr..
Dale writes that before the present term of
seventeen years of Republican administration,
the Democrats had been 10 power for q much
longer period. Twelve years, during which
Pierce and Buchanan occupied the White
House, was the duration Of the Democratic
rule-previous to which the Wing party. of
which our Republican party inherits the aims
and tendencies, was in power. Such errors of
history and of information are not uncommon
in the best works of foreign writer's upon
American affairs and affect very slightly the
worth of Nh. Dale's book-which is faithful,
frank and admirably suggestive transcript of
the impressions OF an Englishman, OF the radi-
cal school of political thinkers, while in Ameri-
ca. 1t should be widely read and cannot fail to
receive appreciative consideration from fair
minded and intelligent readers.
Russia appears to have added the kingdom of
literature to her other conquests-so large a
proportion of the novels of the day are of the
singular standardization of that country,
which affords to the romancist the most pow
erfully dramatic contrasts, and passions unsub.
dued by the conventionalities or the principles
Of more completely humanized regions. Sa-
vei's Expiation. translated from the French of
Henry Grevlle, by Mrs. Mary Neal Sherwood.
philadelphia: T. B. Peterson & Co.. is very
powerful and tragic story of the tyranny of
Russian master in whose hands his serfs
were the plaything of his cruelty. 1t is a
strong and darkly colored picture, and abounds
striking lights and shades. The translation
is, 1t is almost needless to say face and faith
full.
TritoDs, by the author of Nmport, Mr. Ed
win Lasseter Bynner Boston: Lockwood,
Brooks & Co.; Portland: Bailey & Noyes)
deepens the impression made by the writer's
earlier novel, of marked and genuine talent
1t is no little triumph to have created charac.
ters like True Ballon and the Lady Pamela,
without being open to the charge of imitation
of Dickens-who seems to have claimed the
region of the grotesque in human nature SO
that corners upon its borders appear like tres
passers The romantic element of the story is
refined and possesses interest, though there is
lack of construction and motive. Mr.. Bynner's
talent is real and unmistakable, and il of a
kind to improve by experience. The very taste
full appearance of the book deserves praise.
Safar-Hadji, or Russ and Turcoman. trans
lated from the French of Prince Lubomirski,
appears in Messrs. Appletons excellent collec-
tion of Foreign Authors. portland: Dresser
g. McLellan.) 1t is very powerful and wild
story of Russian rule in Tarkstan, and pos
sesses the charm of the East while it pre-
serves a certain connection with civilized Sc
ciety. The coquetries of Martha with their
fatal result, the chivalrous Relief, the bizarre
figures of the Turcoman chiefs, and Emineh,
the daughter of the emir, form a succession of
effective and thrilling scenes, the interest of
which is finely sustained. The local coloring
Is decided, and the story is told with much skill.
Lights of the Old English Stage is included
in Messrs. Appleton's Handy Volume Series
Portland: Dresser &; McLellan), and is an
interesting volume made up of biographical
sketches of some of the actors and actresses
who are the traditional glory of the British
drama-Richard Burbadge, the contemporary
of Shakespeare and leading man at the Globe
Playhouse, the Cibbers, Garrick, Peg Voting
ton, Kemble and Mrs. Siddons, Kean and
others are the subject of sketches which will
attract those curious in theatrical annals.
Jones' Journey to Paris New York: Scrib-
ner & Wexford; Portland Bailey & Noyes) is
guidabook to Paris, for the benefit of visitors
to the French capital, and is in the guise of a
witty, amusing and really brilliant series of
sketches of the gardens, the theatres and cafe,
OF Paris. 1t is catalogue raisonnee, in fact, Of
the latter-but the reader who is not particu-
larly interested in the book as directory aud
guide will find pleasure In the amusing cpl
grams and lively characters of the little vol
ume.
The Works of William Shakespeare are COM
plete in one volume, published by 7. Y. Crowel,
New York; cortland: Hoyt, Fogg & Don
ham, This edition follows the text of Clark
& Wright, and contains glossary, an index
of familiar passages-which one would think
might nearly double the size of the volume
and an index of characters The print u.s. of
course small; the paper is tinted and the bind
ing substantial.
The House of the Two Barbels, by AndIe
Theuriet New York: D. Appleton s. Co.;
Portland: Dresser & McLellan), is another
number of the Handy Volume Series, and is
delicate and brilliant romance translated from
the French of M. Theuriet story which has a
pure tendency and the charm of refinement.
Books Received.
Guido REM. Artist Biographies. Cloth, 16o PIP.
30 cents. Boston: Houghton, Osgood & Co. Port
land: Lorng, Short & Harmon.
savelfs Expiation. Translated from the French
Of Henry Grew lille by Mary Neal Sherwood. Paper,
2O6 pp., 80 cents. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson s.
Brothers.