The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1890-12-27
NEW YORK LEDGER.

Christmas Number. New York, Robert
ri. Bonner's Sons.
The Christmas issue of the New York
Ledger Is souvenir worthy of the
source from whence it emanates. It
contains choice selection of articles by
George Bancroft, Margaret Deland,
James Russell Lowell and others, who
would certainly wear the ''palm- en-
hroidered coat' were there an Ameri-
can academy of ''immortals."
The veteran historiographer contri-
butes to this periodical the second of
papers on "Oliver Hazard Perry and
the Battle of Lake Erie" portraying
with rare ability incidents of the carnage
and the fate of the flagship Lawrence.
In watching tina vivid scenes depicted
here the reader IS deeply impressed
with the phenomenal activity of the
nonogenarian, enabling him to rise SUI
perior to physical infrmity, and, like
another Titan, continue to cover biz
canvases to the admiration of mankind.
Amelia E. Barr, author of several
much-admired stories, begins in this
number "The Beads of Tasmer," novel
of prime interest, whose scene is laid on
the shores of West Ross, off the coast of
Scotland. Between William Black and
Mr.. and Mrs. Pencil the Land of Mist
and the stormy Minch seem familiar To-
calities.
Robert Grant begins "Mrs. Harold
Stagg," a lively story of American life,
displaying profound knowledge of the
life he describes. The opening chapters
contain striking illustration, drawn by
III. C. Edwards.
Mrs. Deland's novelette,, ''To What
End?' is brought to close, and so is
"Old Elizabeth by the Marquise Clara
LAMA. - - - -
An admirable dialect story is '"sFore-
fathers'Day," by "Josiah Allens's Wife,"
who is much appreciated member of
the community. DR.. Julia Holmes
Smith gives sensible advice in the cur
rent number of Common Sense for
Mothers and Nurses"
Abea utiful Christmas story of a West
Jersey village is "a Happy Leaf,' by
Marion Harland, a writer who never
fails to touch some secret spring of hap
piness, and set it vibrating for all to
hear. 1873. '5' s.1sf H. s. - - 4.s5 54&#.
Mr.. James Russell Lowell's poem,
My Brook" was written especially for
this paper, and is feature of prime i'm
portance; in recognition of it's value the
publishers print it as supplement in a
loose leaf, with a series of appropriate
illustrations by Wilson de Meza. In
my Brook" the poet reverts to the
days Of bis youth "when the hours were
so many, the duties so few" and sings
some of the dreams suggested by the
brook. The imagery is aerial in it's deli
cacy and adapted to the eyanescent
twill. o-the-wisp" character Of 3 the
fancies exhibited in the verse. While
rejecting on the Gland of Lost Days."
as he calls the past, Mr.. Lowell sings in
a regretful strain, as if he mourned the
idyllic days. 3sa
The closing stanza implies reconcilia-
ton with the Fate that had changed the
rural stream, with suggestions of naiads
and water.lilies, into poor drudge,
supplying ''power' for prosiac factories.
But the memories of the old joyous days
abides with the poet: 10 fJ1a ii
."As the Moors in their exile the KEYS
treasured still sflsF3 sa III
OF their castles in Spain, so have i;
and no fear s19i
But the doors will fly open, whenever
we will, 49,, .s.zs,.s i.
To the prime of the past and the
sweet of the year"
The sentiment expressed in "My
Brook" places Mr.. Lowell on a plane
with Mr.. Ruskin regarding the want of
poetry implied BY the fourishing era Of
manufactures When the industrisl arts
machine-impelled, come in at the door,
bringing wealth, plenty and luxurious
comfort in their train, poetry accord
ing to these two voices-fies out at the
window. .i
The Christmas number Of the New