Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1890-12-27


York Ledger is a souvenir worthy of
the source from whence it Eliminates.
1t contains a choice selection of arti-
Giles by George Bancroft, Margaret
Deland, James Russell Lowell and
others, who would certainly wear the
"palm-embroidered coat" were there
an American academy of "immor-
tails"
The veteran historiographer con-
tributes to this periodical the second
of his papers on SOLVER Hazard Per-
ry and the Battle of Lake Erie" por-
traying with rare ability incidents of
the carnage and the fate of the flag
ship Lawrence. In watching the
vivid scenes depicted here the reader
is deeply impressed with the phe-
nomenal activity of the nonogena>
rian, enabling him to rise superior to
physical infirmity, and, like another
Titan, continue to cover his canvases
to the admiration of mankind.
Amelia E. Barr, author of several
much admired stories, begins in this
number "The Beads of Tasmer," a
novel of prime interest, whose scene
is laid on the shores of West Ross, off
the coast of Scotland. Between Viii.
liam Black and Mr.. and Mrs. Pen
nell the Land of Mist and the stormy
Minch seem familiar localities.
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 illustra.
ton, drawn by H. G. Edwards.
Mrs. Deland's novelette,, "To What
End?" is brought to a close, and so is
"Old Elizabeth" by the Marquise
Clara LAMA.
An admirable dialect story is
"Forefathers' Day." by "Josiah AL
lens Wife," who is a much appre-
ciated member of the community.
DIR. Julia Holmes Smith gives sensi-
bic advice in the current number of
Common Sense for Mothers and
Nurses"
A beautiful Christmas story of a
West Jersey village is ga Happy
Leaf" by Marion Harland, a writer
who never fails to touch some secret
spring of happiness, and set it vibrat-
ing for all to hear.
Mr.. James Russell Lowell's poem,
"My Brook" was written especially
for this paper, and is a feature of
prime importance; in recognition of
its value the publishers print it as a
supplement in loose leaf, with a
series of appropriate illustrations by
Wilson de Meza. In "My Brook"
the poet reverts to the days of his
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 its
delicacy and adapted to the evane-
scent "will-o'. the-wisp" character Of
the fancies exhibited in the verse
While rejecting on the "Land o.
Lost Days." as he calls the past, Mr.
Lowell sings in a regretful strain, as
if he mourned the idylic days.
The closing stanza implies recon
citation with the Fate that haC
changed the rural stream, with sug'
gestions of naiads and water lilies
into poor drudge, supplying "pow'
er" for prosaic factories. But the
memory of the old joyous days abide'
with the poet:
GAS the Moors in their exile the keys treas
ured still
OF their castles in Spain, so have +; anC
no fear
But the doors will fly open, whenever We
, will,
To the prime of the past and the sweet O.
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 flourishing
era of manufactures. When the in,
dustrial arts, machine-impelled, come
, in at the door, bringing wealth, plen'
ty and luxurious comfort in theil
, train, poetry-according to these two
voices-flies out at the window.
The Christmas number of the New
York Ledger comes with a Cheerful
, exterior, in keeping with the fiesta
r season. The cover displays a New
York girl, with her arms full of par
GELS Christmas shopping) Fastening
: forward to greet the subscribers anC
wish them "Happy Christmas."-
Z, I 81.